Lumbar Spinal Decompression

Lumbar decompression surgery is an area of surgery used to treat conditions relating to the lower back area that have failed to respond to other treatments such as physiotherapy or medication. 

The aim of this type of surgery is to decrease the amount of pain being felt on the upper leg, caused by pressure on the nerves around the spine.

Lumbar decompression surgery is often used to treat:

• spinal stenosis – where a section of the spinal column becomes narrowed and places pressure on the nerves inside

• a slipped disc and sciatica– where one of the spinal discs becomes damaged and presses down on an underlying nerve

• spinal injuries – such as a fracture or the swelling of tissue

• metastatic spinal cord compression – where cancer in one part of the body, such as the lungs, spreads into the spine and presses on the spinal cord or nerves

This procedure will normally be covered by the medical insurance policy but patients are advised to check with the provider prior to any treatment.

If you are paying for your own treatment all costs will be discussed and explained prior to any treatment taking place. This will be confirmed in writing along with any surgeon fees, anaesthetist fees and hospital charges prior to admission.