Spinal Decompression

Radicular pain — the pain, numbness or weakness running down the leg or arm — often improves within days, because the pressure causing it is removed during the operation. Back pain and stamina take longer. Most patients return to desk work between two and six weeks, and to sport or physical work between six and twelve.

Not necessarily, and this is the most important expectation to set honestly. Decompression treats compression of the nerve. Where a significant part of your pain is axial — coming from the disc itself rather than the trapped nerve — decompression alone may not address it. That is why an axial pain component appears under considerations above, and why your imaging and symptoms are matched carefully before surgery is recommended.

It can, if too much is taken. The whole technique is built around removing only what is compressing the nerve while leaving the facet joints and stabilizing structures intact — which is why the work is done under magnification. Where the compression cannot be relieved without removing enough to destabilize the segment, decompression is combined with motion preserving techniques or fusion rather than performed alone.

Often, yes — foraminotomy in particular is commonly performed as a day case. The approach is minimally invasive and early mobilization is encouraged, with walking on the same day. Your specific plan depends on the technique, the number of levels and your general health.

The opposite. Persistent symptoms despite conservative care is one of the ideal indications for decompression, because it confirms the problem is structural rather than something that will settle on its own. Send your imaging and we will tell you whether the compression we can see matches the symptoms you describe.