Mr David Baxter
Consultant Neurosurgeon
MBChB PhD FRCS FFSEM
I am a Consultant Neurosurgeon with over 15 years’ experience in the diagnosis and treatment of spinal conditions, with a specialist focus on complex spine surgery and minimally invasive (keyhole) techniques. I am particularly recognised for my expertise in endoscopic spinal surgery, which in many cases allows patients to experience less pain, faster recovery and shorter hospital stays compared with traditional open surgery. I treat a wide range of neck and back problems, from common degenerative conditions to more complex spinal disorders, and always aim to provide clear explanations and personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient.
Alongside my core practice, I have completed a post-CCT fellowship in adult and paediatric spinal deformity surgery, giving me additional expertise in the management of scoliosis and complex spinal alignment problems. I am an international proctor in endoscopic spinal surgery, supporting the safe introduction of advanced techniques in other centres. I have also been awarded Centre of Excellence status for endoscopic spinal surgery at two of the hospitals where I practise, reflecting a high volume of experience and consistently strong patient outcomes.
I specialise in the assessment and treatment of conditions affecting the spine, including the neck (cervical spine), upper back (thoracic spine) and lower back (lumbar spine). I manage both common and complex spinal problems and offer a full range of surgical and non-surgical treatments, tailored to each individual patient.
My specialist interests include minimally invasive and endoscopic (keyhole) spinal surgery, designed to reduce tissue damage, relieve pain and support faster recovery. I routinely treat degenerative spinal conditions such as slipped discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, neck and back pain, nerve compression and disc-related problems. I also have expertise in complex spinal surgery, including adult and paediatric spinal deformity (such as scoliosis and spinal alignment problems), spinal instability, and spinal tumours. In addition, I am experienced in the management of spinal cord injury and the use of advanced techniques such as neuromodulation for selected patients. Where surgery is not required, I offer non-surgical treatment options, working closely with pain specialists, physiotherapists and other colleagues to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to spinal care.
Over the course of my career, I have performed several thousand spinal procedures across both NHS and private practice, ranging from targeted keyhole treatments to complex reconstructive spinal surgery. A significant proportion of my work involves minimally invasive and endoscopic spinal surgery, and I am regularly referred patients with complex or recurrent spine problems from across the UK. I have extensive experience treating conditions affecting the neck and back, including disc problems, nerve compression, spinal narrowing, deformity and spinal instability. This breadth of experience allows me to offer patients balanced, well-informed advice and to recommend the most appropriate treatment for their individual condition, whether that is surgery or a non-surgical approach.
Alongside my clinical practice, I hold a number of roles that support high standards of patient care, safety and innovation in spinal surgery. I am an Associate Professor, actively involved in research focused on spinal cord injury and new treatments that aim to improve function and quality of life for patients. This means I am able to bring the latest evidence and advances in spinal care directly into my clinical practice. I am also an international proctor in endoscopic spinal surgery, helping to train other surgeons in advanced keyhole techniques and supporting the safe development of these services in specialist centres. In addition, I work as a Medical Appraiser, contributing to clinical governance and professional standards.
I also serve as a Trustee of Spinal Research, the UK’s leading medical charity dedicated to funding research to repair and restore the spinal cord and ultimately cure paralysis following spinal cord injury. The charity supports ground-breaking research, clinical studies and collaboration between scientists and clinicians around the world, with the aim of improving function, independence and quality of life for people living with spinal cord injuries. Finally, I contribute as a doctor within the England Performance Unit, supporting elite athletes, including para-athletes, which enhances my understanding of recovery, rehabilitation and return to activity following injury or surgery.
Treatment information
Some of the principal treatments carried out by Mr David Baxter at Spire include:
Neurosurgery
- Craniotomy (brain surgery)
- CT scan
- MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging scan)
Orthopaedics - spine
- Back surgery (spinal surgery)
- Balloon kyphoplasty
- Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery
- CT scan
- Epidural injections
- MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging scan)
- Nerve conduction studies and Electromyography (EMG)
- Neuralgia (nerve pain) treatment
- Vertebroplasty
Other treatments
- Cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back) and lumbar (lower back) spine surgery
- Endoscopic (keyhole) spinal surgery for disc problems, sciatica and nerve compression
- Microdiscectomy for slipped or prolapsed discs
- Revision spine surgery for patients with ongoing symptoms after previous operations
- Spinal decompression surgery for spinal stenosis and nerve pressure
- Spinal fusion surgery for instability or severe degeneration
- Surgery for spinal deformity, including degenerative scoliosis, in adults
Get in touch
Additional information
Clinical interests
Degenerative spine
Lumbar spine disorders
Neurosurgery
Neck pain
Pain management
Spinal surgery
Qualification and professional memberships
CCT Neurosurgery / General Medical Council (UK) / 2018
Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training
FRCS (Neurosurgery) / Royal College of Surgeons of England / 2017
Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons
PhD / University College London / 2016
Doctor of Philosophy (neuroscience research)
MRCS / Royal College of Surgeons (UK) / 2008
Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons
MBChB / University of Manchester / 2004
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
Professional memberships
British Association of Spinal Surgeons (BASS)
European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS)
Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine (Ireland)
North American Spine Society (NASS)
Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England)
Society of British Neurological Surgeons (SBNS)
Professional leadership
I am a Consultant Neurosurgeon at the Whittington Hospital with a specialist focus on complex and endoscopic spinal surgery.
I am an Associate Professor at University College London, with leadership in spinal cord injury and neuromodulation research.
I act as a Proctor in full endoscopic spinal surgery, supporting training and quality assurance.
Research and publications
Media Coverage
As a spinal surgeon these are the daily habits I follow to stave off back pain
Spine zapper that means despite her paralysis, Sarra can now brush her daughter’s hair again
First-of-its-kind spine surgery demonstrated at Future Surgery 2021
361R-Spinal Surgery with David Baxter
BBC Breakfast | Army veterans swim around Isle of Wight for Spinal Research | Racing the Tide
Racing the tide: an epic 62-mile swim around the Isle of Wight
Current NHS posts
Whittington Hospital, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, UCL
Personal profile
Outside of work, I value spending time with my family and maintaining an active lifestyle. I have a strong interest in sport and exercise, which reflects both my professional background and my belief in the importance of movement and wellbeing at every stage of life. This helps me relate to patients of all ages and activity levels, and to better understand the impact that spinal problems can have on everyday life, work and hobbies.