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UpgradeAn estimated 7 out of 10 people will suffer from back and spine pain at some point in their life. As one of the most common reasons to be signed off sick from work, it’s no surprise that many people visit One Health to hear about treatments, management and surgery solutions.
Back pain is the largest single cause of disability in the UK. While some conditions require surgery, others can be treated with injections, manipulative therapy, and physiotherapy. This page explains more about our treatments for the back and spine, so you’ll understand what to expect.
Some back and spine conditions come with age, while injury can cause others. Common conditions include pulled muscles, slipped discs, and trapped nerves, as well as ankylosing spondylitis, spinal nerve root inflammation, fracture, or wear and tear.
Some conditions compressing nerves, such as degenerative spondylolisthesis and lumbar disc protrusion, can be helped with physiotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and manipulative therapy. However, if you and your surgeon agree that treatment isn’t working, surgery is an option.
For other conditions like spinal stenosis, surgery is a must as the pressure needs to be taken off the nerves. Patients with compressed nerves often experience lower back pain, leg pain, stiffness, numbness, pins and needles and muscle tenderness.
Back and spine conditions can often be treated and managed through injections, physiotherapy, and surgery, helping you maintain your quality of life and return to activities.
Whether you’re looking for surgery or non-invasive options, we offer a range of treatments for conditions affecting the back and spine.
Microdiscectomy, discectomy, and spinal decompression surgery are some of our most common spine and back surgeries.
Microdiscectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove a portion of a herniated disk that’s pressing on a nerve. Using a small incision and microscope, the surgeon relieves nerve compression. This reduces pain and improves function.
A discectomy removes part or all of an intervertebral disc. A discectomy can be performed in open surgery or using minimally invasive methods. The goal is to reduce pressure on spinal nerves or the spinal cord, but it can also remove the disc material.
Lumbar decompression and stabilisation are performed under general anaesthetic. The surgeon makes an incision in the midline of the back and lifts the muscles from the bony arch. The surgeon clips the bone and the facet joints to remove pressure on the nerves. The surgeon assesses the spine's stability and considers a bone graft or a spinal fusion.
Whether you’re having a decompression or a discectomy, the preparation for spine and back surgery remains the same.
Firstly, you should optimise your health to aid your recovery. This could mean addressing your diet and, if you smoke, quitting. Ahead of the surgery, read about the operation from reputable sources, give your consent, and ask the doctor or surgeon to clarify any questions or concerns you have.
You’ll need to tell the consultant if you’re undergoing treatment for any conditions (even if it’s unrelated) and if you’re pregnant. If you have new pain or symptoms, such as bladder or bowel incontinence, you should tell us. We may need to arrange an urgent valuation, scans, emergency surgery, or postpone the operation.
At your pre-assessment visit, you’ll receive further advice on preparing for your surgery and ask any questions. You may also be asked to change lifestyle habits that could impact your condition, treatment and recovery, such as exercise, diet and smoking.
As with all surgeries, back and spine surgery has risks and, in some cases, may lead to complications. You should always discuss the specific risks with your surgeon.
The risks can include:
If you’re having a fusion procedure, be aware of factors that can negatively impact a solid fusion and cause complications. These include:
Recovery times vary, but initial pain and swelling improve within a few weeks. Full recovery might take several months. Recovery involves immediate post-treatment care, such as managing pain and swelling, followed by a rehabilitation phase that includes a gradual increase in activity. Assistive devices like scooters or compression stockings can aid mobility and recovery. Use them as your provider recommends to support your healing process and improve comfort. Long-term care includes maintaining lifestyle changes and attending follow-up visits. Seek medical attention if you notice any concerning symptoms.
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Will I need a follow-up after spine and back surgery?
One Health waiting times from consultation to treatment are 3 - 7 weeks on average.