Spinal surgeon’s appointment
A spinal surgeon’s consultation is aimed at diagnosing diseases and injuries of the spine and planning treatment. We cover degenerative conditions, traumas, tumors, and deformities, offering expert help and, if necessary, surgical solutions to restore spinal health.
When to see a specialist
- Persistent or radiating back pain (e.g., due to disc prolapse)
- Neck pain radiating to the arms (radiculopathy)
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Spinal deformities (scoliosis, kyphosis)
- Spinal tumors (primary and metastatic)
- Spinal traumas and fractures
- Spinal infections
- Osteoporosis-related spinal fracturesSpondylolisthesis (vertebral slippage)
Common symptoms
-
Loss of bladder or bowel control
This is an acute condition that requires urgent medical attention. -
Pain radiating to the limbs
Arms or legs (e.g., sciatica). -
Persistent or worsening pain in the back, neck, or limbs
Especially if the pain radiates to the arm or leg and does not respond to conventional treatment. -
Post-traumatic neurological symptoms
After head, neck, or spinal injury. -
Weakness, numbness, or sensation problems in a limb
Especially if the symptoms are persistent or getting worse.
How to prepare for your appointment
- Bring your ID card or other identification document.
- Write down your symptoms, their onset, nature (sharp, dull, throbbing), location, and factors that relieve or worsen the pain.
- Make a list of all medications you are taking, allergies, and previous surgeries.
- Bring all previous examination results, especially imaging studies (MRI, CT, X-ray) and their descriptions, as well as neurophysiological study results (e.g., ENMG), if performed.
What to expect during your appointment
Consultation
The doctor will ask you about your concerns, symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle.
Review of health data and examinations
The doctor will review your previous health data and examination results.
Physical and neurological examination
The doctor will assess your reflexes, muscle strength, sensation, coordination, and balance.
Diagnostics and planning of additional examinations
If necessary, the doctor will perform minor diagnostic procedures on-site and plan additional examinations, such as further MRI scans.
Preparation of a treatment plan
The doctor will explain the diagnosis, prepare an individualized treatment plan, which may include conservative treatment (e.g., physiotherapy, medications), injections, or referral for surgical operation.
Specialists providing this service
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dr Raul LaasikOrthopedist – spine surgeon
Rävala Clinic – Specialist Medical Care and Occupational Health
Payment & Appointment Info
Prices
Tallinn
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Visit fee Added to the appointment fee. | 20 € |
| Spine surgeon appointment | 120 € A visit fee is added to the price. |
| Herniated intervertebral disc operation The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. | 3600 € |
| Operation for narrowing of the lumbar canal, or spinal stenosis The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. | 4900 € |
Everywhere else in Estonia
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Visit fee Added to the appointment fee. | 13 € |
| Herniated intervertebral disc operation The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. | 3600 € |
| Operation for narrowing of the lumbar canal, or spinal stenosis The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. | 4900 € |
Payment methods
Meliva Health Insurance covers this service under Outpatient Care coverage. Check your personal coverage limits in the ERGO app.
Referral
You can book this service as a self-paying patient without a doctor’s referral.
Clinics offering this service
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Open
Frequently Asked Questions
Is surgery always necessary?
No, surgery is not always necessary. The spinal surgeon will assess your condition and offer all possible treatment options, often starting with conservative methods. Surgery is a last resort or the only solution for certain conditions.
How long does recovery take after spinal surgery?
The length of recovery depends on the type and extent of the surgery and the patient’s general health. The doctor will provide you with more detailed information about the recovery period.
What happens if my problem is not surgical?
If your problem does not require surgical intervention, the spinal surgeon will refer you to a suitable specialist (e.g., neurologist, rehabilitation doctor, physiotherapist).
Are operations performed at Meliva?
If necessary and indicated, we can perform a wide variety of operations at Meliva, both under local anesthesia and general anesthesia. We perform day surgery at Meliva Rävala clinic.