10 facts everyone should know about back pain: Based on the editorial infographic publised in the Bristish Journal of Sports Medicine.   10 Back Pain facts link

STarT BACK is an online back pain calculator:  The STarT Back approach uses a simple tool to match patients to treatment packages appropriate for them:  STarTBack online calculator

StarTBack approach is free to use for non-commercial use and in particular for the NHS user so you are very welcome to use it.  Copyright (©2020) University of Keele. No license is required for non-commercial use. Acknowledgement:  The STarT Back Approach research was part-funded by Arthritis Research UK (now Versus Arthritis).

Orcha:  If you have a smartphone or tablet - ORCHA is the World’s leading health app evaluation and advisor organisation.  The apps are all tested and rated with clear information if they are free or paid for.  www.orcha.co.uk

Versus Arthritis: is the UK's largest charity dedicated to supporting people with arthritis.  www.versusarthritis.org

NHS website: Your complete guide to conditions, symptoms and treatments, including what to do and when to get help.www.nhs.uk

Patient UK:  aims to help the world proactively manage its healthcare, supplying evidence-based information on a wide range of medical and health topics to patients and health professionals. Patient UK / health / www.patient.co.uk

Escape Pain:  is a rehabilitation programme for people with chronic joint pain of the knees and/or hips that integrates simple education, self-management and coping strategies, with an exercise regimen individualised for each person. Escape Pain / www.escape-pain.org

The 'Up and Active' and' Healthy Lifestyles' teams operate across East Lancashire.

They all run a variety of Exercise Referral Schemes offering a wide range of activities and classes suitable for all ages and abilities.

Sessions are supported by specialist instructors who will be able to guide and support you through your chosen programme and work towards a healthier and more active lifestyle. 

Please contact your nearest Up and Active or Healthy Lifestyle team to find out what they can offer you.

• For Hyndburn, Accrington, Pendle, Nelson, Rossendale, Ribble Valley and Burnley contact 'Up and Active'
• Website:  www.upandactive.co.uk 

• For Blackburn contact 'Refresh'
• Website: Blackburn with Darwen 'Refresh'

Living with persistent pain. Useful resources and strategies to help patients cope with conditions causing frequent or long term pain.

Osteoporosis. Useful Information for patients about osteoporosis and bone health

Gout; Helpful information on the causes, symptoms and treatment of gout for patients and clinicians

Steroid Injections / COVID vaccinations - Patient Information Leaflet.  If you are due to have a covid vaccination injection this must take priority over injections booked with our service.  You are advised not to have a steroid injection 2 weeks before or after the first or second covid vaccination.

How to book your X-Ray appointment (open access details / telephone numbers / opening times) 

Below is information and resources that we hope GPs will find helpful when using the Keele STarT Back Screening Tool.

• Link to The Keele University Website -  STarT Back - general information 
• The Keele University On-Line STarT Back Screening Tool
• Live well with pain
• Managing Fibromyalgia in Primary Care
• British Society for Rheumatology Guidelines; Gout
• British Society for Rheumatology Guidelines; Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Temporal Arteritis
• National Osteoporosis Guideline Group 2017 Clinical Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis
• The Royal Osteoporosis Society Clinical Publications and Resources

For GPs and other health professionals we also offer:

• General Practitioner (GP) training posts
• Student placements
• GP education and training events

GP Advice & Guidance:

For all General Practitioner (GP) clinical/medical enquiries please use the UHMB Advice System on EMIS.

For any other general queries unrelated to patient care please contact our central administration hub:

Tel - 01254 735450

Mon - Fri 8.30am - 4.30pm

Closed weekends, bank and public holidays

• Patients - please discuss with your GP or other Health Professional if an appointment with our service is required; and they will guide you through the referral / appointment process.

• GPs - please refer patients through the Single Point of Access e-Referral System (Choose & Book)  or use the Advice & Guidance section.

• Other Health Professionals - please use our Single Point of Acess Referral Form (below)

Click here for a printable version of the Single Point of Access Referral Form

Any queries please contact our central administration team:

Tel:   01254  735450

• Information
• Advice
• Highly skilled and fully supported staff
• (MDT) Multi disciplinary team approach
• Education
• Condition Specific Exercises
• Condition Specific Exercise Classes 
• Injections including joint, soft tissue and bursa
• Splints 
• Insoles
• Rehabilitation  
• Pain Management advice
• Back Pain Advice
• Referral on to specialist services such as Orthopaedics, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Pain Management, Rheumatology, Healthy Lifestyles and Orthotics
• Referral for Diagnostic tests such as X-ray, Blood Tests, MRI, CT and Nerve Conduction studies

Service Lead

Joanne Lishman - East Lancs Hospitals Trust (ELHT) Directorate Lead Integrated MSK, Pain and Rheumatology Service (IMPReS)

Key staff

Dr Sunil Nedungayil - Clinical Lead and GP with Special Interest (GPwSI)

Michael Bryant - Consultant MSK Physiotherapist & Sonographer and Clinical Lead

The Integrated Musculoskeletal team comprises of highly skilled and professional clinical staff.

The clinical team are fully supported by

• Management team

• Administration and reception team

As a musculoskeletal team we aim to:

• Provide an accessible, timely and high-quality patient-centred service
• You will be treated by a clinician who will complete a comprehensive assessment of your condition. They will provide you with an opinion on your diagnosis and formulate a management plan.
• Keep you fully informed of what is happening at all times to enable you to make informed and supported choices
• Provide you with a high standard of care based on current recommendations and protocols
• Make your visit to our service as relaxed and as dignified as possible

The medical team

You may be seen by any member of our team depending on your problem.

Consultant MSK Physiotherapist & Sonographer (Clinical Lead)

Specialist Doctors - GPwSI 

(General Practitioners with a Special Interest in Musculoskeletal Medicine)  These are very experienced specialist doctors, who have gained extra qualifications and experience in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients with a musculoskeletal condition that my otherwise have been referred directly to a hospital consultant.

Specialist Physiotherapists  

(Extended Scope Physiotherapist Practitioners)  These are very experienced Chartered Physiotherapists, who have gained extra qualifications within the field of musculoskeletal conditions.  They specialise in the assessment, diagnosis and management of joint and soft tissue problems.

Specialist Podiatrists 

(Extended Scope Podiatrist Practitioner)  - Foot and Ankle. These are very experienced podiatrists, who have gained extra qualifications and training to assess, diagnose and treat conditions which affect the way the foot functions and effect your posture and walking.

Physiotherapists

These are all Chartered Physiotherapists who can assess, diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions.  A physiotherapist is someone who helps to restore normal function and movement when a person is affected by injury, illness or disability.  This is done through movement and exercise, manual therapy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, education and advice.

Physiotherapy Assistants

Physiotherapy assistants work alongside qualified physiotherapists to assist patients in the restoration of movement and function. They provide individual and group exercise and issue instructions in the safe use of mobility aids.