Experiences shared by people treated at the clinic. Each account describes an individual outcome and does not replace an assessment of your own case. Testimonials have been translated from Spanish.
Low back pain
Low back pain
JABS, 38 years old
Lumbar disc disease. Lumbar disc replacement.
“Before my consultation, I had seen Clínica Neuros online and read the testimonials of people who had undergone surgery before me. After seeing the type of operation and the patients' opinions, I had no hesitation about having surgery. Very few people can guarantee the quality of life that this type of disc replacement offers. I encourage anyone feeling as bad as I did not to lose hope, because here I have got my life back. Thank you, Rocío, and thank you, Dr Vanaclocha.”
Low back pain
CMG, 46 years old
Lumbar disc disease. Lumbar disc replacement.
“For two years I could barely get out of bed because it hurt so much when I tried to get up. Walking hurt and my back pain was unbearable. I heard about Dr Vanaclocha's medical team through a friend and I am delighted. Since having a lumbar disc replacement, I have no pain and can walk perfectly. Two hours after the operation I could already stand up and walk without pain. The recovery was incredible because I hardly felt any pain at all. I recommend it 100% to anyone in the same situation as me. My thanks to Dr Vanaclocha's team.”
Low back pain
ACG, 76 years old
Lumbar spinal stenosis. Lumbar decompression.
“I am very satisfied with the operation. Thank you. I had surgery for narrowing of the spinal canal in the lumbar region at three levels, and I have now recovered and am very happy. I recommend it to everyone.”
Low back pain
Initials not published, 71 years old
Lumbar spinal stenosis. Lumbar decompression.
“I am very grateful for the care and support from all the clinic's staff. I came with severe back and leg pain. After lumbar decompression surgery, I noticed a great improvement from the day after the operation. I recommend Dr Vanaclocha's services for back treatments and thank him for such personalised care.”
Low back pain
AMG, 58 years old
Lumbar spinal stenosis. Lumbar decompression.
“Two years ago I began to feel pain in my lower back. As I was not improving, my GP referred me to an orthopaedic specialist. He first arranged an X-ray and, when I made no progress, sent me to a physiotherapist. Then he gave me a pile of medicines, but the pain in both buttocks continued, to the point that I had to stop and rest every 50 metres. I took two boxes of cortisone treatment and had an electromyography test and two MRI scans. He prescribed more medication, but the pain continued. He realised it was outside his area and told me to see a neurosurgeon. At our first appointment with Dr Vanaclocha, I brought the MRI scans and he told me I needed surgery. He asked whether I wanted the operation straight away or preferred to wait. I did not hesitate to say straight away, because I wanted a better quality of life. I had surgery 17 days after my first consultation. The operation went well and the care in hospital was very kind. The neurosurgeon, anaesthetist, nurse and whole team treated me very well. I was discharged the next day and walked out to go home. The first week was difficult, but little by little I improved and recovered completely. I wish I had had surgery much sooner and that we had found the right place from the start. I would not hesitate to recommend Dr Vanaclocha.”
Low back pain
JVMV, 43 years old
L5–S1 disc herniation. Lumbar disc replacement.
“I came to see Dr Vanaclocha with terrible pain in my leg and buttock. He diagnosed an L5–S1 herniated disc, operated on me and I feel fantastic. I recovered very quickly, and I encourage anyone in the same situation to have the operation and see how well they feel.”
Low back pain
ADB, 32 years old
Lumbar disc herniation. Lumbar disc replacement.
“Dr V. Vanaclocha operated on me on 25 July. I am very satisfied with the results of the operation, and I thank the whole team because they looked after me wonderfully beforehand, in the operating theatre and afterwards. My recovery is progressing little by little, as it is spinal surgery and needs time. I advise people not to put up with the pain because having the operation is worthwhile. Thank you very much, Dr V. Vanaclocha.”
Low back pain
FLG, 32 years old
L4–L5 and L5–S1 disc herniations. Two disc replacements.
“I had two herniated discs, L4–L5 and L5–S1. One was trapping my sciatic nerve. I could barely walk and was dragging my leg. Dr Vanaclocha operated on me and fitted two disc replacements. The pain had virtually gone by the next day. Within a month I was almost back to 100% and no longer felt that awful pain. I am very satisfied and grateful for the successful operation. I would definitely recommend it; it is worthwhile.”
Low back pain
Initials not published, 46 years old
Lumbar disc herniation above a previous fusion. Removal of the herniation and extension of lumbar fixation.
“About fifteen years ago I developed lower back pain that travelled down my left leg. After various treatments, I eventually needed a discectomy and lumbar fusion ten years ago. I was well until three months ago. The pain returned, but this time it was much stronger, to the point that I had to stay in bed all the time, day and night. Even medication could not take the pain away. I decided to return to Spain because I knew I needed another operation. I went to see Dr Vanaclocha. He told me I had another herniated disc at the level above the previous operation, and that it needed to be removed and the area with screws and rods extended. The operation was very complicated. Dr Vanaclocha needed seven and a half hours to do everything necessary. I could not walk for a month because the leg that had hurt was very weak. After that month, progress was faster and I recovered step by step. I am very satisfied with Dr Vanaclocha's care and the way he treated me. I recommend him wholeheartedly.”
Low back pain
Initials not published, 48 years old
Lumbar disc herniation. Lumbar disc replacement.
“I arrived one day feeling overwhelmed and in tremendous pain after being confined to bed, unable to move. I was desperate. I had heard many people say how difficult and dangerous lumbar disc herniation surgery was. I was very frightened. Dr Vicente Vanaclocha gave me a sense of calm and confidence. He recommended lumbar disc replacement surgery. I trusted his judgement and had the operation. I recovered perfectly and am very grateful to him. Thanks to him I have got my life back and can do the same work I have always done. I recommend him without hesitation to anyone who needs him.”
Low back pain
PGA, 34 years old
Two lumbar disc herniations. Lumbar disc replacement.
“Another patient recommended it to me, as it was an operation I knew nothing about. At the first consultation my condition was confirmed: two herniated discs. At that appointment he explained that there were several treatments, and I chose lumbar disc replacement as the best option in terms of treatment, the postoperative period, recovery and, finally, durability. I was asleep for practically the rest of the day after surgery. On the first day afterwards I was taking painkillers, but my mobility had recovered remarkably, to the point that I could get up and go to the bathroom on my own. That same afternoon I was discharged and was able to travel home by car. This may sound easy, but you would have to ask people who have surgery through the back whether they can do the same. After a month I can lead an almost normal life, with some discomfort of course, but nothing that is not eased by hearing your children laugh when you play with them, something that was unthinkable before.”
Low back pain
BR, 43 years old
Lumbar disc disease. Lumbar disc replacement.
“I came to Hospital 9 de Octubre through a relative who advised me to see Dr Vanaclocha. After 20 years of lower back pain that stopped me living normally, I decided to have him operate on me and fit a lumbar disc replacement. Now, at last, I feel like doing things I have been unable to do for all those years. It is a complicated operation, but it is worth going through surgery for how well you feel afterwards. I am very happy I did it.”
Low back pain
JMCR, 28 years old
Lumbar disc disease. Lumbar disc replacement.
“I have been in contact with Dr Vanaclocha since I was 16, when I had my first back flare-up. At that time he gave me an ozone injection, which helped me for a few years. In recent years I had further episodes of pain, until one was particularly severe. This time Dr Vanaclocha recommended surgery. I was less than 30 days away from becoming a father for the first time. We did not hesitate to follow his recommendation. The operation took place that same week and involved fitting two replacements for the affected discs. It was very short, about two hours. Afterwards the back and leg pain caused by the trapped sciatic nerve had gone. Six hours after the operation I could walk, although carefully. I was discharged after 24 hours and was able to walk from the hospital to the hotel, about 20 minutes on foot, without pain. After barely two weeks of recovery I could lead a normal life again! Today I have forgotten how troublesome the pain was before surgery and can enjoy my favourite sports again without fear of another relapse.”
Low back pain
CIO, 26 years old
Lumbar disc disease. Lumbar disc replacement.
“At 26, after two years of severe back discomfort travelling down my left leg, which would go numb, and being unable to move normally and getting worse every day, I contacted Dr Vanaclocha through a friend. I wanted him to examine me thoroughly and offer a solution because I could not go on like that. I had seen several doctors but was not convinced by their proposals. The care at the consultation was wonderful. At first we could hardly believe the solution he offered, but it turned out exactly as he had said. He operated in the morning and fitted two lumbar disc replacements. That evening I got out of bed and walked around the hospital. The next day I could already walk perfectly, with some abdominal discomfort, but I had improved so much that I could hardly believe it. My leg was no longer going numb and the nerve compression had gone. After one month I was able to lead a completely normal life, 100%. I am more than grateful to the doctor for what he has done for me.”
Low back pain
JOE, 38 years old
Lumbar disc disease. Lumbar disc replacement.
“I went to Dr Vanaclocha after five years of lower back pain radiating into my left leg. I was increasingly limited and could no longer work as a bricklayer. My alternative was spinal fusion, with little chance of being able to return to work. It was hard to make the decision, but he replaced the L4–L5 and L5–S1 discs that were stopping me walking without pain. I began to notice improvement the day after surgery. Recovery was not too painful. For the first few days there was some pain in my abdomen, where he had accessed the spine to fit the two replacements, and in my back. I also felt some sensitivity in my legs and feet, but nothing unbearable. A month after surgery I could lead a normal life. Dr Vanaclocha has given me my life back. I wish I had decided sooner.”
Low back pain
JAGC, 63 years old
Lumbar spinal stenosis. Lumbar decompression.
“I could walk less and less and had to stop and sit down. I was diagnosed with narrowing of the passage for the nerves in my spine and surgery was recommended. Dr Vanaclocha made a very small incision, so I had hardly any pain. The day after surgery I could go home and gradually resume my normal life.”
Low back pain
JGB, 49 years old
Lumbar spinal stenosis. Lumbar decompression.
“I had been unable to walk for six months. I could not shower or even brush my teeth standing up. One month after surgery I was walking again, which is what I enjoy most, for at least an hour. I have a normal life again.”
Low back pain
GCC, 50 years old
Lumbar spinal stenosis. Lumbar decompression.
“I had trouble walking and my legs would go numb. It had been going on for years and was getting steadily worse; I could walk less and less before having to stop. Dr Vanaclocha operated on the spinal stenosis in my lower back, with a very satisfactory result. I can now walk without problems again. I have got my life back.”
Low back pain
JMP, 88 years old
Lumbar spinal stenosis. Lumbar decompression.
“At 74 I had lower back pain travelling down the backs of both legs. I could not walk more than 150 metres. Through friends I found Dr Vanaclocha, who operated on me. I was well for 14 years. A few months ago the pain returned, but this time down the front of both thighs. I was unwell and looked for Dr Vanaclocha again. It took a little time to find him, but eventually I did. Once again he showed excellent professionalism and kindness. He operated again; apparently I had the same problem, but in the vertebrae above those he had operated on 14 years earlier. The results have been good and the improvement was as predicted. Thank you again, Dr Vanaclocha.”
Low back pain
JRG, 76 years old
Lumbar spinal stenosis. Lumbar decompression.
“For about two years I had been noticing pain in my left leg. It grew increasingly intense and I could walk shorter and shorter distances. When I went outside I kept having to stop and sit down. Because of my fragile health, some doctors did not want to operate. Thankfully Dr Vanaclocha could. I am very happy with the operation, and a few months afterwards I have got my life back. Before, my leg felt lifeless and now I can walk. I feel very optimistic about the future.”
Low back pain
JMBR, 33 years old
Lumbar disc herniation with pain radiating into the left leg. Lumbar disc replacement.
“When I arrived at the consultation I was dragging my leg and was in such intense pain that I was almost crying because I could not bear it. After Dr Vanaclocha operated on me, the pain disappeared from the very first day. I feel like new and am extremely happy. I have been able to lead a completely normal life again, including returning to my previous job.”
Low back pain
RGG, 36 years old
Three disc herniations. Disc replacement surgery.
“I arrived at Dr Vanaclocha's consultation with three herniated discs, unable to move and with frequent pain in my left leg. He told me the best option would be to replace the discs with implants, and I decided to have surgery. The operation went very well and recovery was very quick. I was discharged after 24 hours. The care was excellent and after a month and a half of recovery I could lead a completely normal life: work, sport and so on. I am very happy with the team; they are very professional.”
Low back pain
CSF, 41 years old
Lumbar disc herniation. Lumbar disc replacement.
“I began with some discomfort in my lower back, but little by little it grew more intense until I could no longer do my job or lead my usual life. I was increasingly limited. Dr Vanaclocha operated on me and fitted a lumbar disc replacement. Now I can lead a normal life again, including doing the work that used to cause me discomfort.”
Low back pain
AIE, 41 years old
Lumbar disc disease. Lumbar disc replacement.
“My experience with Dr Vanaclocha has truly been a lifesaver for me. After four weeks of postoperative recovery, I recovered completely and was pain-free again. I regained my quality of life. I was frightened before the operation but everything went very well. I had hardly any abdominal discomfort and a little in my lower back. There is only one thing left to say: thank you very much, Dr Vanaclocha!”
Low back pain
MCG, 41 years old
Lumbar disc disease. Total lumbar disc replacement.
“After several months of very intense pain in my right leg, then becoming completely seized up and unable to move my legs or back, I spent a week in hospital on medication for pain. Even an injection did not relieve it. Following a friend's recommendation, I decided to see Dr Vicente Vanaclocha. He proposed surgery for a herniated disc and several discs. It was the best decision I made during that time. A fantastic operation: after four hours in theatre, 24 hours later I walked 1.5 kilometres steadily and very happily, proud of the operation and this great team. Those hands are blessed.”
Low back pain
IMP, 73 years old
Lumbar spinal stenosis. Lumbar decompression.
“We have known Dr Vanaclocha for many years. He operated on my husband for a cervical disc herniation and he is perfectly well. Eight years ago he operated on my daughter for lumbar herniated discs and she also recovered perfectly. My sister spent eight months in bed and saw many specialists in the Canary Islands, mainland Spain and even the USA; thanks to Dr Vanaclocha she is walking. Now it has been my turn, and I too have done very well. If anyone else in my family has problems, we will put ourselves in his hands without hesitation.”
Low back pain
RNP, 80 years old
Lumbar spinal stenosis. Lumbar decompression.
“I had been suffering from pain for 30 years and was only told I had osteoarthritis. They offered no solution, using my age as an excuse: I was elderly, old, in other words. I heard about Dr Vicente Vanaclocha through a relative. He told me I had compression at two lumbar levels and needed surgery. The day after surgery I could wash myself. Now all the pain has gone, as has the problem that made me tired when walking. I am very happy.”
Low back pain
JMGP, 68 years old
Lumbar spinal stenosis. Lumbar decompression.
“I had disabling sciatica for several years. I saw several specialists and had various treatments at the Pain Unit, including ozone injections, but nothing was successful. I visited Dr Vanaclocha's website and learnt about his new treatments. He assessed me and explained the next steps. I took two days to think and told him to go ahead with the operation. At last I feel very well, and recovery has been very quick. I walk perfectly, which I could not do before. I am very happy. What convinced me most was that he used minimally invasive surgical techniques; I know many people who had conventional spinal surgery with enormous incisions and did not do well at all.”
Low back pain
OFR, 65 years old
Lumbar spinal stenosis. Lumbar decompression.
“After six years of back and leg pain, difficulty walking and taking Lyrica and Tramadol continuously, while other doctors said I was inoperable, I found an expert in the field, Dr Vanaclocha. With what was, from my point of view, a simple operation, I was finally able to stop taking medicines every day, with no discomfort and walking without problems. Thank you, Dr Vanaclocha. You have given me my quality of life back. May God look after you for many years so that you can keep helping everyone who needs you.”
Low back pain
JFF, 60 years old
Lumbar spinal stenosis. Lumbar decompression.
“I had been very unwell for a long time. I could barely walk 50 metres without having to stop and sit down. I arrived in a very bad state, and after the operation I have improved a great deal and am very happy. I have hardly any discomfort and keep improving every day.”
Low back pain
FSO, 48 years old
Degenerative disc disease with lumbar disc herniation. Lumbar disc replacement.
“I had had problems for years. I had been from place to place and everyone told me that if I had surgery for the herniated disc, I would never be able to work as a bricklayer again. I could not afford that: I have a family to support and the disability pension is very small. The public health service and occupational insurer kept putting me off. I happened to hear about Dr Vanaclocha through a friend. The truth is that I have done wonderfully, and nothing I could say would be enough.”
Low back pain
AGR, 26 years old
Two lumbar disc herniations. Disc replacements.
“Since my operation, everyday life has been wonderful. Before, I could not stand or sit. I lost feeling in my legs. Thanks to the disc replacements I no longer feel any pain. I am very happy and will finally be able to live comfortably and confidently. A thousand thanks, Dr Vanaclocha!”
Low back pain
CCG, 49 years old
Disc herniation with left-sided sciatica. Disc replacement.
“I arrived at Dr Vanaclocha's consultation unable to walk and in severe pain from a herniated disc compressing the sciatic nerve in my left leg. Dr Vanaclocha fitted a disc replacement. The pain disappeared instantly. Now I am perfectly well, as if nothing had ever happened.”