King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia will travel to the US on 22 November for treatment for a back condition, according to a statement from the Royal Court published by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

King Abdullah has a herniated disc in his lower back that has led to a blood accumulation putting pressure on his spinal nerves, according to the statement. The 86-year old monarch had undergone tests at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh on 19 November.

He will now receive treatment at a specialist medical clinic in the US.

King Abdullah had transferred his duties as commander of the Saudi Arabian National Guard to Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, his son, earlier in November. The king has been commander of the National Guard, which operates separately from the army, since 1962.

The Royal Court also announced though the SPA that Crown Prince Sultan Ibn Abdulaziz al-Saud, deputy premier and Defence and Aviation Minister was due to return to Riyadh on 21 November, after a period of “special leave” in Morocco.