Dr Colum Nolan
Senior Consultant Spine & Neurosurgeon
MB, BCh, BAO, LRCPSI, MRCSI, FRCSI (Neurosurgery)
Living with ongoing back or leg pain can be tiring and frustrating. Many people try to adapt quietly, adjusting how they sit, move, work, or rest, while hoping the discomfort will eventually settle. For some, conservative measures such as medication, physiotherapy, or lifestyle changes provide relief. For others, symptoms may persist and begin to affect daily routines, sleep, or confidence in movement.
Nucleoplasty is one of the pain management options that may be discussed in selected situations. This page is intended to help patients understand what nucleoplasty involves and where it may fit within a broader spine care journey.
Nucleoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that aims to reduce pressure within a spinal disc. Spinal discs sit between the bones of the spine and act as cushions during movement. When a disc becomes strained or bulges, it may press on nearby nerves and contribute to back pain or pain that travels into the leg.
During nucleoplasty, a very small amount of disc material is removed from the centre of the disc using a specialised probe. By lowering pressure inside the disc, surrounding nerves may experience less irritation, which can help ease symptoms in some individuals.
The procedure is performed through a needle-sized entry point and does not involve open spine surgery.
Nucleoplasty is not a first-line treatment and is not suitable for everyone. It is usually considered only after conservative care has been tried and symptoms continue to affect daily life.
It may be discussed for individuals who:
The decision to consider nucleoplasty is based on a careful combination of symptoms, examination findings, and imaging results, rather than scans alone.
Nucleoplasty is typically performed under local anaesthesia with imaging guidance to support accuracy and safety.
In general:
The procedure usually takes a short time, and most patients return home on the same day.
Recovery after nucleoplasty is usually gradual. Some people notice improvement over weeks as irritation settles, while others may experience more subtle changes.
After the procedure, care often focuses on:
Recovery plans are individualised, recognising that each person’s pace and response may differ.
At Oxford Spine and Neurosurgery Centre, patients with persistent back or leg pain are assessed through a structured and individualised approach. Evaluation focuses on understanding symptoms in context, reviewing imaging findings carefully, and discussing appropriate management options based on each person’s condition and needs.
Consultations are led by Dr Colum Nolan, Consultant Neurosurgeon, whose clinical practice includes the assessment and management of disc-related spine conditions. Where appropriate, minimally invasive procedures such as nucleoplasty may be discussed alongside other non-surgical and surgical options, ensuring that patients are guided through the full range of suitable care pathways.
The emphasis is on clear explanation, shared decision-making, and helping patients understand what each option involves before proceeding.
Medical Disclaimer
This page is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Information provided is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Suitability for nucleoplasty or any spine related procedure must be determined by a qualified medical practitioner following appropriate clinical assessment.
Dr Colum Nolan is a Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon with over 20 years of experience, specialising in minimally invasive spine (keyhole) surgery and other spine procedures.
A graduate of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dr Nolan underwent neurosurgical training in Ireland and Australia, followed by a fellowship in complex spine surgery at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, as well as rotations at the Orthopaedic Spine Unit in Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.
Dr Colum is committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centred care, combining surgical precision with a genuine dedication to improving his patients’ quality of life.
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