What is spinal decompression surgery?
Spinal decompression surgery is an operation to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots caused by conditions such as spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), a slipped disc (disc prolapse), spinal injury or, less commonly, cancer pressing on the spine. It is usually considered when symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, weakness or difficulty walking haven’t improved with physiotherapy, medication or epidural injections.
The approach depends on the cause and location of the compression, and may involve removing a small piece of bone (laminectomy) or part of a damaged disc (discectomy), with spinal fusion used in some cases. Most patients are up and moving the day after surgery. Conveniently located in St John’s Wood (NW8), we offer this surgery to patients across London with a focus on safety and compassionate care.
Who is spinal decompression surgery suitable for?
- Patients with spinal stenosis causing leg pain, numbness or difficulty walking
- A slipped disc pressing on a nerve and causing sciatica
- Pain, tingling or weakness that hasn’t improved with physiotherapy, medication or injections
- Spinal injuries or other causes of pressure on the spinal cord or nerves
Your consultant will assess your individual case, including your symptoms, examination and MRI scan, before recommending whether surgery is right for you and which approach is most suitable.
Consultants who perform Spinal Decompression Surgery in London
How Much Does Private Spinal Decompression Surgery Cost?
from £7,475*
The cost of private Spinal Decompression Surgery starts from £7,475* at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
*The price shown is an estimated guide to the hospital charges associated with your treatment from admission to discharge. Your final cost may vary depending on your individual clinical needs, the procedure performed, any additional treatments required, the type of implant/prosthesis used (where applicable), and the length of stay. This guide price excludes consultation fees, diagnostic tests, and professional fees charged separately by your surgeon, anaesthetist, and any other specialists involved in your care.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Sciatica Explained – Watch our video
In this video, Mr Bob Chatterjee, specialist spinal surgeon, talks through the patient’s journey for sciatica spinal surgery (slipped disc). Mr Chatterjee describes the pathway from consultation and diagnostics to the lumbar spine/ lower back nerve decompression surgery and your recovery in detail.
Frequently asked questions about Spinal Decompression Surgery
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6) and across North and Central London.
By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is a 5-minute walk to and from St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
By Bus: Routes 13, 46 and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station. Routes 139 and 189 stop on Abbey Road.
By Car: Finchley Road and Kilburn High Road provide direct routes from NW3 and NW6.
Private spinal decompression surgery at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital starts from £7,475. The final cost will depend on your individual clinical needs and the procedure performed.
Surgery is usually considered when pain, numbness, tingling, weakness or difficulty walking haven’t improved with conservative treatments such as physiotherapy, medication or epidural injections, or when there is significant pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. Your consultant will review your symptoms and MRI scan to advise you
Your consultant will review your history and usually arrange an MRI and possibly blood tests. Eating well and stopping smoking, if possible, can help your recovery. Please tell your team about any blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medication you take, and follow the fasting instructions you are given for the day of surgery.
The operation is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, with you lying face-down. Your surgeon makes an incision over the affected area, moves the muscles aside and removes the bone or disc material pressing on the spinal cord or nerves, before closing the wound.
Most patients start moving the day after surgery with physiotherapy support, and hospital stays range from one night to a few days. Soreness and tiredness can last up to six weeks, and regular physiotherapy helps your recovery. Your consultant will give you personalised guidance on returning to work and normal activities.
Dissolvable stitches under the skin do not need removing. If non-dissolvable stitches or staples are used, they are usually removed 5 to 10 days after surgery, and your appointment will be booked before you leave hospital. Keep the dressing dry.
Spinal decompression removes bone or disc material to take pressure off the spinal cord or nerves. Spinal fusion joins two or more vertebrae together to stabilise the spine and may be added when decompression alone would leave the spine unstable. Your consultant will explain which is right for you.