Spine Surgery

Spine surgery is generally considered when there is a structural problem that is unlikely to improve adequately with appropriate non-surgical treatment, or when there is significant nerve or spinal cord compression, neurological weakness, spinal instability, deformity, fracture or another condition requiring surgical treatment.

Severe or progressive neurological symptoms require prompt medical assessment. Not every patient with back pain needs surgery. A specialist evaluation is necessary to determine the appropriate treatment.

Yes. Many slipped or herniated discs improve with non-surgical treatment.

Depending on the condition, treatment may include medication, physiotherapy, activity modification and other conservative approaches.

Surgery may be considered when symptoms persist despite appropriate treatment, or when there is significant nerve compression, progressive weakness or another indication for surgery.

A slipped disc can cause symptoms when it irritates or compresses a nearby nerve.

Common symptoms may include:

• Lower back or neck pain

• Pain radiating into the leg or arm

• Numbness or tingling

• Muscle weakness and difficulty with certain movements.

Symptoms vary depending on which part of the spine is affected. Sudden or progressive weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin area requires urgent medical assessment.

Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces within the spine become narrowed, potentially putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

It may cause back pain, leg pain, numbness, weakness or difficulty walking, particularly in some forms of lumbar spinal stenosis. 

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms. Physiotherapy, medication and other non-surgical treatments may be appropriate for some patients. Surgery may be considered when symptoms are severe, persistent or associated with significant neurological problems.

The appropriate procedure depends entirely on the underlying condition.

Depending on the diagnosis, spinal surgery may include procedures for:

• Nerve decompression

• Herniated or slipped discs

• Spinal stenosis

• Spinal fractures

• Spinal instability

• Spinal deformities

• Spinal trauma

• Other structural conditions affecting the spine.

Your surgeon will explain the recommended procedure, alternatives, potential risks and expected recovery before treatment.

No. Minimally invasive techniques can be beneficial for selected patients, but they are not appropriate for every spinal condition. 

Suitability depends on factors such as the type and location of the spinal problem, severity of disease, previous surgery, anatomy and the specific procedure required.

The safest and most appropriate surgical approach should be determined after clinical evaluation and imaging.

Recovery depends on the type and complexity of surgery, the patient's overall health and the condition being treated.

Some patients may begin walking relatively soon after certain procedures, while more complex spinal operations or trauma cases may require longer hospitalisation and rehabilitation.

Recovery may involve pain management, physiotherapy, gradual strengthening, mobility training and activity restrictions. Your treating team will provide an individualised recovery plan.

It can, when the pain is caused by a structural problem that is compressing or irritating a spinal nerve.

Conditions such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis or other forms of nerve compression can cause pain that travels from the spine into an arm or leg.

Surgery may be considered when the underlying compression requires surgical treatment, particularly when symptoms are severe, persistent or associated with neurological weakness.

Yes. Serious accidents can cause vertebral fractures, spinal instability, spinal cord compression or other injuries that may require surgical treatment.

The treatment depends on the type of injury, spinal stability, neurological status and imaging findings.

At TTCH, spinal trauma can be assessed within a multidisciplinary trauma environment, with orthopaedic, neurosurgical, anaesthesia, critical care and rehabilitation support when clinically required.

TTCH provides spine care within a broader trauma, orthopaedic, surgical and rehabilitation environment, which is particularly relevant for patients with complex spinal injuries and musculoskeletal conditions.

Patients can receive coordinated evaluation and treatment involving spine and orthopaedic specialists, neurosurgery, trauma care, anaesthesia, critical care and physiotherapy, depending on their clinical requirements.

The focus is on accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment selection, patient safety and rehabilitation designed to help patients regain mobility and function.