Spine Surgery
Spine surgery treats problems of the spinal column and the nerves it protects — such as a herniated disc, narrowing of the spinal canal, deformity or instability. Procedures range from removing tissue that presses on a nerve (decompression or discectomy) to fusing vertebrae for stability, and aim to relieve pain, numbness or weakness and restore function.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Spine surgery covers several distinct procedures. Decompression and discectomy relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves — for example from a herniated disc or spinal stenosis — easing leg or arm pain, numbness or weakness. Spinal fusion joins two or more vertebrae to treat instability or deformity such as scoliosis. Many of these can be done with minimally invasive techniques through smaller incisions.
Surgery is considered when nerve compression causes significant or progressive symptoms, or when instability or deformity needs correction, and when non-surgical care — physiotherapy, medication and injections — has not given enough relief. Careful selection matters: not all back pain needs surgery, and the right operation depends on the precise diagnosis from imaging.
Spine surgeons work alongside physiotherapists and rehabilitation specialists. International patients receive a coordinator, a clear plan and a transparent cost estimate before travel, including the expected stay and rehabilitation, and our specialists can review MRI or CT imaging remotely before you decide.
Who is a candidate?
- People with leg or arm pain, numbness or weakness from a herniated disc or pinched nerve
- Patients with spinal stenosis (narrowing) causing significant or worsening symptoms
- Those with spinal instability, fracture or deformity such as scoliosis needing correction
- People whose symptoms persist despite physiotherapy, medication and injections
- Patients seeking a second opinion on whether spine surgery is truly necessary
What happens
- 1
Diagnosis
A clinical examination comes first, followed by MRI or CT imaging to pinpoint the source of nerve compression or instability and define exactly which procedure is needed.
- 2
Planning and preparation
Your surgeon explains the procedure and the alternatives, and you are prepared for anesthesia. Where possible, the least invasive effective approach is chosen.
- 3
The procedure
Under general anesthesia, the surgeon removes tissue pressing on a nerve (decompression or discectomy) or stabilizes the spine with a fusion, often through minimally invasive incisions.
- 4
Early recovery
You are helped to move soon after surgery. Simple decompression often allows quick mobilization; fusion involves a more gradual return to activity.
- 5
Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy rebuilds strength and protects the spine. International patients receive a home exercise plan and a follow-up schedule, with remote support available.
Benefits
- Relieves nerve pain, numbness and weakness caused by compression
- Can restore stability and correct deformity such as scoliosis
- Minimally invasive techniques can mean smaller incisions and a faster recovery
- Improves mobility and quality of life when symptoms have been limiting
- Careful selection means surgery is recommended only when it is likely to help
Risks & considerations
- Infection, bleeding and reaction to anesthesia, as with any surgery
- Nerve irritation or, rarely, nerve injury near the spinal cord
- Incomplete relief of symptoms in some patients
- With fusion, reduced flexibility at the fused level and a longer recovery
- Occasionally, the need for further surgery over time
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is performed by our Spine Center & Orthopedics.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Spine Surgery — frequently asked questions
It treats herniated discs, pinched nerves, spinal stenosis (narrowing), instability, fractures and deformity such as scoliosis — relieving pain, numbness or weakness and restoring function.
Not all back pain needs surgery. We recommend it only when imaging shows nerve compression, instability or deformity causing significant symptoms, and when non-surgical care has not helped. A second opinion can clarify your options.
Yes. Where it is appropriate, our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques through smaller incisions, which can mean less tissue disruption and a quicker recovery.
Yes. Send your MRI or CT and reports and our specialists provide an independent opinion on whether surgery is needed and what alternatives exist, before you commit to travel.
A simple decompression may mean one to two nights; a fusion typically more, plus rehabilitation — your coordinator confirms the plan and how long to stay in the city. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your case rather than a fixed online price.
Related treatments
Considering spine surgery?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.