Spinal surgery in Worthing

A slipped disc (also called a herniated disc) can happen at any time in life and is due to the soft gel in the centre of each disc (which keeps our vertebrae from rubbing against each other and causing even more pain) oozing out and compressing the nerves that emanate from the spinal cord that runs from the skull down through the spine.

Of course, not all back pain comes from this, which is why every patient is listened to carefully so we understand their history as well as their current symptoms, followed by a detailed examination to make sure the diagnosis is correct.

We take patient care seriously at Goring Hall Hospital, so whether you've been referred to us by your GP, chiropractor, or physiotherapist, or you've just had enough and want to find a solution to help you get better as fast as possible, we welcome your call. Our number is 01903 506699

Next is the thoracic region, whose nerves inform the brain of any problems within the chest area and upper back and, like all nerves, are the conduit through which all signals are sent from our bodies to our brain and back again.

The lumbar region is below that and is where the sciatic nerve emerges from the spinal cord and descends all the way down to our feet. This is where the most common problems arise not least because it also contains the largest vertebrae, and hence the largest discs, making them more vulnerable to damage.

It's also the most flexible part of our spines (allowing us to bend at 90% or more), which is just one of the reasons it is more prone to damage accidentally or otherwise.

Below the lumbar region are the two final sections called the sacrum and coccyx. These vertebrae become fused together into a single bone mass, but can still cause problems, particularly the coccyx, which can cause great discomfort when doing the simplest of things, even just sitting down. 

Whilst the pain can feel as bad as sciatica from the lumbar region, a herniated disc in the neck part of the spine can also cause immense damage if not properly treated, especially if the damage to the affected nerve or nerves is allowed to get worse.

This is why you will often be referred to a specialist spine surgeon if your GP or other medical professional feels further investigation is needed.

And remember, if you are in any doubt, you can always call us here at Goring Hall Hospital to seek further advice or book a consultation with one of our specialists. We are here to help. 

For example, problems with our legs caused by pinched or damaged nerves in our spine can be identified by the vertebrae numbered from L1 (L denoting the lumbar region) down to S3 (the third vertebrae of the sacral).

If there is pain in the groin or genital area associated with the spine, then the first place to check will be the disc separating the L1 and L2 vertebrae for signs of damage or slipped disc.

Problems with herniated discs from L2 to L4 are associated with parts of the thigh, a section of the lower leg, hips, and knees.

Of course, there are other similar problems with our bodies that are not due to a spinal or nerve injury of one sort or another, but a trained spinal surgeon will be able to diagnose this quickly in any case. 

If you've been referred to us by your doctor (or you've booked yourself in privately), upon examination, we may need to take an MRI scan to confirm our findings if we suspect damage of some sort to your spine.

This will also show us precisely where that damage is so we can make a full diagnosis and recommend the best options for you. 

Steroids are anti-inflammatories, meaning they help reduce the swelling to whatever is being affected, and over a period of about a week, will reduce the pressure on a trapped nerve, which at the same time, will allow a herniated disc to begin the healing process.

You will still most likely need a course of painkillers whilst the steroid takes effect and the healing begins, but if all goes well, you will be able to start doing things (gently) almost immediately.

In fact, we encourage you to keep active during your recovery period to stop other problems arising including stiffness caused by lack of muscle movement.

Should a steroid injection be considered the best course of treatment, you will be in and out of hospital the same day. Make sure you have someone to help you get home again following surgery, as although in most cases you won't need a full anaesthetic, strong sedation will be most likely recommended. 

This uses keyhole surgery to remove and repair the herniated disc. You will need an overnight stay in hospital if this is the case, for which you'll have your own private room with full en-suite facilities.

Even then we will still help and encourage you to exercise and move about gently to ensure your back stays as flexible as possible to help your long term recovery. 

The seriousness comes from the precision required and the potential risks, which can include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, or, more rarely, spinal instability, though these complications are uncommon when the surgery is performed by an experienced spinal specialist.

Despite being a significant operation, most people recover well and experience meaningful improvements in pain, mobility, and quality of life, particularly if they had symptoms such as sciatica, numbness, or weakness beforehand.

Recovery typically involves a period of restricted activity and physiotherapy, and your surgeon will carefully assess your health and imaging before recommending surgery to ensure the benefits outweigh the risks.

At Goring Hall Hospital our spinal consultants see and treat a wide variety of back problems. They have expertise in the latest and most effective treatments and act as a first point of contact for the diagnosis of back conditions as well as offering a faster route to specialist treatment. There are many clear benefits to opting for treatment at Goring Hall Hospital:

• Fast access: It’s usually possible to get an appointment with a consultant within a week.
• All treatment is consultant-led. At Goring Hall Hospital you will always see the same consultant throughout the course of your treatment, never a junior doctor or trainee.
• Goring Hall Hospital has a dedicated on site imaging suite, so patients get a fast accurate diagnosis of their condition. Treatment involving minimally invasive options. 
• Our consultants work in close collaboration with expert radiographers, physiotherapists, radiologists, and nurses as part of a multidisciplinary team. 
• The Priory Hospital keeps full electronic medical records that are accessible to patients. Patients can log in to their accounts to see all their medical information in one place.
• Patients do not need to have private medical insurance to access the expertise of Goring Hall Hospital’s consultants. We offer a variety of flexible payment options.
• Proven Track Record: Trust in a hospital with a proven track record of successful outcomes and patient satisfaction. We pride ourselves on delivering results that matter.
• Free car parking and fast public transport links to our hospital from Horsham, Worthing, Chichester, Pulborough, West Sussex and beyond.

Choose us for a healthcare experience that combines expertise, top-quality service, and a genuine commitment to your health and recovery.

Our fixed-price packages cover the procedure itself along with the relevant hospital care and aftercare, ensuring there are no unexpected charges. For patients paying for their own treatment, we offer flexible finance options that allow you to spread the cost over a series of monthly payments, with interest-free plans available for shorter terms. We also work with all major private medical insurers, meaning you may be able to use your policy to fund your care.

Our goal is to make accessing high-quality spinal treatment as straightforward and transparent as possible.

The success rate of spinal surgery varies depending on the type of procedure and the condition being treated, but many operations have strong outcomes when performed for the right reasons.

For common procedures such as spinal decompression to relieve nerve pressure, studies show that around seventy to ninety percent of patients experience significant improvement in symptoms like leg pain, mobility, and quality of life.

More complex surgeries, such as spinal fusion, also have good success rates—typically between sixty and eighty percent—though outcomes depend heavily on factors such as overall health, smoking status, the severity of spinal degeneration, and adherence to post-operative rehabilitation.

While no spinal surgery can guarantee complete pain relief, most patients notice meaningful and lasting improvements when surgery is carefully planned and performed by an experienced spinal specialist.

Although initial walking is gentle and limited, many patients can move around independently within a few days, gradually increasing distance and confidence as healing progresses.

More normal, comfortable walking typically returns over the following weeks, depending on the type of surgery, overall fitness, and how closely rehabilitation guidance is followed. Recovery is different for everyone, but steady improvement in mobility is expected as the spine heals and pain decreases.