Lumbar decompression surgery
Lumbar decompression surgery relieves pressure on nerves in the lower spine. It may help improve leg pain, numbness or weakness when symptoms have not settled with other suitable treatments.
Lumbar decompression surgery overview
Compressed nerves can be caused by spinal stenosis, a slipped disc, sciatica, a spinal fracture or, less commonly, another condition within the spine. Cauda equina syndrome can also require urgent decompression when the nerves at the base of the spine become suddenly compressed. Your consultant will explain whether surgery is suitable after reviewing your symptoms, examination, scans and response to non-surgical treatment.
How is surgery carried out?
The procedure is carried out in hospital under a general anaesthetic. The surgeon reaches the spine through one incision or several smaller incisions in the back. Depending on the cause of pressure, the operation may include:
- Laminectomy: removing a small section of bone from a vertebra to create more space.
- Discectomy: removing part of a damaged disc that is pressing on a nerve.
- Spinal fusion: stabilising part of the spine when this is needed.
The operation commonly takes around two to four hours but may take longer. Many people leave hospital after around two to five days, depending on the procedure and recovery.
Are there any risks?
Serious complications are uncommon, but every operation carries risks. Your consultant will explain these in full. Possible complications include:
- infection, bleeding or a reaction to the anaesthetic
- a leak of spinal fluid, which may need further treatment
- damage to a spinal nerve and, very rarely, paralysis
- persistent or recurrent pain
- instability or movement between vertebrae that may require another operation
Recovery from lumbar decompression surgery
Walking and going home
Many people begin walking within a day. Your care team will tell you how to move safely, care for the wound and recognise symptoms that need attention.
Returning to routine
Some people can return to work after around four to six weeks, depending on the type of work and their recovery. Gradually increase walking and other activities, following the advice you have been given.
Usual activities
It can take up to twelve weeks to resume all usual activities, and some people take longer. Your consultant and physiotherapist will guide your return to driving, lifting and sport.
Working with Spine professionals and teams
Our spine specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their spines. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Spine treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Lumbar decompression surgery FAQs
It may be used for spinal stenosis, a slipped disc, sciatica, a spinal fracture or another condition that compresses nerves in the lower back. Your scans and symptoms will determine whether it is suitable.
Some people return after four to six weeks, but manual work may require longer. Your surgeon will advise you based on the operation and your progress.
Return gradually and only when your specialist advises you to. The timing depends on the operation, your recovery and the type of sport.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
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