Mr Nikolay Peev
Spinal Surgery
Are you living with ongoing back or neck pain that is affecting your daily activities, mobility, or quality of life?
Spinal conditions can make it difficult to work, exercise, sleep, or carry out everyday tasks. Some people experience pain that travels into the arms or legs, while others may notice numbness, weakness, or reduced movement. When symptoms continue despite non surgical treatments, specialist assessment may be needed to identify the cause and discuss treatment options.
What is spinal surgery?
Spinal surgery, often referred to as back surgery, is a range of procedures used to treat conditions affecting the spine, spinal nerves, and surrounding structures. The aim is to reduce pain, relieve pressure on nerves, improve stability, and help restore movement and function.
The type of surgery recommended depends on the underlying condition, symptoms, and results of any scans or investigations. Some procedures involve removing tissue that is pressing on nerves, while others are designed to stabilise part of the spine.
Spinal surgery may be suitable for people with conditions such as slipped discs, spinal stenosis, spinal instability, nerve compression, spinal fractures, or certain spinal deformities.
All treatment decisions are consultant led. Your spinal consultant will assess your symptoms, review any imaging, discuss available options, and explain whether surgery may be appropriate for you.
Still have questions about spinal surgery? Check out our FAQs.
Healthcare Without
the Wait
Many patients across Ireland choose Kingsbridge Private Hospital to avoid delays often experienced through the HSE and access consultant led spinal care sooner.
Spinal surgery is available at Kingsbridge Private Hospital in Belfast and Ballykelly, making treatment easily accessible for patients travelling from border counties and across Ireland.
We work with a wide range of private health insurers to help you access treatment quickly and easily.
Next Available Appointment
Belfast
5 days
Steps to get started
If you are considering spinal surgery, you can arrange a consultation directly with Kingsbridge Private Hospital to discuss your symptoms, assessment, and treatment options.
Spinal Surgery Cost
The cost of spinal surgery depends on the type of procedure being performed, the complexity of surgery, hospital fees, and any rehabilitation or follow up care required.
We will provide clear pricing information in advance, along with details of what is included as part of your treatment, hospital stay, and aftercare.
We will provide clear pricing information in advance, along with details of what is included as part of your treatment, hospital stay, and aftercare.
Cross-Boarder Healthcare Plan
Many patients from Ireland may be eligible to claim partial reimbursement through the HSE Cross Border Healthcare Plan for spinal surgery.
The scheme allows eligible patients to travel to Northern Ireland for treatment and apply to the HSE for reimbursement towards a portion of the cost of their care.
Our team can provide guidance on the documentation required and explain how the process works.
The scheme allows eligible patients to travel to Northern Ireland for treatment and apply to the HSE for reimbursement towards a portion of the cost of their care.
Our team can provide guidance on the documentation required and explain how the process works.
If you’re using health insurance
Spinal surgery may be covered by private health insurance depending on your provider and level of cover.
We work with a range of private health insurers, including Vhi, Level Health, Irish Life Health, Laya Healthcare, and St Paul’s.
You should check directly with your insurer to confirm what is included under your policy, including consultations, surgery, hospital stay, diagnostic imaging, and physiotherapy where applicable.
We work with a range of private health insurers, including Vhi, Level Health, Irish Life Health, Laya Healthcare, and St Paul’s.
You should check directly with your insurer to confirm what is included under your policy, including consultations, surgery, hospital stay, diagnostic imaging, and physiotherapy where applicable.
If you’re paying for treatment yourself
We will provide clear information about the cost of spinal surgery before you proceed with treatment.
This includes consultation fees, surgery costs, hospital charges, and aftercare arrangements, helping you understand the expected costs and make an informed decision about your treatment.
This includes consultation fees, surgery costs, hospital charges, and aftercare arrangements, helping you understand the expected costs and make an informed decision about your treatment.
Meet Our Spinal Consultants
At Kingsbridge, you’ll be in the expert hands of Ireland and the UK’s top orthopaedics consultants.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following frequently asked questions address common concerns and help you understand what to expect from spinal surgery.
How can I access spinal surgery in Ireland?
Patients in Ireland can access spinal surgery through private healthcare or the public healthcare system.
For private care, you can book a consultation directly with us. During your appointment, a consultant spinal surgeon will assess your condition, review any scans or investigations, and discuss the most suitable treatment options.
Access through the public system usually begins with a GP referral and may involve assessment by a specialist before surgery is considered.
What are the waiting times for spinal surgery?
With private care, you can often access consultant assessment and treatment sooner by booking a consultation directly with us.
Waiting times through the HSE can vary depending on your location, condition, and demand for specialist services. In some cases, patients may wait months for assessment and treatment.
How much does spinal surgery cost in Ireland?
The cost of spinal surgery varies depending on the type of procedure being performed, the complexity of surgery, hospital fees, and aftercare requirements.
You will receive clear pricing information before treatment, including details of what is included in your care.
If you have private health insurance, it is advisable to check your level of cover with your provider before treatment.
Patients travelling from Ireland to Northern Ireland for spinal surgery may be eligible to have some or all of the cost reimbursed through the HSE Cross Border Healthcare Plan. Eligibility criteria apply and patients should confirm their individual circumstances before proceeding.
How long does spinal surgery take?
The length of spinal surgery varies depending on the type of procedure being performed and the complexity of your condition.
Some procedures are less extensive and may involve a shorter stay in hospital, while others require more complex surgery and a longer period of recovery and monitoring. Your consultant will explain what to expect based on your individual treatment plan.
What happens before, during, and after spinal surgery?
Understanding what happens before, during, and after spinal surgery can help you prepare for treatment and recovery. The exact process will depend on the procedure being performed and your individual circumstances.
Before surgery
You will attend a consultation with a spinal surgeon who will assess your symptoms, review any imaging, and discuss your treatment options.
You may require additional investigations, blood tests, or a pre assessment appointment before surgery. Your consultant will explain the planned procedure, expected benefits, and any potential risks.
During surgery
Spinal surgery is performed under anaesthetic. The surgical approach used will depend on the condition being treated and the procedure being carried out.
The aim may be to relieve pressure on nerves, remove damaged tissue, restore spinal stability, or address structural problems affecting the spine.
After surgery
Following surgery, you will be monitored by the clinical team as you recover.
The length of your hospital stay will depend on the procedure performed and your progress after surgery. Before you leave hospital, you will receive guidance on pain management, activity levels, wound care, and any rehabilitation that may be required.
What types of spinal surgery are available?
Several different spinal surgery procedures are available. The most appropriate option depends on the condition being treated, the location of the problem within the spine, and your symptoms. Your consultant will explain which procedure may be suitable for you.
Discectomy (Slipped Disc Surgery)
A discectomy is performed to remove part of a damaged or slipped disc that is pressing on a spinal nerve. This can help relieve symptoms such as leg pain, arm pain, numbness, or weakness caused by nerve compression.
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion involves permanently joining two or more vertebrae together. It may be recommended when instability within the spine is causing pain or when additional support is needed following other spinal procedures.
Spinal Decompression Surgery
Spinal decompression surgery is a general term for procedures designed to relieve pressure on spinal nerves or the spinal cord. Depending on the cause of the compression, this may involve removing bone, disc material, or other tissues that are affecting nearby nerves.
Laminectomy
A laminectomy removes part of the vertebra called the lamina. This creates more space around the spinal cord and nerves and is commonly used to treat spinal stenosis and nerve compression.
Vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty is used to treat certain spinal fractures, often caused by osteoporosis. The procedure involves injecting a specialised medical cement into the affected vertebra to improve stability and reduce pain.
Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is a similar procedure to vertebroplasty and is used to treat compression fractures of the spine. A small balloon is first inserted into the vertebra to create space before bone cement is injected. This may help restore some vertebral height while stabilising the fracture.
Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery
Some spinal procedures can be performed using smaller incisions and specialised surgical instruments. Depending on the condition being treated, this approach may reduce disruption to surrounding tissues and support recovery.
The most appropriate type of spinal surgery will depend on your symptoms, diagnosis, scan results, and overall health. Your consultant will explain the available options and recommend the procedure that is most suitable for your individual needs.
What is the recovery time after spinal surgery?
Recovery varies depending on the type of surgery performed, your general health, and the condition being treated.
Many patients are encouraged to begin gentle movement soon after surgery. Returning to work, driving, and normal activities can take several weeks or months depending on the procedure.
Your consultant will provide personalised recovery guidance and explain any restrictions that apply to your situation.
What aftercare is provided following spinal surgery?
Aftercare forms an important part of recovery.
You may have follow up appointments to monitor healing and assess your progress. Some patients may also benefit from physiotherapy or rehabilitation programmes to improve strength, mobility, and function.
You will receive advice on wound care, medication, physical activity, and any symptoms that should be reported following surgery.
Are there alternatives to spinal surgery?
In many cases, spinal surgery is considered only after non surgical treatments have been explored.
Depending on your condition, alternative treatment options may include physiotherapy, exercise programmes, pain management treatments, anti inflammatory medication, spinal injections, or lifestyle modifications. These approaches may help manage symptoms and improve function without the need for surgery.
The most suitable treatment will depend on your diagnosis, symptoms, and response to previous treatments. Your consultant will discuss all appropriate options and advise whether spinal surgery is the most suitable treatment for your individual needs.
Our Locations
Our locations are easily accessible via major transport routes, making them convenient for patients travelling from border counties and across Ireland.
Approximate travel times:
Dublin to Belfast: 2.5 hours
Letterkenny to Ballykelly: 1 hour
Easy access and convenient travel links make it simpler for patients across Ireland to attend consultations, treatment, and follow up appointments.