Although back pain is very common, 85% of lumbago is untreatable. However, as much as 90% of patients suffering from lumbago recover in a month without any surgical treatment. The prognosis for recovery from back pain is mostly very good. If the pain in the lower back and/or in the legs cannot be treated by conservative treatment such as physical therapy, pain management, and back brace, you will be referred to an orthopaedist or a neurosurgeon.

During your first appointment with your surgeon, you will thoroughly discuss your problems and types of pain from which you are suffering. You should pay special attention to any trouble with urinating or defecating.

The surgeon will examine you thoroughly and identify the nerve that is causing pain and other inconveniences. The main goal of the examination is to assess the flexibility of the spine and the strength and sensations in your legs. The doctor will analyse the results of your diagnostic imaging tests. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine is usually required.

If you agree on a surgical intervention, the surgeon will give you detailed information on the surgery, expected results and possible complications. An approximate date for the surgery will be set and you will need to fill out and sign a consent form for treatment and surgery. Before the procedure, you will also undergo an examination in the anaesthesiology clinic.