Spine
At OS Clinic, we understand the impact spinal pain can have on your life. That’s why our expert-led team is here to provide you with the relief and support you need to regain control and move forward with confidence. Offering personalised treatments in state-of-the-art facilities at The London Clinic and The Cromwell Hospital (for paediatric surgery), we ensure that every aspect of your care is tailored to you.
Our spine specialist, Professor Arun Ranganathan, is a leader in the field, combining expertise with a patient-first approach. Professor Ranganathan, an internationally renowned spinal surgeon, specialises in complex conditions like scoliosis and uses minimally invasive techniques to promote faster recovery. He is also an expert in motion-preserving spinal surgery, focuses on achieving outstanding results that allow patients of all ages to quickly return to the activities they love. Mr Ranganathan is deeply involved in advancing spinal care through academic research and educational initiatives, ensuring that OS Clinic remains at the cutting edge of medical practice.
Alongside Mr Ranganathan is our diverse multidisciplinary team – including physiotherapists, pain specialists, rheumatologists, pain psychologists and radiologists – who collaborate to create comprehensive, coordinated care plans that meet your unique needs.
From advanced diagnostics to cutting-edge treatments and dedicated rehabilitation, you’ll have access to the full spectrum of spinal care. Our team works together seamlessly, regularly consulting to integrate expert opinions into your personalised plan.
At OS Clinic, you’re not just in safe hands – you’re in control of your journey to better spine health, supported by world-class care every step of the way.
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Spine anatomy
The spine, also called the backbone, plays a vital role in stability, smooth movement and protection of the delicate spinal cord. It is made up of bony segments called vertebrae with fibrous tissue called intervertebral discs between them. The vertebrae and discs form the spinal column from the head to the pelvis, giving symmetry and support to the body.
The spine can be divided into 4 parts: cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral. The cervical spine comprises the first 7 vertebrae of the spinal column, which form the neck. It is highly mobile compared to other regions of the spine and has transverse foramina in each vertebra through which the vertebral arteries supply blood to the brain.
The Thoracic spine is the central region, which runs from the base of the neck to the bottom of your rib cage, comprising the next 12 vertebrae. Its main task is to provide the flexibility that holds the body upright, supporting posture and protecting the organs of the chest.
The lumbar spine is composed of the lower 5 vertebrae, making 24 in total along the length of the column. These vertebrae are taller and bulkier than the rest of the spine. Primarily this is because the lower back must withstand higher pressure due to body weight and other movements such as lifting, pulling and twisting. In some individuals, an extra or sixth lumbar vertebra may be present, which can cause complications such as decreased flexibility and bulging or herniated discs.
Finally, below the lumbar spine but connected to it lies the sacrum, which is a triangular bone at the base of the column which slots into the two pelvic bones.
