Spinal surgery involves a surgical procedure on the spine. This can either be approached from the front (anterior) or the back (posterior). When having spinal surgery you will be put under general anaesthetic, meaning that you will be asleep during the whole procedure.

Spinal surgery can be done for a number of different reasons, however, the aim is to always improve the patient's symptoms or completely remove the symptoms. Here are some of the most common reasons for patients having spinal surgery:

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Patients have symptoms that have failed to settle on their own despite help from simpler treatments (less invasive treatments) such as painkillers, anti-inflammatory medications or physical therapy.

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Patients have severe symptoms or evidence the nerves in the spine are being damaged and compressed, which needs treating quickly to ensure that no permanent damage is done.

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There is a significant mechanical problem in the spine structure that needs surgical correction.

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Spinal surgery is invasive, so will only be recommended as a last resort. If you have tried less invasive treatments and they have been unsuccessful, please contact the team to find out your next option.