Welcome to Sussex Back Pain Clinic: What to Expect on Your First Visit

Your Online Pre-Consultation Forms

Prior to your first consultation, you’ll receive several online forms. Completing these allows us to gather important background information, tailor our investigations, and ensure that your consultation is effective and efficient. If you are unable to fill them out online for any reason, don’t worry. We also provide the option to complete these forms in our clinic at the time of your appointment. Our friendly staff will be ready to assist you with any queries and guide you through the process, ensuring you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way.

The forms include:

1. Medical History Form: This form provides us with crucial information about your general health. Even though a small percentage of back pain instances are linked to specific diseases, we need to be thorough and consider all possible causes. The form also enables us to screen for potential health concerns that may not have been previously identified.
2. Pain Diagram: You’ll be asked to mark your pain’s location and type on a diagram of a human body. This visualisation helps us hone our investigation and track the progression of your treatment effectively.
3. Keele Start Back Tool: This form helps us identify any psychological risk factors that could contribute to chronic back conditions. It is critical for creating a comprehensive treatment plan, as these factors can significantly impact your recovery.

The Initial Consultation: Your Journey Begins

Upon your arrival, your initial consultation begins with a two-part assessment designed to gather detailed information about your condition.

Case History: This is the moment for you to tell your story. We’ll ask about your present symptoms, their duration, and potential triggers. Your past medical history and any pre-existing conditions that could impact your current problem are also discussed. We need to understand what activities or circumstances might exacerbate or alleviate your condition and how it affects your daily life. This conversation gives us valuable insights into the possible cause of your pain.

Physical Examination: The next part of your assessment involves specific examinations to confirm or challenge our initial ideas derived from your case history. We examine the mobility and functionality of your spine, assess the tightness or activity of the surrounding muscles, and conduct tests to check if any nerves are affected.

This thorough examination, in conjunction with your case history, equips us with a comprehensive understanding of your condition, helping us establish a definitive diagnosis and formulate an effective treatment plan.

Importantly, in 99% of cases, patients receive their first treatment during this initial consultation. This means you can start your journey to recovery right away.

Review Appointment: Tracking Your Progress

At a later date, you’ll have a review appointment where we check your progress against your initial treatment plan. This step is vital as it allows us to make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan, ensuring it continues to align with your progress and recovery goals.

Remembering Your Diagnosis and Proposed Treatment Plan

Don’t worry about remembering everything from your consultation. After your assessment, we’ll provide you with a written treatment plan and follow up with an email containing all the relevant information and exercises. This way, you’ll have all the details you need at your fingertips.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The number of treatments you need will depend on your specific condition, its duration, and other contributing factors. Significant improvements are typically noticed within 4-6 treatments. Still, ongoing treatments might be recommended to manage potential risk factors that could lead to your condition returning.

We’re excited to embark on this journey to recovery with you at the Sussex Back Pain Clinic. Rest assured that we’re committed to providing the best care possible, keeping you informed, and helping you regain a pain-free life.