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Spinal Surgery London

Spinal surgery offers definitive treatment and pain relief for those with severe or chronic back pain. From decompression surgery to artificial disc replacement, spine surgery can eliminate back pain and restore your quality of life so you can exercise, socialise, and spend quality pain-free time with your loved ones. Here, you’ll learn about the different types of spine surgery available at Harley Street Specialist Hospital.
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Consult with leading orthopaedic specialists

Same day imaging scans, diagnosis & treatment

Treatment for acute & chronic back pain

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Private spine surgery in central London

Our central London hospital is an award-winning setting for back and spine treatments, including spinal surgery. At Harley Street Specialist Hospital, we’ll diagnose your back problems and advise you on the fastest, most effective solutions — from discectomy to spinal fusion surgery.

All spinal surgery patients will also work with our exceptional private physiotherapy team to help you recover quickly and smoothly. With no waiting lists (and the UK’s largest pool of pain management consultants available to support you), we offer rapid patient care with the aim of getting you back to full fitness as soon as possible.

Self-paying patients and those with private health insurance are catered for at Harley Street Specialist Hospital. Book your initial appointment at a convenient time for you to discuss your spine surgery options.

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Types of spinal surgery available at Harley Street Specialist Hospital

There are several different types of spine surgery which are suitable for treating different back and spine conditions:

  • Spine decompression surgery
  • Discectomy
  • Laminectomy
  • Artificial disc replacement
  • Spinal fusion surgery

Our back pain consultants and surgical staff use state-of-the-art diagnostic and imaging technology to assess your condition and ensure you get the most effective spinal surgery for your condition.

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More about our spine surgery procedures

Any type of spinal surgery is a significant undertaking, so make sure you understand what each operation entails. Learn more about the spine surgery procedures we offer below.

Decompression surgery

Nerve compression is one of the most common causes of back pain. Decompression surgery alleviates the pressure on your spinal nerves by removing tissue from the affected area. Lumbar decompression surgery to relieve the sciatic nerve and treat sciatica is one of the most common types of spine surgery.

Discectomy

A discectomy is an operation to remove a damaged, bulging, or herniated disc (the cushioning tissue between your spinal bones). Many cases of back, arm, and leg pain are caused by a slipped disc. If your symptoms don’t improve with physiotherapy or other conservative techniques, you may be referred for a discectomy.

Laminectomy

A laminectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a small amount of bone from the lamina of your spine. The lamina is the bony outer shell that lies on top of your spine. If these bones become dislodged, they can compress your nerves, causing back, arm, and leg pain.

A laminectomy relieves pressure on the affected nerves, alleviating discomfort so you can get back to full fitness.

Artificial disc replacement

Worn, herniated, or damaged discs may need to be removed and replaced with artificial cushioning tissue. Artificial disc replacement may be recommended in severe cases of spinal arthritis, degenerative disc disease, or other conditions that cause significant damage to your spinal discs.

Spinal fusion surgery

Spinal fusion surgery can strengthen your spine. In this procedure, two or more spine bones are fused together to limit movement between the vertebrae, minimising pain and providing stability within your back. Your doctor might suggest spinal fusion surgery if you have severe spinal stenosis, spinal fracture, or scoliosis.

Spinal surgery FAQs

Learn more about spine surgery in these frequently asked questions.

How long does it take to recover from spinal surgery?

Depending on the type of spinal surgery you have, it can take 4-12 weeks to regain the expected levels of mobility after your procedure. However, you’ll be able to get out of bed and move around much sooner than this (usually within 4-5 days).

We’ll support you with physiotherapy and other treatments to minimise recovery time and get you back on your feet as quickly as possible.

Can you get back to a normal life after spinal surgery?

Spinal surgery helps thousands of people return to a normal life every year. While recovery takes a few weeks and long-term outcomes aren’t guaranteed, you can often get several months or years of pain relief following spinal surgery. That means you can get back to exercising, working, and socialising as normal.

How long do you stay in hospital after spine surgery?

In most cases, you’ll stay in hospital for up to four days after your spinal surgery. The exact amount of time depends on the speed of your recovery and whether any complications need to be resolved.

How much bed rest is needed after spinal surgery?

Gentle movement can help your spine heal after surgery, so you won’t need to stay in bed for long. Many back surgery patients are encouraged to get out of bed the same day as their procedure (with the support of a physiotherapist and crutches or another walking aid).

The amount of bed rest you need depends on which procedure you’ve had and how you feel. But most people are up and about within just a few days.

Do I need someone to stay with me after back surgery?

It’s usually advised that a friend or family member stays with you for a few days after spinal surgery. They can help you manage basic tasks like making meals, getting in and out of bed, and being on hand in case of any problems.

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Why choose spinal surgery at Harley Street Specialist Hospital?

At Harley Street Specialist Hospital, you can expect:

  • Assessment, diagnosis, and initial treatment on the same day. If you’re eligible for surgery, we’ll book you in for your surgical appointment quickly (we don’t have waiting lists, so you can often get a convenient appointment within a few days).
  • A professional consultation service with experts from the UK’s largest pool of pain management specialists. Our team specialises in providing fast, effective back pain relief.
  • Holistic treatment plans that put your concerns, queries, and needs at the centre.
  • Treatment available on a self-pay or private medical insurance basis.
  • Experienced surgeons with the skill, experience, and expertise to provide you with the best care and advice.

We welcome patients with private medical insurance or those wishing to pay for their own back pain treatment. Book an appointment with our medical team to discuss your back pain treatment today.

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Our spinal surgery consultants