Book an Appointment
Book a Callback
Spine Surgery
Spine surgery encompasses a range of operations to treat conditions causing spinal cord or nerve compression, spinal instability, or deformity. Common procedures include laminectomy (removing bone to decompress the spinal canal), spinal fusion (joining two or more vertebrae to eliminate painful movement), disc replacement, and scoliosis correction. At Iswarya Hospital our spine team uses minimally invasive techniques wherever possible — smaller incisions, less blood loss, and faster recovery than conventional open spine surgery.
How Spine Surgery is performed
- 1
General anaesthesia and positioning on a specialised spinal frame.
- 2
For minimally invasive (MISS): a small incision, tube dilators expand the muscles, instruments work through the tube.
- 3
Decompression: bone and disc material pressing on nerves are removed.
- 4
Fusion: pedicle screws are placed into adjacent vertebrae; a rod connects them.
- 5
Bone graft (patient's own bone or synthetic) is packed to promote fusion.
- 6
Neurophysiology monitoring (IONM) is used throughout to protect nerve function.
Benefits of Spine Surgery
- ✓Relief of nerve compression pain, numbness, and weakness
- ✓Stabilises the spine in patients with instability or deformity
- ✓Minimally invasive technique: smaller incisions, less blood loss, shorter hospital stay
- ✓Intra-operative neuro-monitoring: highest safety standard for complex procedures
- ✓Allows return to normal activities for most patients within 3 months
Preparing for Spine Surgery
- MRI and CT scan of the spine for detailed pre-operative planning.
- Bone density scan if osteoporosis is suspected — affects screw holding strength.
- Stop smoking — smoking significantly impairs bone fusion.
- Weight loss if BMI is high — improves surgical access and recovery.
- Pre-operative physiotherapy and education on post-operative restrictions.
Risks and side effects of Spine Surgery
- Incomplete pain relief — not all back pain is due to structural causes
- Infection at the surgical site or in the disc space
- Dural tear — spinal fluid leak requiring repair
- Hardware failure (broken screws or rods) in long fusions
- Adjacent segment disease — increased stress on levels above/below the fusion over time
Your surgeon will discuss all risks with you before the procedure and take appropriate precautions to minimise them.
Recovery after Spine Surgery
- Early mobilisation: sitting and walking with support within 24 hours of surgery.
- A spinal brace may be required for 6–12 weeks for some fusions.
- Avoid bending, lifting, and twisting for 6–12 weeks.
- Spine rehabilitation physiotherapy starts at 6 weeks.
- CT scan at 3–6 months to confirm solid bony fusion.
Spine Surgery FAQs
Will I need to wear a brace after spine surgery?
This depends on the type of surgery. Decompression alone usually does not require a brace. Fusion surgery often requires a lumbar or cervical collar for 6–12 weeks.
Does spinal fusion limit movement?
Fusing 1–2 levels causes minimal noticeable reduction in movement in most patients. The pain and disability from the unfused unstable spine is far more limiting than the fusion.
Spine Surgery at Iswarya Hospital
Trusted expertise and global-standard neurological care, covering both neurology and neurosurgery for a wide range of brain and spine conditions.
Neurology specialists for Spine Surgery
Related guides
Plan your first visit
Not sure which specialist to see? Tell our care team the reason for your visit and we will help you choose.
- Bring previous prescriptions, relevant test reports or scan images, a medication list and photo ID.
- If you plan to use insurance, bring your policy details. OPD, tests and admission benefits depend on your individual plan and approval.
- Ask the treating team about alternatives, preparation, expected stay, recovery and a written estimate. Follow their instructions for your case.
Appointments are requests until confirmed. In a medical emergency, call 044 2025 2025 or go to the nearest emergency department.
ℹ️ This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual treatment plans may vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any medical decisions.