As the discs age, they can become dehydrated and collapse. Over time this causes them to bulge and narrow the nerve channel. If this is associated with other soft tissue thickening then you may get symptoms of spinal stenosis (or narrowing).
Spinal disc surgery
Effective treatment for back pain and disc injury. Slipped, prolapsed or herniated discs may benefit from a microdiscectomy procedure which is a minimally invasive operation to help relieve the back and sometimes leg pain.
What is a herniated disc?
A herniated, bulging or ‘slipped’ disc is a common, but painful condition. The spinal discs naturally wear out and degenerate with age, which may be causing you pain and discomfort. Or sometimes an action can cause impact on the discs for example, lifting a heavy object can cause a strain in your lower back. If you have suffered damage to a spinal disc, the soft jelly-like tissue in a disc can bulge out and press on nerves, causing numbness and pain.
What’s the treatment?
Depending on your symptoms, treatment may range from pain management and physiotherapy for milder conditions to spinal injections or endoscopic (keyhole) surgery for more serious damage. Slipped discs can also be treated with a microdiscectomy, a minimally invasive procedure to remove the herniated disc, relieve pressure on the nerve and treat the pain. If your symptoms are prolonged or intense, it’s worth consulting a spinal specialist who may request an MRI scan to get a clearer view of your spine.
About your spine
Your spine is a complex structure designed to protect the nerves of the spinal cord while providing strength and flexibility of movement, made up of 33 small, interlocking bones or verterbrae. Your spinal column has a distinctive ‘S’ shape when seen from the side.
The vertebrae are separated by a series of spongy, gelatinous discs that cushion the bones and act as shock absorbers, protecting the spine against impact. The discs have a tough yet flexible, multi-layered outer coating that protects a jelly-like substance called the nucleus pulposus at the centre of the disc.
As we age, this soft substance can degenerate and dry out, causing the walls of the disc to bulge out. Damage to the lumbar discs of the lower back can cause referred pain in the legs, known clinically as sciatica. Damage to the neck or cervical discs of the upper spine can cause pain across the arms, known as brachialgia.
What causes back pain and how do you treat it?
Disc collapse
Disc prolapse
If the disc wall breaks the soft inner material may prolapse out and compress nearby nerves, with acute or rapid-onset pain to the upper or lower back and limbs. This is what’s known as a ‘slipped disc’. Usually symptoms will improve on their own in a couple of months. If they don’t improve or if the compression worsens and attacks multiple nerves, a spinal surgeon may recommend decompression, either through endoscopic or open surgery.
Discs or joint damage
Along with disc issues, there can also be mechanical pain and loss of function of the facet joints that connect and stabilise the spinal column. As both facet joints and discs degenerate, you may experience a range of symptoms in different parts of the spine. That’s why it’s important to see an expert for a thorough examination and diagnosis of the underlying problem.
Surgery options
The spinal teams across HCA hospitals offer a range of surgical treatment options for spinal injuries and lower back pain, including:
- Discectomy or microdiscectomy where part of a slipped disc is removed
- Laminectomy to remove part of the vertebra to relieve pressure on the nerves
- Foraminotomy to enlarge the nerve passageway and stop it pinching the nerves
- Spinal fusion to remove damaged cartilage and fuse the spine back together
- Disc replacement to replace a damaged disc with a synthetic implant
- Vertebroplasty to strengthen the bone through injections
Need to know
We were the first private hospital group in the UK to offer endoscopic spinal surgery. If your consultant recommends this approach for you, the procedure can be done through an incision in your back no bigger than a needle puncture.
Endoscopic disc surgery is usually done using local anaesthetic and sedation. Your surgeon will use a specialised operating microscope (endoscope) and tiny surgical instruments to repair or remove damaged disc tissue. This delicate procedure takes about an hour and requires no stitches.
Depending on your condition, a larger incision or general anaesthetic may be required. Your consultant will let you know what to expect.
Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any question you may have. If your surgery will be done using general anaesthetic, they'll let you know how long to avoid eating and drinking beforehand. They'll also let you know if there is anything else you'll need to do to prepare. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
Depending on the procedure you've had, you may be able to return home the same day. However, some spinal procedures require a hospital stay of up to three nights.
Your consultant will let you know what to expect. They'll also explain how to care for your back while it heals. It can take a few weeks to fully recover. It's important not to lift anything heavy or twist your body while your spine heals.
Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to you usual routine, including work or exercise. They may also recommend a course of physiotherapy to help improve your mobility.
Why choose HCA UK?
- Quick access to specialists: You can have an appointment with one of our orthopaedic consultants confirmed within 24 hours, helping you access treatment and recover sooner
- Imaging services: We offer the full range of diagnostic imaging across multiple locations. Our expert musculoskeletal radiologists report on all images and scans to inform the most effective treatment for your knee pain
- Effective treatment: Whether you undergo treatment for back pain or spinal injury, you'll receive high-quality care in comfortable, private facilities
- Leaders in orthopaedics: We treat the most private orthopaedic cases in London, ranking number one, based on Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) data
- Trusted by patients: Our 2023 patient satisfaction survey reported that 97% of orthopaedic patients rate us as very good or excellent and 99% would recommend us to family and friends.
Paying for medical treatment
You don't need medical insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our world-class facilities.
Our spinal surgery locations
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2FQ Birmingham
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.