Spinal surgery in Hendon

Spinal surgery at Hendon Hospital 

Hendon Hospital provides day case and outpatient treatments and services for people living in Hendon, North London, and beyond.  

Our hospital does not undertake complex spinal surgeries, however our consultants who have outpatient clinics may be able to offer this service at another Circle Health Group hospital site.  

As a smaller Circle Health Group hospital, Hendon Hospital has a particularly warm, friendly and compassionate feel and approach to care that puts people at ease from the moment they arrive. 

Despite its smaller size, Hendon Hospital still has a full complement of healthcare professionals to support the spinal surgery team, including rheumatologists, geriatricians, and physiotherapists. Physiotherapy is now performed at the new, state-of-the-art physiotherapy centre within the hospital, and plays a vital role in patient recovery and rehabilitation. 

What is spinal surgery for? 

Of all the structures within the human body, your spine is arguably one of the most complex and important. Without it, you wouldn't be able to stand upright, bend, twist or move around as you do. And without it, your spinal cord - the neurological highway that transmits messages from your brain to your body - would be left vulnerable. 

Spine health is extremely important to maintain a full and active life. The complex nature of your spine means that there are a variety of different issues that can affect it. Many of these can have a direct impact on your quality of life if they aren't treated promptly, and some will require surgery to resolve them. 

‘The patients that I see have symptoms such as back pain, sciatica, and neck pain,’ explains Mr Jaykar Panchmatia, consultant spine surgeon for Circle Health Group's Hendon Hospital. 

We understand that the prospect of treatment for a spine condition can be daunting. Having as much information about as possible about what to expect from your care from our dedicated spinal surgery team at Hendon Hospital can help provide the reassurance that you need. 

How much does spinal surgery cost at Hendon Hospital? 

The cost of spinal surgery will depend on your individual circumstances and which type of surgery you are recommended. At the time of your appointment your consultant will discuss all options with you and ensure all your questions are answered. 

If you are paying for yourself, we offer flexible payment options that allow you to spread the cost of treatment and pay monthly over a period of one to five years. 

If you have private health insurance, spinal decompression surgery will usually be covered by your policy. You should speak to your insurer directly to find out. 

Common spinal disorders and concern 

The complex nature of your spine means that there are many different issues and disorders that can affect it. Some of these can be present at birth, while many will develop later. They can be the result of an injury, such as one sustained in a car collision or sporting accident. They can also be caused by natural or accelerated wear and tear. 

Some of the most common spinal disorders seen at Hendon Hospital include the following: 

A slipped/herniated disc 

This condition occurs when one or more intervertebral discs slip out of place and extend outwards toward the surrounding nerves and tissues. Not only does this make the disc less effective at protecting your spine from impact, but the protrusion can also irritate the nerves and cause pain and weakness. A slipped disc can be a common cause of a particular type of spinal disorder called sciatica. 

Sciatica 

Sciatica is characterised by sharp, shooting pains and weakness that extends from your buttocks down into your legs, usually only on one side of your body. It is caused by irritation of one of the sciatic nerves, and can be triggered by a herniated disc, poor posture and degeneration of your spine. It is also very common in pregnant women. 

Neck pain

Many people are surprised to learn that neck pain can often result from an issue with your spine, with a slipped disc and osteoarthritis being the most common causes. Neck pain can vary in severity, cause stiffness, and spread down into your shoulders and arms. Symptoms include pain, weakness, and neurological effects such as tingling and numbness. 

Abnormal curvatures/spinal deformities

There are many different types of abnormalities in the structure of your spine. Referred to as spinal deformities or abnormal curvatures, they can have a significant effect on your ability to live a full and active life. 

Some types of spinal deformity can lead to other problems, such as development issues with your heart, kidneys or urinary tract (in children with congenital spinal deformities) and breathing and mobility difficulties. Some of the most common spinal abnormalities include degenerative scoliosis, kyphosis and lordosis. 

At Hendon Hospital, our specialist spinal team are able to see and care for lots of people with spinal problems, regardless of their condition. 

What will happen at my initial appointment at Hendon Hospital? 

If you are referred to the specialist spinal team, you will be invited to attend a consultation appointment to discuss your spine health issues. 

It is important to find out exactly what is causing your symptoms to make an accurate diagnosis, so your consultant will ask you about: 

• The symptoms you have 
• When they started 
• Whether they have been getting worse 
• If or how they are affecting your daily life 
• Any treatment you have already received 

Diagnosing spinal concerns at Hendon Hospital  

Your consultant spine surgeon will advise you if any tests need to be undertaken, such as CT or MRI scanning, to investigate any further signs of concern. 

‘I work closely with the team at Hendon to make sure that all investigations, including scans, are performed promptly. The result is that patients receive their diagnosis early, and a personal treatment plan can be put in place. This service is available to people who have health insurance, and also people who do not have health insurance,’ explains Mr Panchmatia. 

After an accurate diagnosis has been made, your treatment can be tailored to your specific needs. 

Non-surgical treatments for spinal conditions at Hendon Hospital 

One of the main concerns of those with spine conditions is that surgery will be their only treatment option. However, this is rarely the case. 

Mr Panchmatia explains: ‘95% of our patients won't need surgical intervention… Other avenues of treatment include pain management, physiotherapy and other conservative therapies.’ 

Although you will meet a spinal surgeon for your initial appointment, it is important to know that many spinal conditions will not need surgery to treat. Non-operative treatments can be very effective for many back problems. 

Surgery is often only recommended where other treatment options have been exhausted. 

Typically, most minor back pain problems can be resolved with over the counter pain medication, such as NSAIDs or paracetamol, or physiotherapy exercises. 

If you've been diagnosed with a degenerative condition affecting your spine, such as osteoarthritis, or you've got another issue that is causing you discomfort, your consultant may recommend prescription oral medications. These are usually stronger and more effective than over-the-counter alternatives. 

If pain medication isn't providing enough relief from your discomfort, you may be recommended nerve root injections. This involves a combination of steroid and local anaesthetic injected into a specific nerve root in your spine. This injection blocks pain signals and eases your discomfort. 

The effects of nerve root injections can last up to several months depending on the person. 

Surgical treatments for spinal concerns at Hendon Hospital 

If your consultant decides that surgery is the best option for you, they will explain what you can expect from surgery in detail. 

You'll also have the opportunity to ask any questions. You'll be advised how to prepare, what to expect from your recovery and the risks are involved. 

Please note that Hendon Hospital can only accommodate day surgery cases. If you require more complex surgery, your consultant surgeon will still perform the surgery, but at an alternative Circle Health Group hospital. 

Spinal fusion surgery 

Spinal fusion surgery can effectively treat chronic pain in your lumbar (lower) spine by mimicking the natural healing process of broken bones. 

The procedure involves fusing together two or more of your vertebrae (the bones that form your spinal cord) using a bone graft. This helps your spine heal as a solid unit, helping reduce pain and restore function to your back. 

Spinal decompression surgery 

Lumbar spinal decompression is performed to treat compressed nerves. These happen as a result of a range of spinal issues. For example, a spinal injury, or a slipped disc in your back. 

There are three common forms of this procedure: 

• Laminectomy: when a section of your bone is removed from one of your vertebrae (spinal bones). This helps alleviate pressure on the affected nerve 
• Discectomy: when a section of a damaged disc in your back is removed to alleviate pressure on your nerve(s) 
• Spinal fusion: when one or more of your vertebrae are fused together to strengthen and stabilise your spine 

How serious is spinal decompression surgery?  

Spinal decompression surgery is a common operation and is not considered to be a high risk procedure. However, it is a major operation and, as with any surgery, there are potential risks. 

Lumbar laminectomy 

During lumbar laminectomy, your consultant orthopaedic surgeon will remove part or all of the vertebral bone in your spine. The procedure helps ease pressure on your spinal cord and nerve roots, reducing pain and improving your mobility. 

A lumbar laminectomy may be performed along with spinal fusion to help your spine heal as a solid unit. 

How long does it take to walk after spinal surgery? 

Recovery is an individual journey after spinal surgery. The length recovery will take will depend on the type of surgery you've had and can vary from person to person. 

Typically, after standard decompression surgery, you should be able to return to most normal activities within 12 weeks. 

Why choose Hendon Hospital for private spinal surgery?

Issues affecting your spine can be stressful, painful and significantly impact your quality of life. Our dedicated spinal surgery team at Hendon can offer the care and support you need to overcome your issues and improve your quality of life. 

If you think you might need spinal surgery or non-surgical treatment for back pain, please get in touch with the spinal surgery team at Hendon Hospital today.  

How to book spinal surgery in Hendon

To book a consultation to discuss spinal surgery with an orthopaedic surgeon near you, use our online booking system, or give us a call and one of our dedicated advisors will help you find an appointment time that suits you.