Spinal Decompression

The spinal decompression procedure is a surgical operation used to treat the spinal stenosis condition. Spinal stenosis occurs when the space in the middle of your spine contracts, squeezing the collection of nerves that travel through there.

Cause of Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is caused by a collection of related conditions. Common causes of spinal stenosis include arthritis of the spine (wear the joints wear down over time), a thickening of the spinal ligaments, and a bulging of the spinal discs. This can result in the nerves at the centre of the spine becoming trapped and causing pain.

Diagnosis and Surgery

Before recommending spinal decompression surgery your doctor will usually take an MRI scan to diagnose the issue. The operation usually takes roughly one hour to 90 minutes and various anaesthetic options are available. Your surgeon will cut into your back and remove enough bone and ligament from your spine to free the trapped nerves. Your surgeon may need to re-join the spinal bones using a bone graft, sometimes using metal rods and screws.

Post-Operative Recovery

Patients who undergo the spinal decompression surgery are usually able to leave their beds after one day and able to return home after three to five days. Your physiotherapist will recommend regular exercises designed to help you recover as fast as possible. Before exercising, make sure to consult your medical team for advice. Spinal stenosis can return after undergoing spinal decompression surgery, make sure to consult with your doctor regularly following surgery.

Need Help?

At One Healthcare we can book you in to see a specialist Orthopaedic surgeon, usually within 48 hours, for an initial consultation.  Spinal decompression is available at One Ashford Hospital in Kent and One Hatfield Hospital in Hertfordshire.

You can use your private medical insurance or pay for your Spinal Decompression treatment. We offer competitive, fixed price packages as well as the ability to spread the cost of your treatment over a number of months. If you are using your health insurance, please contact your insurer first for approval and let them know you’d like to be treated at either the One Ashford Hospital or One Hatfield Hospital.

Why One Healthcare

• Modern purpose-built hospital opened in March 2016 (Ashford) December 2017 (Hatfield)
• Fast access to diagnostics including MRI, X-ray and Ultrasound
• Private, spacious, en-suite rooms
• Specialist Physiotherapy and nursing teams
• Little or no waiting time
• ‘Ultra clean air’ theatres
• Freshly prepared food
• Calm, dignified experience

Contact us and find out more

If you live in and around the Kent area and would like to visit our One Ashford Hospital please click here

If you are based in and around Hertfordshire and would like to visit the One Hatfield Hospital please click here.