Spine Surgery FAQs

Arrange assessment for persistent back or neck symptoms, pain travelling into an arm or leg, or weakness. The clinician will consider examination findings and whether scans are needed. Emergency symptoms should be assessed immediately.

Further reading: Slipped disc — NHS

A slipped, prolapsed or herniated disc is a bulging spinal disc. It can cause pain, tingling or weakness if it presses on a nerve, but some disc changes cause no symptoms.

Further reading: Slipped disc — NHS

Lumbar stenosis means narrowing of the space available for nerves in the lower spine. A treatment discussion considers how this relates to your symptoms and whether nerve decompression would help.

Further reading: Lumbar decompression — NHS

No. Many people have neck wear-and-tear changes without needing an operation. Surgery may be considered when a nerve or the spinal cord is affected. The examination and symptoms guide the decision.

Further reading: Cervical spondylosis — NHS

Bring any scans you already have. Further tests may be advised after assessment, particularly if symptoms have not improved. Confirm what is needed before arranging a scan; reception can help with appointment requirements.

Further reading: Slipped disc — NHS

No. Many cases improve with non-surgical treatment. Surgery may be discussed when other treatment has not helped or weakness is worsening. A scan finding alone should not replace a clinical assessment.

Further reading: Slipped disc — NHS

Lumbar decompression creates more room for compressed nerves in the lower spine. The surgeon may remove small amounts of bone or part of a disc, depending on the cause of compression.

Further reading: Lumbar decompression — NHS

Ask whether an implant or fusion forms part of the proposed operation, why it is needed and what alternatives exist. Confirm the intended procedure and any implant costs in your written treatment plan.

Ask how the tumour affects the spinal cord or nerves, what further evaluation is required and what the proposed treatment aims to achieve. Your specialist should explain the options for your findings.

Bring available MRI or CT images and reports, earlier prescriptions, discharge summaries and your medicine list. Note when pain started, where it travels and how it affects walking, sleep or daily tasks.

Follow your hospital’s instructions about fasting and medicines. Discuss your health conditions, allergies and any concerns with the anaesthetic team. Obtain an individual plan rather than changing medicines yourself.

Further reading: General anaesthetic — NHS

Ask about nerve injury, spinal fluid leakage, persistent symptoms and the possibility of further surgery, as well as risks specific to your procedure. The team should explain both benefits and complications.

Further reading: Lumbar decompression — NHS

Explain whether your work involves desk tasks, driving or heavy lifting. Ask what support you will need, how restrictions will be reviewed and when the team expects to reassess your return to activity.

Further reading: Spine surgery recovery — Guy’s and St Thomas’

Recovery differs between people and procedures. Follow the milestones agreed with your team and ask when they will review your progress. Do not assume one timetable applies to every spine operation.

Further reading: Spine surgery recovery — Guy’s and St Thomas’

Your team can guide you on safe movement and rehabilitation. Walking may be increased gradually after lumbar decompression or discectomy, with physiotherapy advice tailored to your recovery.

Further reading: Spine surgery recovery — Guy’s and St Thomas’

Contact your treating team promptly for fever, increasing redness or fluid leaking from the wound. Follow the dressing instructions you were given at discharge.

Further reading: Spine surgery recovery — Guy’s and St Thomas’

Know your medicine schedule, wound-care plan, follow-up appointment and whom to contact for uncontrolled pain or other concerns. Ask for these details in writing before leaving.

Further reading: Spine surgery recovery — Guy’s and St Thomas’

New numbness around the genitals or bottom, inability to pass urine, or loss of bladder or bowel control with back pain need emergency assessment. Contact local emergency services; do not wait for an OPD appointment.

Further reading: Slipped disc — NHS

Seek urgent assessment for significant new leg weakness or numbness, or new bladder or bowel difficulties after surgery. Contact your treating team or emergency services without waiting for a routine follow-up.

Further reading: Lumbar decompression — NHS

Call the hospital reception or send an appointment request using the booking page. A request is not a confirmed slot; confirm the date and time before travelling.

Scheduled OPD is Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; Sunday is closed. Hospital emergency and admission services operate 24×7. Confirm the doctor’s availability with reception before your visit.

An individual estimate depends on the diagnosis, operation, tests, implants if needed, hospital stay and follow-up. Ask reception for a written estimate and clarify inclusions, exclusions and payment or insurance arrangements. No fixed package is quoted here.

The hospital is at B-1/121, Sector G, Jankipuram, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226021. Bring your reports and confirm your appointment before travelling. Reception can help with directions and current admission arrangements.

Call the hospital to confirm current in-house or referral arrangements for scans and the facilities needed for your proposed treatment. Reception can explain current admission, ICU, IPD and operation theatre arrangements.