Treatment to relieve pain from compressed nerves in your spine.
At Spire our highly skilled surgeons and expert aftercare team use trusted and clinical proven surgical techniques to repair damage to your back and help you enjoy your usual activities again.
Sometimes also called
Typical hospital stay
1-4 days
Procedure duration
At least an hour, varies according to type of surgery
Type of anaesthetic
General
Available to self-pay?
Yes
Covered by health insurance?
Yes
Different surgical procedures to remove or repair worn or damaged bones (vertebrae) or discs in your spine. Back surgery may also be used to relieve pain due to pressure on nerves (sciatica).
The type of surgery recommended depends on the cause of your back pain.
Causes of back pain
A common cause of back pain and sciatica is a slipped disc (herniated disc) – where a spinal disc presses down on a nerve.
Back pain can also be caused by spinal stenosis, the narrowing of the spaces in your spine which puts pressure on a nerve, or cauda equina syndrome – a rare and severe form of spinal stenosis. Back surgery may be used after a spinal injury, a fracture due to osteoarthritis or to repair a displaced bone in your back, called spondylolisthesis.
Cancer can also cause back pain requiring surgery. This is called metastatic spinal cord compression, where a cancer from one part of the body has spread into the spine and the mass of cells presses on the spinal nerves.
Back surgery can relieve back pain and aims to let you move more freely without pain. Surgery can also help you become more active, improve your mood, reduce your need for pain medication, and may get you back to work if you’ve had to take time off. But for many people, it may not be necessary. Your doctor will usually recommend it only after you’ve had back pain for some time and have tried other treatments that haven’t worked for you.
These treatments include:
Your doctor will assess your symptoms and will probably recommend an X-ray, a CT scan or an MRI scan. Our fast diagnostic service means you won’t have to wait long to find out if back surgery is right for you. At this appointment, your consultant will discuss which back pain treatment would be best for you and your lifestyle, so it’s a good time to talk about what you want.
Almost all our hospitals offer back surgery and have teams of orthopaedic (bone and muscle) and spinal surgeons who specialise in back pain treatment.
Back surgery
There are many different types of back surgery and your consultant will recommend the one that will be best for you, depending on your condition. In some cases, more than one type of surgery will be performed in the same operation.
The most frequently used operations include:
Spinal (or lumbar) decompression surgery
Lumbar decompression surgery is used to treat spinal stenosis, cauda equina syndrome, slipped disc, metastatic spinal cord compression or a spinal tumour and spinal injury. The main types are discectomy, laminectomy and spinal fusion.
Discectomy
A discectomy means the surgical removal of a whole or part of a spinal disc.
A disc is a fluid-filled cushion of tissue that sits between each vertebra and acts as a shock absorber. If it's damaged, fluid can leak out and put pressure on your spinal cord and surrounding nerves – this is a slipped disc and is a common reason for having a discectomy.
During the procedure, your surgeon will make a small incision over the affected area of your spine and remove any parts of the damaged disc that is putting pressure on your nerves. Most of the disc will be intact and it will still be functional.
There are two types of discectomy:
Laminectomy
Your surgeon removes the back part of one or more of your vertebrae, called the lamina, to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. This pressure is often a result of bony overgrowths in the spinal canal which narrows the space in your spinal cord. It commonly occurs as you age.
Your doctor may recommend laminectomy if you have spinal stenosis, where the spinal canal is narrowed through wear and tear, or if previous treatments such as medication and physiotherapy have failed and your symptoms are worsening. Laminectomy is also recommended if you find standing or walking difficult, or if you're experiencing a loss of control of your bladder or bowel.
Spinal fusion
Your surgeon takes a piece of bone from elsewhere in your body (usually your hip) to insert between two vertebrae to strengthen them and prevent painful movement. You may have it after a break or fracture, to help fix scoliosis, or if one of your vertebrae is displaced and is causing pain (spondylolisthesis).
Vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty
Both are similar types of procedures where bone cement is injected into the spine to repair the damage, often due to osteoporosis. In kyphoplasty, a small balloon is inserted into the affected area and expanded to make space for the cement.
Foraminotomy
A procedure to relieve pressure and pain caused by vertebrae compressing on a nerve where it exits the spinal cord. The surgeon will make an incision in your back and remove part of your vertebrae to open up space where the nerve exits the spinal cord.
Interlaminar implant
In this procedure, a device is inserted between two vertebrae to ease pressure on your spinal nerves.
Disc replacement
This is where a damaged disc is replaced with an artificial one. The damaged disc can be partially or fully removed. The new disc is designed to act in the same way as a healthy disc, facilitating pain-free movement between your vertebrae.
Your consultant will discuss your options and recommend a treatment tailored to your diagnosis.
Advances in surgery
To find out more about recent advances and how back surgery is performed at your local Spire hospital, use the hospital search tool above.
Preparing for back surgery
It’s important for you to be as fit as possible before your surgery as it will help you with your recovery and reduce your risk of any complications. Once you've agreed with your consultant that you'll be having back surgery, you should eat a healthy and balanced diet, exercise regularly and stop smoking.
You'll be asked to sign a consent form once you’ve decided to proceed with the surgery. You may also be asked to attend a pre-operative appointment to check that you’re fit for surgery. Here, you may undergo some blood tests and have an X-ray or MRI scan of your spine. During this assessment, you can also ask any questions or discuss your concerns about your surgery.
Your consultant will also advise if you should wear compression stockings and/or have an anti-clotting injection to prevent blood clots from forming after the procedure. You'll also be given instructions to follow on the day of your procedure, which may include washing with antibacterial soap and what to wear and bring with you.
You’ll have to stop eating for the six hours before your back surgery, but you'll be able to drink clear fluids until two hours before. You’ll also need to arrange a family member or friend to come and pick you up, travelling home on public transport is not advised.
Watch how back surgery takes place
This animation explains what happens during spinal fusion surgery.
The type of back surgery your surgeon may recommend will depend on the type of back problem you experience, such as sciatica, degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis.
Surgery is usually only considered if non-surgical treatments haven’t worked and symptoms are affecting your quality of life.
The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae, often referred to as L1 to L5. The lumbar vertebrae are the largest and carry most of the body’s weight, allowing for large movements.
Spinal fusion surgery is a procedure where two or more vertebrae are joined together with a section of bone in the space between them. This helps to prevent friction between two adjacent vertebrae, reduces the risk of further compression of the nearby nerve and elevates pain. The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic.
Once the surgeon has gained access to the spinal canal, the bone is clipped away as required and the disc is then removed.
A bone graft is used to fill the space created and fuses the two vertebrae together. Commonly, the patient's own bone is used, which is taken from the pelvic iliac crest – this is called an autograft.
A system of screws and rods is used to help keep your spine still while the bones are fusing together. They are placed on both sides of the vertebrae, above and below the disc space. These screws then act as firm anchor points to which rods can be connected. Over time, the bone graft grows and fuses to the spine.
The whole operation will take an hour, sometimes longer, depending on the complexity of the procedure. Any severe back pain you felt before your back surgery should now go away and you should be able to move about more easily.
Your doctor will discuss how to enjoy your usual activities safely and may advise against some activities like heavy lifting until you’ve fully recovered. Physiotherapy is also recommended to help your recovery.
For more information contact your local Spire hospital or visit the Spire Healthcare website.
Who will be involved?
Your back surgery will be performed by an orthopaedic or neurological surgeon, but you’ll also be seen by an:
How long does back surgery take?
Your operation will take at least an hour but may take much longer if you need a more complex procedure.
Anaesthetic
You’ll have a general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep and unable to feel anything during your operation.
Pain after back surgery
As with most operations, you’re likely to feel some discomfort afterwards, which may last days or weeks. You’ll be given painkillers and we can help you manage any pain as you recover. The good news is the severe back pain you felt before your back surgery should go away or improve, so you should be your active self again in a few months.
Your hospital stay
The average hospital stay is one to four days.
Alwyn Jones, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Talking about back surgery
Is all back surgery the same?
Back surgery can vary between taking a disc out, to injections for different types of pain, to more major surgery. It depends on the underlying condition.
What is a spinal disc?
A disc is the body shock absorber for the spine. It sits between two vertebrae. It normally has two parts to it, the outer hard shell called the annulus, and the inner part which is the nucleus and more of a jelly-like material.
Why do these discs slip?
As we get older, our discs dry and they become more like crab meat. With regards to a disc slipping, the outer wall becomes weak and you’ll often get a crack or gap in the outer wall and then the inner nucleus will herniate (leak) out. Sometimes after major traffic accidents we see discs that are injured, but predominantly these discs become injured due to wear and tear and degenerative changes.
Will a slipped disc always cause pain?
Sometimes it can cause no trouble, apart from back pain, but on occasion it can hit or get close to the nerve and cause pain down the leg, like sciatica. If this occurs in the neck, it can cause arm pain.
How successful is back surgery?
With regards to back surgery for a herniated disc and sciatica surgery, normally 80 to 90% of people are better. The chances of making someone worse is probably in the vicinity of 5%, if they get a complication.
How long will it take me to recover from back surgery?
Normally the recovery time is dependent on your pre-operative activities. Most people are good by three months, but some people can return to work anywhere between six to eight weeks.
How quickly you recover from your surgery depends on how fit you were before, and on the type of operation you have. Following your surgery, you can expect to be in hospital recovering for one to four days.
You may be able to drive again as soon as two weeks after your surgery, but you’ll need to check with your insurance policy first.
You’ll be able to return to desk-based work around four to six weeks after your surgery, but if your job involves a lot of driving or heavy lifting, you may need to allow three months for recovery. You can also expect to return to your usual activities after two or three months.
Physiotherapy and ongoing treatment
Our expert aftercare team will encourage you to walk around the day after surgery, and our physiotherapist will take you through a series of exercises to do at home. It’s important to carry on with these exercises to speed up your recovery, strengthen your muscles, reduce the risk of scarring around your nerves and avoid getting blood clots in your legs.
If you have stitches, they'll be removed after around 10 days. This may be done at the hospital you had your surgery at, or one of our nurses will visit you at home.
Your lifestyle after treatment
Most people who have back surgery find that their symptoms improve, so they’re free from pain again and can move about easily.
Your dressing will need to be kept dry until your wound has been reviewed by a doctor, which may be up to seven days after the procedure. Once reviewed, you can wash as normal without the dressing.
You may find in the days following your surgery that staying in any position for too long causes discomfort. Changing positions regularly can help relieve this pain. Your back may also become stiff and painful overnight, so start your physiotherapy exercises before getting up.
Keeping to a routine, building up to activities gradually and having others help you and to socialise with will all help with your physical and emotional recovery too.
Your doctor will discuss how to enjoy your usual activities safely and may advise against some activities, like heavy lifting or awkward twisting, until you’re fully recovered.
Most people have back surgery without complications, but all surgery carries some risks, which your consultant will talk through with you before you go ahead. These can include:
You should call a doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms after your back surgery:
At Spire hospitals, your safety is our top priority. We have high standards of quality control, equipment and cleanliness and a rigorous system of review and training for our medical teams.
Everyone's different, but here’s a rough guide to recovery from back surgery:
Day 1
3 months
In hospital
Start driving again (check your insurance policy)
Return to work if your job isn’t too strenuous
Return to work if your job involves a lot of driving or heavy lifting
Return to your usual activities
In hospital
Start driving again (check your insurance policy)
Return to work if your job isn’t too strenuous
Return to work if your job involves a lot of driving or heavy lifting
Return to your usual activities
Is there anything I can do to help my recovery after back surgery?
Eating healthy, exercising regularly and not smoking will all help you recover from your back surgery quicker. Keeping to a routine, having others to help you with practical tasks, and building up to activities gradually will also help with your recovery.
Will I be able to play sports after my back surgery?
You may be able to return to most sports two or three months after your back surgery. It’s best to return to sports gradually and pace yourself while playing.
What are the different types of back surgery?
There are several different types of back surgery and the three most common are discectomy, laminectomy and spinal fusion. Additional types are vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, foraminotomy, disc replacement and interlaminar implant.
How successful is lower back surgery?
The success rate for herniated disc and sciatica surgery is between 80 to 90%. As with all surgery, there are risks and complications that may occur, the chances of worsening your symptoms are around 5%.
How long does it take to recover from back surgery?
Everyone’s recovery will be different, but you should roughly allow two to three months to return to normal activities.
How does disc replacement differ from spinal fusion?
During a spinal fusion operation, your surgeon takes a piece of bone from elsewhere in your body and inserts it between two vertebrae to strengthen them. During disc replacement surgery, your surgeon will remove the damaged portion of the disc and replace it with an artificial disc.
What kind of doctor does back surgery?
Your back surgery will be performed by a surgeon of your choice and they will either be a neurological or orthopaedic surgeon.
The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.