New hope for back pain sufferers CircleBath’s spinal surgeons are now offering back pain sufferers the option of Microdiscectomy Surgery, as a day case procedure with exceptional results. Late last year, local arable farmer Mr Jeffery Coles, found himself the victim of acute back pain with numbness down his leg, known as sciatica, and left him unable to manage his farm. Mr Coles has a 15-year history of back pain which he previously managed with intermittent physiotherapy and pain killers when the pain was particularly bad. His lifestyle means he is constantly outdoors on the farm often involved in heavy lifting, bending, twisting as well as spending long periods on his feet. After a visit to his GP, Mr Coles had more physiotherapy and saw an osteopath, however, his condition did not improve. He was referred to CircleBath’s Spinal Unit by his GP, who diagnosed Mr Coles with a herniated disc requiring surgery. The spinal consultants at CircleBath were able to offer Mr Coles Microdiscectomy day case surgery where the procedure is done through a small incision, allowing the patient to go home just hours after surgery. Microdiscectomy is not necessarily the right treatment for every form of back pain, however, as day case surgery it can be considered for a wide range of back problems including disk prolapse, chronic circlebath.co.uk shortly after surgery”. Recovery from this form of surgery is quicker and less painful than traditional methods as muscles in the back are not cut during the operation. The Spinal Surgery team at CircleBath, from left to right: Venkat Iyer, Richard Edwards, Alex Buckley (Lead Physiotherapist), Otto Von Arx and Crispin Wigfield back pain and sciatica. “The procedure requires a one-inch incision in the back”, explains one of the unit’s surgeons, “And the operation is usually completed in less than two hours, allowing the patient to return home that evening”. “I was amazed with how well I felt after surgery and how quickly I was able to get back to life on the farm”, said Mr Coles. “I was able to get back to everyday activities at about eight weeks and I was back on the farm at five months. I feel like a new man and my children no longer have to put my socks on as I can do it for myself!”, he explains. The surgeon adds, “Patients who undergo day case spinal surgery are up on their feet and walking without much pain CircleBath patients benefit from a multidisciplinary team approach, including an extensive and informative pre-operative assessment and a postoperative rehabilitation programme with the very best physiotherapy facilities. CircleBath hospital is co-owned and co-managed by everyone who works there, ensuring that you receive the best possible experience. With views over the gorgeous Wellow valley and a Head Chef who joined from a Michelinstarred restaurant, preparing each meal to order, Circle’s patient experience is constantly praised. Should you or someone you know experience back pain, please speak to your GP about the treatment options available at CircleBath.