Spinal

• Back and neck pain
• Disc prolapse
• Spinal stenosis
• Spinal cord compression in the neck
• Nerve compression (such as sciatica)

These conditions can cause pain, stiffness, weakness, altered sensation or reduced mobility, which may affect daily life, work or sleep. 

• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Spinal Injections
• Microdiscectomy
• Lumbar Spinal Decompression
• Lumbar Spinal fusion
• Cervical Fusion and disc Replacement

If surgery is recommended, the team will discuss the benefits, risks and expected recovery with you so you can make an informed decision about your care. 

At your first appointment, our team will usually: 

• Take a detailed history of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life 
• Carry out a clinical examination 
• Review or arrange investigations such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans if required 
• Discuss your diagnosis and agree a personalised treatment plan 

We aim to ensure you fully understand your condition and the treatment options available to you.

See your GP or healthcare professional if you have: 

• Persistent spinal pain 
• Reduced movement or strength 
• Symptoms that affect your quality of life 
• Pain after an injury that does not improve 

Your GP will refer you to your local Musculoskeletal (MSK) community service first. The MSK team will assess your symptoms and, if appropriate, refer you to our service for a surgical treatment. 

Before your spinal surgery, our team will talk you through how to best prepare for surgery.  

This will include: 

• Weight loss, if appropriate 
• Stopping Smoking for better healing 
• Eating a healthy diet and limiting alcohol intake 

It’s important to do these things while you wait for your spinal surgery, as it significantly lowers the risks of complications and infections as well as the speed of your recovery time.   

For more information on how to get physically and mentally ready for surgery click here.  

Pre-Op (Pre-operative Clinic)  

Before your procedure, you will attend a pre-operative clinic for health checks, blood tests, X-rays, and ECGs. Part of your pre-op assessment may take place over the phone. 

Once you have had a pre-op assessment, it will then be decided whether you are well enough for surgery and whether it is the best treatment for you. The clearing process will happen after you leave from your pre-op appointment, so please wait to hear from our Orthopaedic admin team to arrange a date for your procedure. Our Orthopaedic admin team will call you once you have been cleared for surgery. 

Find out more about pre-op here. 

Preparing for recovery at home  

We also encourage to prepare your home ahead of surgery. 

You may want to think about: 

• Asking for help 
  If you can, arrange for a friend or relative to be available to help you after you come home from hospital for a week or two, as needed.  
• Sorting transport 
  Arrange for someone (either a friend or relative) to take you to and from the hospital. You will normally be unable to drive for at least 6 weeks after your operation.  
• Stocking up 
  Buy food that is easy to prepare, such as frozen ready meals, cans and basic foods, such as rice and pasta, or prepare your own dishes to freeze and reheat during your recovery.

For more information watch this video on how to prepare for your surgery here.

The British Spine Registry (BSR) aims to collect information about spinal surgery across the UK to improve outcomes for patient care in the future.

How does the British Spine Registry support patients? 

By collecting information about spinal surgery across the UK, the British Spine Registry can track which spinal operations are the most effective and which patients they work the best.  
This helps to shape and improve patient care in the future.  

Your consent matters 

• Taking part is voluntary, you are not required to consent. 
• With your consent, the BSR records details of your spinal diagnosis and operation along with personal details like your name, date of birth, NHS number, and contact details. 
• When the BSR collects data from the registry to see trends, your identifiable details will be removed and anonymised. 

Want to know more? 

Visit the BSR website: www.britishspineregistry.com 

Click here to access relevant patient leaflets 

The British Association of Spine Surgeons publish several booklets on a number of topics for both clinicians and patients. These booklets are periodically reviewed and updated.

Click here to access the booklets