Back and neck pain are common, and most episodes do not require surgery. A specialist assessment becomes important when pain persists, travels into an arm or leg, or is accompanied by numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking.
Dr Hani Abdelrahim Abdelrazek
Consultant spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in Dubai with more than 16 years of stated experience. The assessment connects symptoms, examination, and imaging before treatment options are discussed.
When should you arrange an assessment?
An assessment is useful when symptoms continue despite appropriate conservative care or affect sleep, work, walking, or daily activities.
- Pain radiating into an arm or leg
- Persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness
- Reduced walking distance or balance problems
- Symptoms that return repeatedly or continue to worsen
What happens during a spine consultation?
The evaluation connects your symptoms with a neurological and musculoskeletal examination. Existing MRI or other imaging is reviewed in context rather than treated as a diagnosis on its own.
Does seeing a surgeon mean having surgery?
No. Many patients continue with medication, physiotherapy, activity modification, or other non-surgical options. Surgery is discussed only when the clinical findings, imaging, severity, and expected benefit support it.
Frequently asked questions
Should I bring my MRI images?
Yes. Bring the original images as well as the report, a list of medications, and details of previous treatment.
When is back pain an emergency?
Seek urgent medical care for increasing weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the saddle area, major trauma, or rapidly worsening neurological symptoms.
This page provides general educational information and does not replace an examination, diagnosis, or individual treatment plan. Seek urgent care for sudden or worsening neurological symptoms.