Spine Surgeon Sydney
Spine Surgery
Spinal surgery focused on restoring function and improving quality of life.
Complex Spinal Surgery by an Experienced Sydney Neurosurgeon
Back and neck pain often has a significant impact on your daily life, affecting your mobility, independence, and overall well-being. While many spinal conditions can be managed without surgery, some require specialist assessment and surgical treatment in an effort to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent further neurological damage.
Dr Jacob Fairhall is an Australian-trained neurosurgeon providing evidence-based spine surgery for patients across Sydney and regional New South Wales. Using advanced surgical techniques and personalised treatment plans, he works closely with each patient to determine the most appropriate treatment for their individual condition.
Whether you have been referred by your GP, are experiencing ongoing symptoms, or would like a second opinion, Dr Fairhall provides clear advice and compassionate care at every stage of your treatment.
Spinal Conditions We Manage
The spine is a complex structure made up of bones, discs, joints, nerves, and supporting tissues. Problems affecting any of these structures may lead to pain, weakness, numbness, or reduced mobility.
Dr Fairhall assesses and manages a wide range of spinal conditions, including:
Herniated (Slipped) Disc
A damaged spinal disc can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs. While many disc injuries improve with conservative treatment, surgery may be recommended if symptoms persist or neurological function is affected.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal canal, which can place pressure on the spinal cord, spinal sac or nerves. It commonly causes back or neck pain, leg pain, numbness, and difficulty walking.
Degenerative Disc Disease
As the spine ages, the discs between the vertebrae naturally change. In some patients, these changes cause ongoing pain or instability that may require surgical management.
Sciatica
Sciatica occurs when irritation or compression of a spinal nerve causes pain that radiates from the lower back into the leg. Surgery may be considered when symptoms are severe or persistent.
Cervical Radiculopathy
Compression of nerves in the neck can cause pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling that travels into the shoulder, arm, or hand.
Lumbar Radiculopathy
Often caused by disc prolapse or spinal stenosis, lumbar radiculopathy produces pain, numbness, or weakness that radiates into the buttocks or leg.
Spinal Fractures
Traumatic injuries or osteoporosis may result in fractures of the spine, some of which require surgical stabilisation to address spinal alignment and neurological function.
Spinal Tumours
Tumours affecting the spine may require surgery to remove, relieve pressure on the spinal cord, or stabilise the spine.
Spinal Infections
Although uncommon, infections involving the spine may require surgery alongside antibiotic treatment to remove infected tissue and protect the spinal cord, or maintain stability.
Other Spinal Conditions
Dr Fairhall also provides assessment and management for a range of other spinal disorders. During your consultation, he will explain your diagnosis and recommend what he believes are the most appropriate treatment options.
Spine Surgery Procedures
Every spine surgery in Sydney is tailored to the patient’s condition, symptoms, and treatment goals. Dr Fairhall performs a range of spinal procedures using modern surgical techniques designed to relieve pressure on nerves, restore stability, and improve long-term outcomes.
Microdiscectomy
A minimally invasive procedure to remove part of a herniated disc that is compressing a spinal nerve, helping relieve leg or arm pain caused by nerve irritation.
Laminectomy (Cervical Decompression)
A laminectomy removes a portion of bone or thickened tissue to create more space around the spinal cord or nerves. It is commonly performed to manage spinal stenosis.
Cervical Foraminotomy
This minimally invasive procedure enlarges the opening where spinal nerves exit the cervical spine, relieving pressure caused by bone spurs or disc material.
Spinal Fusion
Spinal fusion joins two or more vertebrae to address stability and painful movement caused by instability, fractures, or degeneration.
Cervical Spine Surgery
Surgery performed on the neck designed to relieve nerve or spinal cord compression caused by conditions such as disc prolapse, cervical stenosis, or degenerative disease.
Lumbar Decompression Surgery
A range of procedures performed on the lower back to manage disc herniation, spinal stenosis, instability, and other lumbar conditions.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
This is a common spinal surgery used to address conditions such as herniated discs and degenerative disc disease. It involves removing the affected intervertebral disc and placing a cage that allows fusion between two cervical vertebrae..
Disc Replacement (Arthroplasty)
An alternative to fusion surgery, this procedure involves removing the affected disc space and inserting an artificial disc with the aim of preserving motion while addressing symptoms. Disc replacement is an option for certain patients who would otherwise require cervical or lumbar fusion.
About Dr Jacob Fairhall
MBBS(Hons), BSc(Med), FRACS
Dr Jacob Fairhall is an Australian-trained neurosurgeon with extensive experience in the assessment and surgical treatment of conditions affecting both the brain and spine.
As a Sydney spine surgeon, he centres his practice on evidence-based medicine, advanced surgical techniques, and clear communication. He carefully considers every treatment recommendation to ensure patients receive the most appropriate care for their individual circumstances.
Dr Fairhall provides specialist spinal care for patients throughout Sydney and regional New South Wales and works closely with referring GPs, physiotherapists, pain specialists, and other healthcare professionals.
Why Choose Dr Fairhall?
Advanced Surgical Techniques
Modern spinal surgery techniques are used where appropriate to aim for precision and optimal clinical outcomes for patients.
Personalised Care
No two spinal conditions are the same. Your treatment plan is developed specifically for your needs and may include surgical or non-surgical management.
Ongoing Support
From your first consultation through your recovery, you’ll receive continuity of care and ongoing follow-up throughout your treatment journey.
Common Spinal Surgery Questions Answered
What does a spine surgeon do?
A spine surgeon aims to diagnose and manage conditions affecting the spine, spinal cord, and nerves. While surgery is an important part of the specialty, many patients are assessed and managed without an operation.
When should I see a spine surgeon?
If you have ongoing neck or back pain, pain radiating into your arms or legs, weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, or have been diagnosed with a spinal condition, your GP or specialist may refer you to a spine surgeon for assessment.
Do I always need spine surgery?
Not necessarily. Many spinal conditions improve with physiotherapy, medication, injections, or other conservative treatments. Surgery is only recommended when it offers the most appropriate solution for your condition.
How do I know if my back pain requires surgery?
Persistent pain, progressive weakness, numbness, loss of coordination, or symptoms that do not improve with conservative treatment may indicate that specialist assessment is required. A consultation and appropriate imaging help determine whether surgery is necessary.
What is the recovery time after spine surgery?
Recovery varies depending on the procedure performed, your overall health, and the condition being treated. Some patients return home the same day or after an overnight hospital stay, while more complex procedures require a longer recovery period.
Is minimally invasive spine surgery an option?
For suitable patients, minimally invasive techniques may be used to reduce tissue disruption and support recovery. Dr Fairhall will discuss whether this approach is appropriate for your condition.
Can I get a second opinion?
Absolutely. Many patients seek a second opinion before undergoing spinal surgery. Dr Fairhall provides comprehensive assessments and independent advice to help patients make informed treatment decisions.
Do I need a referral to see Dr Fairhall?
Yes. A referral from your GP or specialist is generally required and may enable you to claim a Medicare rebate for your consultation. Our team may be able to provide further information on this.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring your referral, MRI or CT scans, radiology reports, a list of current medications, and details of any previous spinal treatments or surgery. Also bring any questions that you wish to discuss.
Dedicated Spine Surgery in Sydney
If you’ve been referred to a spine surgeon or would like a second opinion about your diagnosis or treatment options, Dr Jacob Fairhall provides comprehensive assessment and evidence-based spinal care for patients across Sydney and regional New South Wales.
Contact our practice today to arrange a consultation and discuss the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs.