London Spine Unit - Back and Neck Pain Clinic Arvostelua 254

I have had severe lower back pain for a period of about 18 months which has very much restricted by ability to walk anything other than short distances. As a previously very active person this has been a major restriction on my lifestyle. Over this period prior to seeing Mr Akmal i had seen or received treatment from 3 other orthopedic surgeons. I of whom said nothing could be done and another who recommended major open surgery which included replacing the disc and locking two discs together. In my view and the view of the other consultants whilst the open surgery suggested might help the problem very short term, it would most probably put more strain on the other discs causing greater damage long term. In addition i was keen to avoid further major surgery at my age (76).
Happily I found Mo Akmal, who takes a very cautious approach wishing to avoid major surgery, with all his treatments done in day care and generally under sedation rather than general anaesthetic.
Initially he recommended targeted steroid injections, with the objectives of both diagnosis and of permanent benefit. Whilst i have had steroid injections in the past the relief if any has been temporary only. In this case the benefit was immediate and lasting as I was able to walk much further than before the procedure without pain.
Mo Akmal then recommended a further procedure, Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression which is designed to dry up and shrink the disc reducing the impingement on the nerve, This took place together with further steroid injection in late September and i am very happy to say that the improvement has been remarkable. Whilst it is still early days, I am now able to walk 35 miles or so a week at least without any pain at the time or after. All nerve pain has disappeared and I have been able to stop completely all NSAIDs ( I was taking probably around 8 -10 a week previously).
Mo has a delightful manner and at the same time is honest and straight forward. He and his team are highly professional and friendly.
The whole procedure took about half an hour and I was out of the building half an hour later.

I recently had a Discectomy at the London Spine Unit in Harley street... the procedure was undertaken by Mr Mo Akmal and his team... I was suffering severe back pain and Sciatic nerve pain before the procedure and after just a few hours I left the unit without either problems.. the service and professionalism I received from Mr Akmal and his team was exceptional.

I had been suffering severe pain, discomfort and restricted movement for the best part of ten years (spinal stenosis) when I went to see Mr Mo Akmal for the first time. I had previously seen other specialists who described to me procedures that seemed rather primitive, with a long recovery period which I could not consider as I am self-employed and would have lost all my business given the time scales they were describing.

The procedure described by Mr Akmal by contrast was fast, minimally invasive and with an expectation I would be back on my feet within a couple of hours, leaving the Hospital shortly afterwards. This is indeed what transpired and I was back home before I knew it. The key it seems is relaxing the right muscles during the procedure and crucially not administering a general anaesthetic, so that the body is still functioning normally of its own volition, although the patient is not aware of anything until it is over.

I had the procedure on Monday the 26th of October and by Thursday I was able to walk 2.8 kilometres without pain and without stopping, this simple feat had been well out of reach for many years.

I am now continuing to build my fitness and to enjoy a way of life that had seemed closed to me. I still pinch myself every day as this is nothing short of a miracle in my life and I am so very grateful to Mr Akmal and his very efficient and charming colleagues for this wonderful gift.

I visited Mr Akmal with severe cervical radiculopathy and muscle loss due to a bulging cervical disk. I was unable to pick my children up, work full days or participate in any sports. I had exhausted all other avenues of treatment and had reservations about visiting a surgeon.

Mr Akmal put my mind at ease straight away. He is extremely professional, an excellent communicator and clearly has a great passion and expertise for what he does.

I had an MRI and two consultations in one morning which was extremely convenient and well organised. Mr Akmal then clearly and concisely talked me through the cause of my cervical pain and possible solutions and outcomes of treatments. I felt no pressure to have any procedures carried out and in fact, Mr Akmal discouraged me from surgery straight away due to the possibility of natural recovery. At no point did I feel rushed and Mr Akmal gave me all the time I needed to ask questions. I opted for steroid injections to possibly speed/help this process along.

Unfortunately, the cervical disc was quite stubborn and I returned 6 weeks later to have a cervical laser discectomy procedure.

All of my procedures were carried out onsite at the Harley Street Hospital. The facility is world-class and every member of Mr Akmal’s team were outstanding from start to finish. You truly feel like you are in the best hands possible.

9 months on I am pain-free and have returned to normal life. I am eternally grateful for Mr Akmal’s skill and the manner in which he helped me navigate a horrible chapter in my life.

I cannot recommend Mr Akmal highly enough.

I had a posterior lumbar discectomy/decompression and insertion of lumbar interlaminar stabilisation done by Mr Mo Akmal. I am very pleased with the result, the pain has virtually all gone, including the constant pain in my calves and it’s only two weeks post operation.
Mr Akmal was friendly and approachable. I was worried about having back surgery, he put my mind at rest.

I am 71 years old and since my late thirties been suffering with back pain. The episodes of pain had progressively got worse where the severe pain would come back every other week.
To try and minimise the episodes I was doing Pilates and stretching every day for at least one hour, also having physiotherapy every 2 weeks.
I have seen at least three other back specialists in the past and they all said that I had Chronic Non-Specific Back Pain from reading the MRI scans.
Mr Akmal studied the MRI scan results and could see something more specific and said that the nerves were being impinged by the vertebrae and ligaments and that they needed cut back and the vertebrae stabilised.
The operation took place in May soon after the Covid lockdown period started. I went up in a taxi in the morning and back home in a taxi in the afternoon. The first few days were uncomfortable, but gradually the pain has been easing up, so much so that I am hoping to play golf next week (12 weeks after surgery).
Apparently the impinged nerve was in a bad way, but now over time should come back to being "normal".

I had pain in my back for over a year and at 46 with 3 young children it had become a real problem, the pain had become so bad I could barely walk round the block without stopping several times.

It was affecting my daily mood as aside from the pain, I just couldn’t do what I wanted to do with the children.

I had tried 3 cortisone injections without success and a repeat MRI showed the bulged disc had got worse not better leaving a very narrow canal for the nerves.

I was told surgery (Microdiscectomy) was the only option and was recommended to Mo Akmal and his team as during the covid-19 pandemic options were limited but because he is able to perform this type of surgery as day surgery it could be done., and my case was becoming urgent

‘Back surgery’ seems to create an issue in peoples’ minds with an assumption that it can lead to months of difficult recovery, risk, uncertain outcomes and other concerns. Even my wife asked if I really felt it was necessary but for me, I knew I had no choice with constant 8/10 pain affecting my daily life.

The fact that Mo and the team made it seem so easy is the first thing I would say. It felt like a minor procedure rather than surgery and that is important! When my healthcare provider authorised the surgery they said it was a 3 days hospital stay but I assured them that it was a day procedure as Mo had explained to me and sure enough, I arrived at 8am and left at 4p.m, picked up by my wife.

The hospital is relaxing and clean, the staff were helpful and attentive, but the important bit is I was walking pain free 90 minutes after surgery, I dressed myself and went home, I was able to sleep normally and walk round the house from the time I got home, and was doing short walks within days. I was 100% pain free instantly and still am following my 6-week check and life is pretty much back to normal, just taking care for another 6 weeks or so with too much bending and twisting.

I cannot recommend Mo and his team highly enough. He has changed my life in a day and I’m eternally grateful”

A very good experience from beginning to end. Staff are friendly and welcoming. The hospital is spotlessly clean. Mr Akmal explained my issue and gave an option of treatments. The operating team were first class and my ever attentive nurse Mila put me at ease.
I would highly recommend the London Spine Clinic for treatment, absolutely faultless throughout

Following three months of excruciating sciatic pain Mr Mo Akmal performed a discectomy/ decompression procedure. The result was instantaneous, relief from pain and restoring my mobility within a couple of hours.
Although there are risks with any surgical procedure I considered these risks minimal. The minimally invasive surgery has allowed rapid rehabilitation and the results have been far beyond my expectation.
Thank you Mr Mo Akmal and your surgical team for restoring my life

I had a disc bulge (L3-L4/, L4-L5) about 5 years ago and had to do spinal decompression using the IDD machine at least twice a year in both the US and UK respectively. This was helpful but didn’t completely eliminate the pain. I walked up to the London Spine Unit at the Harley Street Hospital where I met Dr Mo Akmal and that marked a turning point in my lumbar back episode.

He introduced me to a novel technique- Laser Discectomy- a laser disc surgery. Dr. Akmal is the most professional, erudite and humane Doctor I’ve met in recent times. His confidence, care and compassion boosted my moral. Dr Akmal emits positive energy and looks at bright side of life. These virtues facilitated my decision to carry on with the procedure. In less than 45 minutes on my scheduled date I was done. All phobia gone. No pains, no relapse. I’m up & confident again leading my life with joy. Kudos to Dr Akmal and the great team at the London Spine Unit. I have no reservations whatsoever in recommending anyone or family that requires this treatment as they stand to benefit greatly.

I am a generally fit and healthy 31 year old, but when I first met Dr Akmal, I was in a bad way. I had been in increasingly bad pain for five months, and had gotten to the point where I was walking with a stick and unable to stand straight. An MRI scan showed the culprit was a severely slipped disc pressing on the sciatic nerve, and Dr Akmal advised that injections and laser surgery were unlikely to fix it. He advised minimally invasive lumbar decompression surgery, and I was operated on two weeks later. It was a day procedure, and I was able to stand up straight only a few hours after the surgery. 8 weeks later, I am walking and moving normally and have had very little pain, even immediately after the operation. I have my life back and couldn't be more grateful.

I recently had a spinal operation at this clinic and the staff were very reassuring and supportive throughout the process. The procedure went perfectly led by Dr Akmal. I can see no reason to not return here if any future problems occur.

After years of low back spasms both my ability and willingness to endure the pain ran out. I went to see Dr Mo Akmal who told me I had a nasty problem with a relatively simple solution. It was 10 weeks ago to the day I had the surgery to deal with 2 bulging discs, one of which was pushing significantly into the nerve. I feel physically and mentally transformed and I'm still within what would be considered the recovery period. Everyone I've dealt with at the London Spine Unit - be it on the phone or in person - have been good natured and good humoured and as a result I have absolutely no reservation in recommending them as professionals and all round good people.

Everyone, both medical and support staff, very friendly and helpful. I found the communication, treatment and care, including in my case, in-theatre spinal injections, excellent and professional . Although I only had a mild sedative as well as local anaesthetic, I felt so relaxed I fell asleep ! And my treatment has made a great improvement to my lower back problem.

I suffering from a degenerative disk and this caused a bulge in my spine, causing pressing against my nerves and severe pain.
The procedure called laser discectomy was amazing. I instantly felt immediate pain relief from the nerve pain and with rehabilitation, I was back to full fitness within a few weeks and with further rehabilitation I am sure I can get fully strengthen the entire area permanently.
Dr. Akmal was very informative about the procedure, professional and fully explained the situation after.
I am very happy with the service offered and could not recommend this anymore.

I was referred to Mr Akmal by Dr Now of Beaconsfield.
I had been suffering from sciatica for several months and on the 22nd. November he carried out a procedure to insert a titanium
'spacer' in the disc that was causing the problem and trapping the nerve. The pain relief was almost instant and now some four weeks later I am completely pain free.
I would have no hesitation in recommending the London Spine Unit,

I am a Canadian and have been suffering with back pain for many years, having had injections, physio, acupuncture, pain meds all with no long term relief. It came to a point where I was unable to resume normal activities as well as work and was looking for the best surgeon and unit to help me get my life back, regardless of the location. I am very glad to report that Dr. Akmal and the entire caring and professional Spinal Unit team did just that. I am now on week 3 recovering from spinal fusion surgery. I was standing and walking 2 hours post surgery, even walked to the office from the hotel 2 days after surgery. Week 3, I no longer have any back or nerve pain and my numbness in my leg is completely gone. A true miracle, as my mother would say!

From the rapid responses and support while I was abroad, to the pre-op support and ensuring I have all details and answering every possible question I had, to the post op support and physio. The unit is a true one stop shop for anyone having to have surgery and all with the best quality professionals and so caring. You will part of the family there. I am forever grateful and would recommend Dr. Akmal, and the entire team to anyone who is having back issues. They will not push or rush for surgery as their objective is to truly provide a personalize treatment for each patient, with surgery as a last option. If you do have surgery, they are so advanced in their technique that you can resume a much faster recovery. Even the best surgeons in New York were anticipating a 3-6 month recovery for me...I feel truly blessed to be able to go home and show my husband and kids that they have their mummy back :-)

Exceptional Enviroment.
Exceptional Dedicated Personnel.
Exceptional Caring Specialist Doctors.
Exceptional Efficient / Innovative Services.
Excellent Accessible Location.

The London Spine Unit (LSU) of the Harley Street Hospital (HSH) brought me back to life. God was, and will always be on my side and their side! I went from complete, awful, incapacitation, to wheel chair mobility, and finally to independent mobility (now looking glamorous) after their life-changing Spinal Fusion Surgery In 2016. They don’t just treat you, but follow through with your home and workplace adjustments, physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and general rehabilitation at relevant locations.

I have been their patient since November 2015. My heart lights up with joy each time I step into this hospital. I often ask where could I have been without the world class expertise of Mr MO AKMAL (Spine Surgeon) and his wonderful team? We are now family, we are one!

I confidently recommended them to others.

Long live LSU/HSH!

Uche OJOMO
October 2019.

I suffered with lower back pain for 5 years - I saw a host of physios, osteos, Pilates instructors and chiropractors all of whom told me the same thing: that a little wear and tear was to be expected at my age (46) and that I should avoid surgery at all costs. However, the pain and resultant lack of mobility increased no matter what I did so I hesitantly made an appointment with Mr Akmal to discuss options.
How I wish I had done that 5 years earlier! After an MRI, Mr Akmal explained all the options open to me and gave the relative merits and chances of long lasting success for each one. I was immediately at ease with him and confident in the choice that I made so I booked the surgery. 6 weeks post op I was able to go back into the gym and 5 months post op I was back on the golf course and the tennis court. It is now one year since I had lumbar spine fusion and I can honestly say that I never have to think about lower back pain. I would not hesitate to recommend Mr Akmal and his team to anybody suffering with back pain.

My GP had suggested physiotherapy for my ‘sciatica’. After months of exercising the pain worsened. I went to see a consultation who was business-like and cold, he suggested an injection and very strong painkillers (which he said would cause psychotic nightmares). I chose to ignore him.
Mr Akmal was recommended to me by my dear friend Mike. Mike had had treatment from Mr Akmal and couldn’t endorse him highly enough.
The personal care, information and attention given at every step of my treatment by Mr Akmal and his team - Dr Lok, Dr Nathalie Courtois (Consultant Anaesthetist) and Elena, was outstanding. Totally surpassed my expectation. Incomparable, a unique Team indeed; THANK YOU ALL!
I was anxious about having spinal surgery but Mr Akmal put me at ease; he was caring, reassuring and most proficient. After the interspinous spacer surgery, the prolonged excruciating pain I’d had, completely disappeared, overnight.

I am indebted to Mr Akmal. A truly dedicated, brilliant Surgeon!