Back surgery (spinal surgery) at Spire Cardiff Hospital

Treatment to relieve pain from compressed nerves in your spine.

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0292 054 2509

0292 073 6011

At Spire Cardiff Hospital, we offer back surgery using trusted and clinically proven techniques in our clean and modern facilities to repair damage to your back and help you enjoy your usual activities again.

Sometimes also called

  • Discectomy
  • Laminectomy
  • Lumbar decompression
  • Microdiscectomy
  • Spinal decompression surgery
  • Spinal fusion test

The procedure(s) listed above are examples only and may not be available at all Spire hospitals.


At a glance

  • Typical hospital stay
    1-4 days

  • Procedure duration
    At least an hour, varies according to type of surgery

  • Type of anaesthetic
    General

  • Available to self-pay?
    Yes

  • Covered by health insurance?
    Yes

Why Spire?

  • Fast access to diagnostic tests and scans
  • Wide range of treatments offered
  • Clear, simple pricing and flexible payment options

By Wallace Health I Medically reviewed by Adrian Roberts.
Page last reviewed: October 2018 I Next review due: October 2023

Back surgery: what to expect at Spire Cardiff Hospital

At Spire Cardiff Hospital, our orthopaedic (bone and muscle) consultants and neurosurgeons have wide experience in performing back surgery in our clean and modern facilities. They’ll offer you a treatment and recovery plan that’s personalised to you, to relieve your symptoms and help you get back to your everyday activities. Our dedicated nurses and physiotherapists will provide you with expert aftercare to help you get the most from your operation.

How much does Back surgery (spinal surgery) cost at Spire Cardiff Hospital

It’s common for this treatment to be done privately, and with our inclusive prices and access to payment plans you’ll find it easier and more affordable, whether or not you have medical insurance.

Back surgery (slipped disc) lower back
Initial consultation £200
Treatment price £8,843
Aftercare Included
From price From £9,043
Monthly treatment price

(Loan applicable to the treatment cost and excludes the initial consultation)

£251
Representative example
Loan amount £7,843
Deposit £1,000
Loan period 36 months
Representative APR 9.9%
Total amount repayable £9,036
Back surgery (slipped disc) lower back and facet joints
Initial consultation £225
Treatment price £10,353
Aftercare Included
From price From £10,578
Monthly treatment price

(Loan applicable to the treatment cost and excludes the initial consultation)

£228
Representative example
Loan amount £9,103
Deposit £1,250
Loan period 48 months
Representative APR 9.9%
Total amount repayable £10,944

The price shown is the ‘from price’ (ie the minimum cost of the procedure). Please note that for some procedures the actual price you are quoted may vary significantly and can increase depending on your choice of Consultant (who is an independent practitioner and not an employee of Spire). The fees charged by Consultants and Anaesthetists are set independently and are outside the control of Spire. The price may also vary depending on the type of anaesthetic, implant or drug used, and your medical history.

Spire Cardiff Hospital can provide you with a single, fixed price for your procedure so there are no surprises. Please read Spire Healthcare's terms and conditions for full details of what’s included and excluded in your fixed price when paying for yourself. Finance options are available through our partner Omni Capital Retail Finance Ltd, 10 Norwich Street, London, EC4A 1BD.

Procedures offered for back surgery at Spire Cardiff Hospital

At Spire Cardiff Hospital, we offer trusted and clinically proven surgical techniques for a variety of conditions. Your consultant will be able to recommend which type of surgery is best for you. This may include one or more of the following:

  • Discectomy – used to treat a slipped disc by removing a damaged or worn disc
  • Laminectomy – used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord by removing part of a protruding or fractured vertebra
  • Spinal fusion – used to strengthen your back when you have wear and tear or damage

We’re able to offer surgical techniques and innovations that have been designed to improve outcomes. These include synthetic bone substitutes for spinal fusion so there’s no need to remove and use bone from elsewhere in your body

We also have two laminar flow operating theatres that regulate air flow to minimise the risk of infection.

Preparing for back surgery at Spire Cardiff Hospital

Getting here             

Spire Cardiff Hospital is located a short distance from Junction 30 of the M4 and is well signposted. Public transport options are available. We have free parking on-site for you and your visitors.

Your consultations

Your initial consultation will take place in one of our 21 accessible consulting rooms, so don’t worry if you have difficulty walking. During your consultations, we’ll:

  • Ask about your medical history
  • Say whether you need an X-ray, and/or an MRI or CT scan so your consultant can examine your back in more detail if you haven’t been diagnosed yet
  • Tell you about the particular surgical method your consultant recommends and what it'll involve
  • Explain about the general anaesthetic and how it may affect you
  • Give you a chance to ask any questions you have about your surgery

Once you’ve decided to go ahead with back surgery, your consultant and your physiotherapist will explain your recovery plan.

Back (spinal fusion) surgery

Watch how back surgery takes place

Back surgery: your procedure

On the day of your procedure, you’ll meet your healthcare team, including your anaesthetist and your consultant again. You’ll be shown to one of our large, bright, private rooms. You’ll be with us for one to four days, depending on the type of surgery you have.

If you’ve come with a friend or family member, they’re welcome to wait in our lounge or restaurant while you have your surgery.

Before surgery, you’ll be given a general anaesthetic, so you’ll be unconscious throughout the procedure. Once it's taken effect, your consultant will begin your surgery.

Q & A

Alwyn Jones, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Talking about back surgery

Back surgery: your recovery

After surgery, you can begin your recovery in your private room. All our rooms have:

  • TV
  • Window
  • Armchair
  • En-suite

It’s normal to feel some pain or discomfort after back surgery, so to make your recovery easier, you’ll be given:

  • Medications to help you manage pain, prevent infection and reduce the risk of clotting
  • Sessions with one of our physiotherapists, who'll give you an exercise plan to help you get active again, plus a guide to how long your recovery will take

Although everybody’s different and you should always follow your consultant’s advice, here’s a typical recovery timeline for back surgery:

1-4 days

Leave hospital

2-6 weeks

Able to drive

4-6 weeks

Return to light work

Up to 12 weeks

Return to manual labour work

2-3 months

Return to your usual activities

  • 1-4 days


    Leave hospital

  • 2-6 weeks


    Able to drive

  • 4-6 weeks


    Return to light work

  • Up to 12 weeks


    Return to manual labour work

  • 2-3 months


    Return to your usual activities

The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.

How to get to us

We're a 15 minute taxi ride from Cardiff Central railway station.

Find us on Google maps

Use geographic coordinates/what3words

Spire Cardiff Hospital,

Croescadarn Road
Pontprennau
Cardiff
CF23 8XL

Get in touch

Important information about COVID-19 tests

COVID-19 testing or antibody tests are not available as a standalone service at Spire Cardiff Hospital.

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