Spine Clinic
Back and nerve surgery
at Klíníkin
*Information is subject to change.
Herniated disc
Herniated disc
The spine is made up of vertebrae with intervertebral discs between them. When a tear forms in the outer fibrous ring of a disc, part of the soft core can leak out and press on the nerve roots. This can cause nerve root pain radiating down the leg, weakness in certain muscle groups or numbness in a specific area of skin. Not all herniated discs cause symptoms – studies have shown that 20–30% of people without symptoms have a herniated disc.
The spine is made up of vertebrae with intervertebral discs between them. When a tear forms in the outer fibrous ring of a disc, part of the soft core can leak out and press on the nerve roots. This can cause nerve root pain radiating down the leg, weakness in certain muscle groups or numbness in a specific area of skin. Not all herniated discs cause symptoms – studies have shown that 20–30% of people without symptoms have a herniated disc.
Herniated disc surgery
Herniated disc surgery
The procedure aims to remove the part of the herniated disc that is causing pressure on the nerve. This is performed under general anaesthesia through an approximately 3-5 cm long skin incision. The surgery usually takes 40 to 60 minutes. The goal is to relieve you of nerve pain, and the chances of becoming completely pain-free in your leg are at least 80%. Back pain may persist after the surgery.
Risks and complications
As with all surgeries, there is always a risk of complications. Risks associated with herniated disc surgery include wound infection (1-3.5%), cerebrospinal fluid leak (1-5%), nerve damage with permanent weakness (<1%), sensory loss or nerve pain (1-4.5%), disc space infection (<1%), blood clot (1%), and a recurrent herniated disc within a year requiring surgery (5-10%).
The procedure aims to remove the part of the herniated disc that is causing pressure on the nerve. This is performed under general anaesthesia through an approximately 3-5 cm long skin incision. The surgery usually takes 40 to 60 minutes. The goal is to relieve you of nerve pain, and the chances of becoming completely pain-free in your leg are at least 80%. Back pain may persist after the surgery.
Risks and complications
As with all surgeries, there is always a risk of complications. Risks associated with herniated disc surgery include wound infection (1-3.5%), cerebrospinal fluid leak (1-5%), nerve damage with permanent weakness (<1%), sensory loss or nerve pain (1-4.5%), disc space infection (<1%), blood clot (1%), and a recurrent herniated disc within a year requiring surgery (5-10%).
Spinal stenosis / Spinal canal narrowing
(e.spinal stenosis)
Spinal stenosis / Spinal canal narrowing
(e.spinal stenosis)
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, most often due to degeneration. Common symptoms include pain, weakness, and impaired balance in the legs, especially when walking or standing. Symptoms are often relieved by rest or when bending forward.
Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, most often due to degeneration. Common symptoms include pain, weakness, and impaired balance in the legs, especially when walking or standing. Symptoms are often relieved by rest or when bending forward.
Spinal stenosis surgery
Spinal stenosis surgery
The procedure, called decompression, aims to widen the space in the spinal canal to create more room for the nerves. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. Decompression is usually done through a 3 to 10 cm long skin incision, depending on the number of vertebrae levels causing issues. The procedure typically takes 60 minutes for one level and about 90 minutes for two levels. The primary goal is to reduce symptoms radiating down into the legs.
Risks and Complications
Risks associated with decompression include wound infection (2-5%), spinal fluid leak (5%), nerve damage with permanent weakness (<1%), deep infections (1%), and blood clots (1%).
The procedure, called decompression, aims to widen the space in the spinal canal to create more room for the nerves. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. Decompression is usually done through a 3 to 10 cm long skin incision, depending on the number of vertebrae levels causing issues. The procedure typically takes 60 minutes for one level and about 90 minutes for two levels. The primary goal is to reduce symptoms radiating down into the legs.
Risks and Complications
Risks associated with decompression include wound infection (2-5%), spinal fluid leak (5%), nerve damage with permanent weakness (<1%), deep infections (1%), and blood clots (1%).
Anaesthetic/steroids in facet joint and nerve root block
Anaesthetic/steroids in facet joint and nerve root block
Injections into the facet joints and adjacent tissues are primarily to reduce back pain when there is underlying inflammation in the joints. Nerve root block is an anaesthetic using local anaesthetic and corticosteroids around one or more nerve roots exiting the spinal cord. The injections are also used to diagnose the cause of back pain.
Injections into the facet joints and adjacent tissues are primarily to reduce back pain when there is underlying inflammation in the joints. Nerve root block is an anaesthetic using local anaesthetic and corticosteroids around one or more nerve roots exiting the spinal cord. The injections are also used to diagnose the cause of back pain.
The anaesthesia
The anaesthesia
The procedure itself takes about 5 minutes. You lie on your stomach on a bench, the skin is disinfected, and then the needle is positioned at the joints or nerve, and anaesthetic and steroids are injected. It is uncommon to experience pain during the procedure.
Risks and side effects
Common side effects include increased pain, which usually subsides within 4 to 48 hours. This is treated with standard painkillers. The steroids can cause redness and a warm sensation in the face, which is harmless. The risk of infection is low, but if you experience unbearable pain, significant swelling or redness at the injection site, or a fever above 38.5°C, you should contact a doctor.
Repeats
If the anaesthesia helps, it can be repeated at 10-12 week intervals if necessary.
The procedure itself takes about 5 minutes. You lie on your stomach on a bench, the skin is disinfected, and then the needle is positioned at the joints or nerve, and anaesthetic and steroids are injected. It is uncommon to experience pain during the procedure.
Risks and side effects
Common side effects include increased pain, which usually subsides within 4 to 48 hours. This is treated with standard painkillers. The steroids can cause redness and a warm sensation in the face, which is harmless. The risk of infection is low, but if you experience unbearable pain, significant swelling or redness at the injection site, or a fever above 38.5°C, you should contact a doctor.
Repeats
If the anaesthesia helps, it can be repeated at 10-12 week intervals if necessary.
RFA treatment (Radiofrequency Ablation)
RFA treatment (Radiofrequency Ablation)
RFA is a radiofrequency treatment where needles are applied to the nerves leading to the facet joints. The purpose is to destroy these nerves with heat, thereby reducing or removing pain signals from damaged or inflamed joints in the spine. This treatment is typically performed when back injections have provided significant pain relief, often a 50-80% reduction in experienced symptoms. Most patients experience pain relief for up to a year or longer.
RFA is a radiofrequency treatment where needles are applied to the nerves leading to the facet joints. The purpose is to destroy these nerves with heat, thereby reducing or removing pain signals from damaged or inflamed joints in the spine. This treatment is typically performed when back injections have provided significant pain relief, often a 50-80% reduction in experienced symptoms. Most patients experience pain relief for up to a year or longer.
The procedure
The procedure
The treatment takes place in an operating theatre under X-ray guidance. The skin is anesthetised with a local anaesthetic. Special needles are placed near the nerves, and tests are performed to ensure safety and prevent nerve damage. Because of this, the procedure cannot be performed under general anaesthesia.
After the procedure
You will go to the recovery ward for observation before going home on the same day. Common side effects include bruising, a burning sensation in the skin, temporary numbness, or weakness in the limbs. Pain may temporarily worsen before recovery begins, which is a normal inflammatory response to neurotomy.
Long-term effects
Pain relief can last for 1.5 to 2 years, and sometimes longer. If the pain returns due to nerve regeneration, the treatment can be repeated.
The treatment takes place in an operating theatre under X-ray guidance. The skin is anesthetised with a local anaesthetic. Special needles are placed near the nerves, and tests are performed to ensure safety and prevent nerve damage. Because of this, the procedure cannot be performed under general anaesthesia.
After the procedure
You will go to the recovery ward for observation before going home on the same day. Common side effects include bruising, a burning sensation in the skin, temporary numbness, or weakness in the limbs. Pain may temporarily worsen before recovery begins, which is a normal inflammatory response to neurotomy.
Long-term effects
Pain relief can last for 1.5 to 2 years, and sometimes longer. If the pain returns due to nerve regeneration, the treatment can be repeated.
Preparation for surgery
Preparation for surgery
Fasting
Six hours before surgery, you must not eat solid or semi-solid food, smoke, or consume nicotine. You may drink clear liquids (such as water, coffee, tea, or juice, but not dairy products) up to two hours before surgery.
Skin cleansing
It is important to wash your entire body and hair with antibacterial soap (Descutan/Hibiscrub) two to three times. The first wash is in the afternoon the day before surgery, the second on the evening of the same day (at least two hours after the first wash), and the third on the morning of the surgery day. Do not shave the surgical area.
Medication
If you take anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Voltaren, or Naproxen, stop taking them two days before surgery. If you take blood thinners such as Waran, Eliquis, or Plavix, you must stop them as instructed by your surgeon/anaesthesiologist.
Nicotine and alcohol
You must stop all nicotine use 6 weeks before surgery and for at least 6 weeks after surgery, as it significantly increases the risk of complications, delays wound and bone healing, and increases the risk of infection. Alcohol consumption should be avoided 30 days before and after surgery.
Pre-surgery checklist
Make sure you have booked an appointment with a physiotherapist for after surgery.
Manage your medication intake according to your doctor's instructions.
Take an antibacterial shower as instructed and do not apply any body lotion to your skin.
Inform your doctor if you have any open wounds.
Ensure you are fasting according to instructions.
Bring a medication card or a list of the medications you take.
Arrange your journey home.
Bring clean, loose-fitting clothing and good shoes to walk in.
Fasting
Six hours before surgery, you must not eat solid or semi-solid food, smoke, or consume nicotine. You may drink clear liquids (such as water, coffee, tea, or juice, but not dairy products) up to two hours before surgery.
Skin cleansing
It is important to wash your entire body and hair with antibacterial soap (Descutan/Hibiscrub) two to three times. The first wash is in the afternoon the day before surgery, the second on the evening of the same day (at least two hours after the first wash), and the third on the morning of the surgery day. Do not shave the surgical area.
Medication
If you take anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, Voltaren, or Naproxen, stop taking them two days before surgery. If you take blood thinners such as Waran, Eliquis, or Plavix, you must stop them as instructed by your surgeon/anaesthesiologist.
Nicotine and alcohol
You must stop all nicotine use 6 weeks before surgery and for at least 6 weeks after surgery, as it significantly increases the risk of complications, delays wound and bone healing, and increases the risk of infection. Alcohol consumption should be avoided 30 days before and after surgery.
Pre-surgery checklist
Make sure you have booked an appointment with a physiotherapist for after surgery.
Manage your medication intake according to your doctor's instructions.
Take an antibacterial shower as instructed and do not apply any body lotion to your skin.
Inform your doctor if you have any open wounds.
Ensure you are fasting according to instructions.
Bring a medication card or a list of the medications you take.
Arrange your journey home.
Bring clean, loose-fitting clothing and good shoes to walk in.
After surgery
After surgery
Going Home and Stay
After disc herniation surgery, patients usually go home on the same day. The length of stay after surgery for spinal stenosis is usually one day. You must not drive yourself home. It is recommended that someone picks you up and that someone stays with you for the first night/nights.
Wound Care
The wound is usually sutured and covered with a waterproof plaster that should remain untouched for two weeks. If the plaster gets wet, it must be changed. Avoid hot tubs, swimming, and bathing for 48 hours after anaesthesia, and a shower can be taken after 24 hours.
Pain Relief and Rehabilitation
It is normal to feel mild to moderate pain in the wound on the back. It is important to be well pain-relieved to be able to move. Pain radiating down the leg is usually better or gone immediately after the surgery. Start moving slowly with daily walks and home exercises. For the first month, you should not lift more than 10 kg.
Sick Leave and Flights
The duration of sick leave depends on the job. For office work, you can generally return to part-time work after a few days and full-time after about two weeks. For physically demanding work, sick leave can take 4 to 6 weeks. Air travel increases the risk of blood clots, so wear compression socks and consult with your surgeon if you have a flight booked within three weeks of surgery.
Going Home and Stay
After disc herniation surgery, patients usually go home on the same day. The length of stay after surgery for spinal stenosis is usually one day. You must not drive yourself home. It is recommended that someone picks you up and that someone stays with you for the first night/nights.
Wound Care
The wound is usually sutured and covered with a waterproof plaster that should remain untouched for two weeks. If the plaster gets wet, it must be changed. Avoid hot tubs, swimming, and bathing for 48 hours after anaesthesia, and a shower can be taken after 24 hours.
Pain Relief and Rehabilitation
It is normal to feel mild to moderate pain in the wound on the back. It is important to be well pain-relieved to be able to move. Pain radiating down the leg is usually better or gone immediately after the surgery. Start moving slowly with daily walks and home exercises. For the first month, you should not lift more than 10 kg.
Sick Leave and Flights
The duration of sick leave depends on the job. For office work, you can generally return to part-time work after a few days and full-time after about two weeks. For physically demanding work, sick leave can take 4 to 6 weeks. Air travel increases the risk of blood clots, so wear compression socks and consult with your surgeon if you have a flight booked within three weeks of surgery.
Prices
An agreement has been reached with Icelandic Health Insurance (SÍ) on coverage of the main back procedures. More details on patient co-payments can be found on the Icelandic Health Insurance website: sjukra.is
Due to high demand for back surgeries and a great need, a referral to Klíníkin is requested in order to prioritise the service as effectively as possible.
Klíníkin also offers surgeries without SÍ coverage, in which case the price list below applies.
Procedure
Price from
Facet joint block, SÍ coverage
depends on the rights of each individual
Herniated disc
1,240,000
Herniated disc, if covered by SÍ agreement
Fully covered by SÍ
Laminectomy
1,700,000
Laminectomy, if covered by SÍ agreement
Fully covered by SÍ
Nerve root block, SÍ coverage
depends on the rights of each individual
Night on the ward
94,000
RFA treatment, 6 levels
257,000
RFA treatment, 8 levels
340,000
Do you have any questions?
Book an appointment
Do not hesitate to get in touch.
Do you have any questions?
Book an appointment
Do not hesitate to get in touch.
Do you have any questions?
Book an appointment
Do not hesitate to get in touch.
Klíníkin is a modern medical centre where specialists work together to improve your health. Our goal is to be a leader in the development of safe, high-quality medical services.
Our services
Contact us
Klíníkin is a modern medical centre where specialists work together to improve your health. Our goal is to be a leader in the development of safe, high-quality medical services.
Our services
Contact us
Klíníkin is a modern medical centre where specialists work together to improve your health. Our goal is to be a leader in the development of safe, high-quality medical services.
Our services
Contact us