On October 9, 2026, I had surgery on my lower back, specifically between the last lumbar vertebra (L5) and the sacrum (S1). This section carries a particularly heavy load and is therefore often affected by wear and tear. In my case, something there was pressing on the nerves, causing pain and symptoms that can radiate down into the leg.
The first step was a microsurgical decompression“Decompression” simply means “taking the pressure off.” Using a surgical microscope, the surgeon removed the tissue that was pressing on the nerves, such as parts of the disc, thickened ligaments or small bone spurs. This gives the nerves room again.
Next came the TLIF spinal fusion“Spondylodesis” means that two vertebrae are firmly joined together, which is also called a fusion. To do this, the damaged disc between L5 and S1 was removed. In its place, a small spacer, a so-called cage, filled with bone material was inserted. In addition, screws were placed in both vertebrae and connected with rods to keep everything stable. The surgeon approached from the back, going in from the side through the natural opening where the nerve root exits the spine. That’s where the abbreviation TLIF comes from (Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion).
Over the coming months, the two vertebrae should now grow together into one solid block of bone. The goal: the unstable, painful section is immobilized, and the nerves are permanently relieved.