Spinal surgeon Raul Laasik: timing is often decisive in treating back problems
Back pain and nerve compression are among the most common reasons patients see an orthopaedist or spinal surgeon.
According to Meliva spinal surgeon Dr Raul Laasik, when conservative treatment no longer helps and quality of life has declined, it may be time to consider spinal surgery.
The Rävala clinic began performing spinal surgeries in February 2025. The most common diagnoses are spinal canal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) and nerve root compression caused by a herniated disc. The most frequent symptom of both conditions is pain radiating into the lower limb, which can be accompanied by muscle weakness, limited mobility, or claudication (intermittent difficulty walking). “Nerve compression directly affects a person’s quality of life, mobility, and ability to work. Surgery performed at the right time can bring quick, noticeable relief,” Dr Laasik explained.
Spinal surgery relies on close teamwork involving not only the surgeon and anaesthesiologist but also nurses, physiotherapists, and support staff. “It’s important that the entire treatment pathway is clearly planned and the risks of each stage are assessed — from the initial consultation through to at-home recovery,” Dr Laasik emphasised. In urgent cases, surgery can take place within as little as 1–2 weeks.
The Rävala clinic is equipped to perform surgeries for the most common lower back conditions, with the goal of gradually expanding its spinal surgery capacity. The next step is to introduce navigated spinal fusion surgery. “We’re developing both our team and our treatment capabilities so we can offer patients an increasingly wide range of more advanced care,” Dr Laasik added. A consultation with a spinal surgeon is recommended for pain or weakness in the upper or lower limbs, limited mobility, or a diagnosed case of stenosis or disc herniation where conservative treatment hasn’t been effective.
Patient Villi’s experience:
For a long time, I struggled with severe lower back pain. The pain was there every day, and on some mornings even getting out of bed was very difficult. Painkillers had become part of my daily life, since I couldn’t manage without them. It affected my mobility, my working days, and my overall wellbeing. At some point I realised I couldn’t keep going like this and had to find a solution.
I started looking into different options and searching online for who treats back problems, and that’s how I eventually found Meliva. Knowing that surgeon Raul Laasik specialises specifically in treating back problems gave me a lot of confidence — it reassured me that I’d found the right place for my problem.
From the very first appointment, I could tell I was being looked after thoroughly and with care. Everything was explained calmly and clearly — the course of the surgery as well as the possible risks. I felt like I understood everything well, which gave me the confidence to go ahead with the decision to have surgery.
The day of the surgery itself went surprisingly smoothly. The staff were very friendly, supportive, and positive. When I woke up after the surgery, people were right there with me, helping and looking after me. I was offered food, and everything was done to make me as comfortable as possible. Honestly, I felt like a special guest. After the surgery, I was able to go and recover peacefully at a hotel.
Today I can say that the surgery changed my life significantly. The pain that used to be a daily presence is gone. I’ve recovered and can once
