Spinal Triage Service
Not sure if you need a scan or a specialist? Start here.
Advanced Spinal Assessment & diagnostic triage Redrock Physio, St Albans
Lower back pain, sciatica or nerve symptoms can be unsettling, especially when you’re unclear whether you’re facing a simple mechanical issue, nerve involvement, or something requiring imaging or specialist input.​
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Our Spinal Triage Service is an expert diagnostic and decision-making consultation, led by a clinician trained in advanced spinal assessment (and prescribing, where needed).
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This is not a standard physiotherapy treatment session!
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We offer clarity on what your symptoms likely mean, and guide you to the right next step: conservative rehab, imaging, specialist referral, or reassurance when appropriate.​
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From January, Sarah Parr, Advanced Spinal Physiotherapist & Prescriber, leads this service at Redrock.
What Happens in a Spinal Triage Appointment
Detailed Case History
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We explore how symptoms started, how they behave, what aggravates or eases them, and their impact on life and work.
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Advanced Physical Assessment
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May include:
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Neurological screening (strength, sensation, reflexes)
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Nerve tension tests
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Directional loading tests
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Spinal, pelvic and hip mobility
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Functional movement and gait
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Symptom-provocation and pattern recognition
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Clear Explanation
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You’ll understand the pattern driving your symptoms, disc-related, mechanical, nerve irritation, SIJ-related, stenosis-like, or a combination.
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Decision-Making & Planning
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Together we decide whether you need:
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Conservative physiotherapy
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Imaging (MRI/X-ray)
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Medication support (Sarah can prescribe if appropriate)
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Specialist/consultant referral
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Load management and pacing
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Pilates-based rehabilitation
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Workplace adjustments
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A Personalised Plan
You leave with a clear, structured next step & no guesswork.
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Who This Service Is For
People who:
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Aren’t improving with standard physiotherapy
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Have new or unclear back or leg symptoms
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Feel unsure whether they need an MRI
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Are worried about sciatica, nerve pain, pins and needles or weakness
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Have been told “it might be a disc”
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Want guidance before seeking a consultant opinion
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Would like a faster, more detailed assessment than the standard pathway
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Most spinal patients don’t need a scan or surgery.
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A confident, expert assessment early on can save weeks of uncertainty.
When a Scan Is Useful & When It Isn’t
MRI may be helpful when:
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There is significant or worsening nerve involvement
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Symptoms persist despite appropriate rehabilitation
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There is progressive weakness
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A specialist opinion is likely needed
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Stenosis or structural issues are suspected
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MRI is not routinely needed for:
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Mechanical or postural back pain
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Improving sciatica
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Mild, stable nerve symptoms
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Pain without neurological findings
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We explain exactly what MRI would tell us — and what it would not change.
Why Choose Redrock Physio for Spinal Triage?
A specialist diagnostic service — not standard physiotherapy
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Most clinics offer general MSK assessments. Our Spinal Triage Service is led by an Advanced Spinal Physiotherapist, trained to a higher level in spinal diagnosis, complex decision-making, and managing nerve-related symptoms. This is a diagnostic and planning appointment, not a routine treatment session.
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Prescribing ability & advanced clinical reasoning
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With prescribing rights, Sarah can advise on — and where appropriate, prescribe — medication options to support your recovery. This avoids delays and provides a streamlined pathway between GP care and specialist review.
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Direct pathways to MRI and trusted spinal consultants
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If imaging is needed, we arrange it quickly through established private pathways. And when specialist input is appropriate, we refer directly to spinal consultants we work with regularly — clear, fast and without the usual waiting times.
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Evidence-based decisions you can rely on
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Your assessment follows current clinical guidelines and robust research around back pain, nerve symptoms and imaging. We explain exactly why certain options are recommended — and why others aren’t.
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Clear, jargon-free explanation
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We translate complex spinal information into something you can understand and act on. No vague labels, no guesswork — just clarity.
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Honest, transparent guidance
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If rehabilitation is right for you, we’ll tell you.
If a scan is needed, we’ll organise it.
If a consultant review is the safest option, we’ll refer you.
Our aim is always the right decision — not the most convenient one.
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A plan built around your life, symptoms and goals
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Your next steps may include rehab, Pilates-based conditioning, imaging, medication support or workplace adjustments. Whatever the pathway, it’s personalised — not a one-size-fits-all approach.
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Our aim: clarity, reassurance and the right plan — first time.
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You leave knowing what’s happening, what to do next and who can help.
Types of Back Pain We Commonly Treat
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Lower back pain
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Sciatica / nerve-related leg pain
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Suspected disc irritation or disc bulge
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Pins and needles, numbness or nerve-type pain
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Spinal stenosis-like symptoms
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Mechanical or postural back pain
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SIJ or pelvic-related patterns
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Sudden-onset or worrying back pain
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Persistent or worsening symptoms
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Sport-related spinal pain: in cricketers, tennis players, gymnasts or golfers — including rotation/extension patterns and suspected pars irritation
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If you recognise any of these symptoms, especially if they’re persistent, worrying, or affecting work, sleep or daily movement.​
Our Spinal Triage Service can give you clarity and a safe plan forward.​
You don’t need to guess what’s going on. We can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GP referral?
No — you can book directly.
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Is this a physiotherapy treatment session?
No. This is a diagnostic/triage appointment focused on assessment, explanation and decision-making. Treatment can follow, but this session is for clarity and planning.
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Will I get exercises?
If appropriate, yes — tailored to your pattern, not generic sheets.
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Can Sarah refer me for an MRI?
Yes, when clinically indicated.
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Can this support my return-to-work process?
Absolutely — we can provide written guidance for employers or HR.
Related Pages
Book Your Spinal Triage Assessment
If you’re unsure what your symptoms mean, this is the place to start. You’ll leave with clarity, confidence and a safe, evidence-based plan.
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If you’d rather speak to us directly, call: 01727 309 915 Or email: info@redrockphysio.co.uk
Address
Catherine House, Ground Floor
Adelaide Street
St Albans
AL3 5BA​​
Telephone
01727 309 915
