Lumbar decompression surgery
Ron Oxburgh, chairman of several small companies, successfully underwent lumbar decompression surgery.
"I started to feel a tingling in my toes, which progressively got worse," says Ron. "I lost some of the feeling in my legs and was very wobbly. I even used to fall over. It was obvious that something was wrong and, after talking with my GP, friends and colleagues, I was referred to a consultant in the Hammersmith Hospital in London.
"I was given an MRI scan , which showed up gristly growths inside two of my vertebrae, which were impinging on my spinal cord. After explaining all the risks of surgery,ranging from the very low risk of paralysis from the waist downwards to the higher risk of no real improvement, my consultant offered lumbar decompression surgery to remove the growths. I decided that the operation was worth the risk.
"Luckily, I didn't have to wait too long for my operation. I was given a general anaesthetic and was then placed over an arched table to stretch my back and separate the vertebrae. The surgeon made a 15-inch incision down my spine, eased the muscles to one side and got to work, gradually removing the internal growths.
"I felt pretty sore and groggy when I came round, but was back on my feet in no time. I went home after three-and-a-half days and was able to visit the office after a week. I'm a naturally active person as well as very determined, and have no doubt that this speeds up the recovery. I was walking without sticks after three weeks and never looked back. The discomfort has gone and I havent had any more tumbles. I'm now back to my recreation of mountain walking. Obviously, I cant see my scar, but I'm told that it's not particularly noticeable.
"When I went back to see my surgeon a year later, he couldnt believe my range of movement. It really is as good as it ever was."
Lumbar decompression surgery is a type of surgery used to treat compressed nerves in the lower (lumbar) spine. It's only recommended when non-surgical treatments haven't helped.
Lumbar decompression surgery is usually only considered if non-surgical treatments for your lower spine haven't worked and symptoms are affecting your quality of life.
If you and your consultant decide you could benefit from lumbar decompression surgery, you'll be put on a waiting list. Your doctor or surgeon should be able to tell you how long you're likely to have to wait.
Recovery after lumbar decompression surgery will depend on your fitness and level of activity prior to surgery. This is why a course of physiotherapy before the operation may be recommended.
Lumbar decompression surgery is generally effective in relieving symptoms such as leg pain and numbness. However, up to one in three people continue to have symptoms after surgery, or develop symptoms again within a few years.
Ron Oxburgh, chairman of several small companies, successfully underwent lumbar decompression surgery several years ago.