Spine Surgery
Surgical treatment for conditions affecting the spine, including disc problems, spinal stenosis and instability, aimed at relieving pain and restoring function.
Who Needs It
Recommended for patients with persistent back or neck pain, nerve compression, spinal instability or deformity that has not improved with medication, physiotherapy or other conservative treatment, particularly when symptoms include weakness, numbness or difficulty walking.
Types of Spine Surgery
Spine surgery covers a range of procedures tailored to the underlying condition, including discectomy to remove a herniated disc, laminectomy to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves, spinal fusion to stabilise unstable segments, and minimally invasive techniques that use smaller incisions to reduce recovery time.
Preparing for Surgery
Before surgery, patients typically undergo a physical examination and imaging such as an MRI or CT scan to identify the source of nerve compression or instability. Patients are counselled on what to expect during admission, surgery and the initial recovery period.
Benefits
Depending on the procedure, spine surgery can relieve nerve-related pain, numbness and weakness, restore spinal stability, and help patients return to daily activities that had become difficult or impossible.
Risks & Complications
As with any major surgery, spine surgery carries some risk, including infection, bleeding, nerve injury or, in fusion procedures, incomplete healing of the bone. Your surgical team will discuss your individual risk factors beforehand and take steps to minimise these risks.
Life After Surgery
Most patients experience significant relief from pain and nerve-related symptoms, with the pace and extent of recovery depending on the specific procedure performed.
Price Range
Price on Consultation
Recovery Timeline
Patients are encouraged to sit up and walk with support soon after surgery, guided by the surgical team to protect the spine during initial healing.
A structured physiotherapy programme helps rebuild strength and flexibility, with activity levels increased gradually as advised by the surgeon.
Most patients resume daily activities and, where appropriate, work and exercise, with fusion procedures typically requiring a longer recovery than minimally invasive techniques.