Overview
Adult spinal surgery involves a range of procedures aimed at addressing specific spinal conditions. Persistent back pain, leg pain, numbness, or weakness can affect many aspects of daily life, from work to family time. Most people find that these symptoms improve with time, activity modification, physiotherapy, and pain management. However, for a smaller group, where symptoms persist or a specific structural problem is identified, surgery may be considered as part of a wider treatment plan.
According to the NHS, approximately 80% of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. While many will recover without surgery, some may require intervention. Spinal surgery is not a single operation; it can involve relieving pressure on a compressed nerve, stabilising segments that are moving abnormally, or correcting deformities. In line with NICE guidelines, non-surgical care is prioritised, with surgery reserved for carefully selected patients. Mr Sudarshan Munigangaiah adheres to this principle, ensuring the first consultation focuses on accurate diagnosis rather than an assumption that surgery is necessary.
Who is Adult Spinal Surgery For?
A specialist spinal assessment may be worthwhile if you have:
- Leg pain, tingling, or numbness travelling below the knee that has not settled over several weeks
- Arm pain, pins, and needles, or weakness arising from the neck
- Buttock or leg pain on walking that eases on sitting or bending forward
- Back pain limiting work, sleep, exercise, or independence despite physiotherapy
- Progressive weakness, hand clumsiness, or difficulty with balance and walking
- A known spinal deformity that appears to be changing
- Ongoing or new symptoms following previous spinal surgery
How treatment works
Assessment
A detailed history and examination, with existing imaging reviewed or an MRI, CT or X-ray arranged where needed.
Discussion of options
The findings are explained clearly, and physiotherapy, injections, medication and surgery are set out with the benefits and risks of each.
Treatment
Where surgery is right, the specific procedure and what to expect are discussed in full before any decision is made.
Recovery
Structured follow-up and physiotherapy guide recovery, with timescales that vary by procedure.
Risks and Honest Expectations
All surgery carries risk. Possible complications include infection, bleeding, blood clots, anaesthetic risks, dural tear, nerve irritation or injury, ongoing or recurrent pain, implant-related problems, non-union after fusion, and the possibility of further surgery. Additional wear can develop at levels adjacent to a fusion over time.
Worth setting out plainly:
- Nerve pain in the leg or arm often responds better to surgery than long-standing back pain alone
- Smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, obesity and low bone density can affect healing
- Non-surgical management remains a legitimate option and may be revisited at any stage
- Results and recovery vary between individuals, and no outcome can be guaranteed
Surgery is only ever recommended when non-surgical care has been fully explored and it is genuinely the right option.
QUICK FACTS
Suitable for
Adults
Procedure time
1 to 3 hours
Anaesthetic
General, usually
Hospital stay
Day case to several nights
Back to desk work
2 to 6 weeks
Full recovery
6 weeks to 6 months