What is QI Back & Spine Clinic?

QI Back & Spine Clinic is a team of medical professionals who are dedicated to diagnosing & treating severe, chronic or acute back and spine conditions by non-surgical methods. Diagnosing the root cause of back and spine conditions is always the first step in medicine. We use a multi-disciplinary approach to accurately diagnose the cause of back pain because the more accurate the diagnosis, the more precise the treatment. We believe that it is essential to reverse the underlying cause of back pain and not just temporarily suppress the symptoms.

How do you diagnose the root cause of back pain?

An accurate diagnosis is critical as 85% of back pain cases are termed ‘non-specific’. Your back pain can be due to a neurological, systemic, structural or mechanical dysfunction. We are amongst the first to use a diagnostic approach that covers all these aspects. We use non-invasive technology that isolates the spinal structure. The controlled guided movements test and measure the strength and mobility of the spine. We can therefore identify the root cause of your back pain and prescribe further course of treatment.

What technology do you use? Is it non-invasive?

The machines we use are non-invasive biofeedback devices. They hold and support your body in fixed positions and then measure your functional ability during movements. They allow us to get a clear understanding of your spinal muscle tissue.

Who are QI spine specialists?

Our spine specialists are doctors with a specialisation in spinal disorders post a 4-year clinical degree in physical medicine or physiotherapy. They are specialists in the prescription of mechanical medical movements. Their expertise is dedicated to the reversal of spinal disorders and to promote mobility & function.

Do I Really Need an X-ray or MRI for Lower Back Pain

Everyday Tips

Are MRIs & X-Rays Enough for Back Pain Diagnosis?

Past Admins, 6 years ago

It is common for most doctors to advise imaging tests like MRI or X-ray to determine the cause of back pain. These are useful if your problem is due to a structural issue in the spine. But, most back pain cases are mechanical in nature. In such cases, imaging tests like MRI & X-rays fail to show you the complete picture. MRI & X-ray images cannot distinguish between subtypes of back pain and chronic issues. MRI findings do not match with the intensity of pain and disability in the case of discogenic back pain. Interpretive errors by radiologists make these reports extremely subjective which, can directly impact the diagnosis, treatment and clinical outcomes. These are only a few of the many shortcomings of referring to imaging tests as the primary mode of diagnosis. The good news is, that researchers from Germany have made advances in developing very accurate spine function tests which are now being used extensively by leading physicians and orthopaedics. “New technological advances in back pain diagnosis has helped us jointly build a path to non-surgical treatment of back and neck pain. This can help us approach the problem with a more holistic view. This is certainly changing the face of back pain treatment in India”, Dr Gautam Shetty, Distinguished Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mumbai

Why imaging tests show an incomplete picture

One of the most common causes of back pain is mechanical back pain, which is caused by weak musculature and cannot be seen in an X-ray or MRI. These are standard imaging tests, which focus on studying the structure of the spine. They do not adequately diagnose the condition of degenerated tissues. This is why most back pain cases are classified as ‘non- specific’ by doctors. “These tests study the patient’s condition in a static position. But, patients often experience pain when they perform a certain task like – bending, walking or sitting. This is why many doctors recommend a Spine Function Test to show a more complete picture. A spine function test can help identify the weak areas of the musculature and help doctors develop a more targeted treatment plan. It has helped us prevent many unwarranted surgeries”, Dr. Garima Anandani, Clinical Director, QI Spine Clinic.

How a Spine Function Test can help

A Spine Function Test can reveal weaknesses in the patient’s spine and isolate the affected area and the movements, which cause the pain. This enables doctors to focus on the affected area with targeted treatment. The Digital Spine Analysis (DSA) is a gold standard in Spine Function Testing and is accepted by doctors worldwide. It is more accurate because it performs a functional analysis of the spine. The mechanical structure of the back is monitored on different motion sensitive devices across parameters like – strength, mobility, and balance, to identify the muscle groups which are causing pain. This helps the spine specialists prescribe a tailor-made spine rehabilitation programme can even prevent surgery in some cases. “The most common form of back pain comes from mechanical wear and tear of the support tissues of the spine. A Spine Function test can individualise your problem and help develop a need-based rehabilitation programme. This seems to be the future of back pain cure”, Dr. Abhay Nene, Eminent Spine Surgeon. This revolutionary new technology has been brought to India by QI Spine Clinic. Leading spine surgeons have started to prescribe it along with standard imaging tests for a more holistic treatment approach for back and neck pain.

Visit our nearest clinic for your first consultation