Spinal decompression surgery in York

Why choose Nuffield Health York Hospital for your spinal decompression surgery?

At Nuffield Health York Hospital our leading spinal surgeons can provide you with rapid back pain relief if you suffer from spinal stenosis. Our spinal consultants in York have an excellent success rate for back, neck and vertebrae procedures and can provide you with rapid access to spinal decompression surgery through a treatment plan individually tailored to you.

We are one of the only private hospitals to own a state-of-the-art spinal centre in North Yorkshire. Over recent years our specialist team of spinal surgeons have built an exemplary reputation in York by treating patients suffering from a range of common and complex neck, back and spine conditions.

After a recent investment in spinal care, Nuffield Health York Hospital is able to provide consultants with the latest surgical equipment, facilities and technology to make your spinal treatment as safe and efficient as possible.

How to book consultation with our experts in York

If you are interested in spinal decompression surgery and would like to discuss your treatment options with an experienced consultant, you will need to book an initial consultation. To book, simply call our friendly hospital enquiry team on 01904 715 111.

Please let the enquiry handler know if you have had any recent X-rays or scans when booking your consultation, as there will be additional charges for any diagnostic imaging required.

What is spinal stenosis?

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal. The spinal canal contains the nerves that leave the spinal cord. A combination of arthritis in the spine or bulging (herniation) of the discs or (in rarer cases) spondylolisthesis (where a vertebra slips forward or backward) or spinal tumours can cause this narrowing. Decompression is performed to release nerves trapped by this narrowing.

Initially your consultant may recommend anti-inflammatory medication for pain. If you have pain down your leg that is caused by pressure on the nerve in your lower back (sciatica), your surgeon may recommend a steroid injection in your spine.

What happens during lumbar spinal decompression

• You will probably have an MRI scan to confirm the diagnosis and help your surgeon plan your operation
• Decompression is usually performed under general anaesthetic
• Your surgeon will make an incision (cut) in your lower back
• They will remove enough bone and tissue to free the trapped nerves
• They will close the incision with stitches and dress the wound.

After your spinal decompression

• Immediately after your surgery you will be taken to the recovery area
• Staff will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing
• If you are in any pain be sure and tell the recovery room staff
• When you are stable a nurse will take you to your room.

Back in your private room

• Once you are back in your room, our nursing team will continue to check on you to make sure you are recovering well. After you’ve recovered from any effects of the anaesthetic, you can have something to eat and drink
• Some patients have difficulty passing urine after decompression surgery. If you are in any discomfort please tell a member of our Healthcare Team
• You will be encouraged to get up and move around as soon as possible - usually within 24 hours of your operation
• A physiotherapist will visit you to advise you on any restrictions and give you exercises to help you regain mobility. You may be advised to avoid bending, twisting or lifting anything heavy for the first six weeks following surgery.

Going home after spinal decompression surgery

• The length of your stay in hospital will depend on the degree of decompression performed. Be sure and discuss this with your surgeon
• Any stitches or staples will be removed 10 - 14 days after your operation
• You will not be able to drive or return to work until you are released to do so at your follow-up appointment with your consultant. Please arrange for someone to take you home on the day of your discharge
• You may feel very tired and sore for the first few weeks. It is important to rest and allow your body to heal
• You will be encouraged to walk during your recovery. Start with short distances and build up slowly. Avoid sitting for long periods. Keeping mobile will help you to avoid DVT (deep vein thrombosis).

Most people make a good recovery and return to normal activities following spinal decompression. As with any surgery there can be complications:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Infection of the surgical site (incision)
• Scarring
• Blood clots (DVT - deep vein thrombosis)
• Difficulty passing urine
• Chest infection.

Specific complications of spinal decompression:

• Bleeding in the spinal column
• Continued pain or numbness
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Infection in the spine
• Nerve damage
• Leaking of spinal fluid.