London Spine Unit - Back and Neck Pain ClinicReviews 

Doctor Mo Akmal and the London Spine Clinic have literally restored the quality of my life!

I would like to share my experience below for all those folks out there suffering from disc decompression or other spinal related issues.

I had very severe pain and immobility in my right arm and neck from the compression of my C6/7 cervical disk. Having consulted numerous top neurosurgeons, I was advised by three different doctors that I should go under the knife and proceed with a two level artificial disk replacement surgery and the fusion of two vertebrae in my neck at the age of 38!

This would have resulted in a life changing event for the worse and likely further problems and surgeries as a result of future wear and tear of the artificial disk replacements. Additionally i found from my own reading and research that there has recently been an increase in cases of spinal necrosis developing as a result of the body rejecting or reacting badly to the foreign objects and material of the artifical disk even though they are said to be safe.

Thank god I declined, did further research and discovered Mo Akmal and the London Spine Unit!

Having now completed my Anterior Laser Disc Decompression procedure at C6/7, along with cervical epidural and right C5/6, C6/7, C7/T1 facet joint injections, performed on 27th August with Mo Akmal and the London Spine Clinic team, I can confirm that the outcome literally saved my life and that the unbearable pain I had was gone the moment I woke up from the 1 hour procedure.

This impressed me a lot as the pain killing effects of the cortisone injections usually take 2 weeks to kick in which demonstrated the immediate pain relief I experienced. It really felt like it never happened!

I only experienced one very marginal spike in pain approximately two months post-procedure in October 2024, but since then, my pain went from a gradual reduction over the first 2-3 months to completely disappearing after 3 months post procedure. My neck pain and my arm symptoms had completely gone, and my general mobility recovered fully. I was able to resume physical therapy post procedure and reduced my pain medicines to zero.

I was quite skeptical to begin with regarding the longevity of the result and I was very concerned about the potential recurrence or fluctuation of the disc issue and pain, but I was so incredibly impressed with the speed and effectiveness of the symptom reduction from the Percutaneous Laser Disk Decompression procedure.

I am a very active and sporty person so being able to return to my activities, including kite surfing, which I was not able to do for a year prior to the procedure, was a miracle for me!

I really hope that sharing my experience above will help others who are currently suffering from the same or similar disk herniation issues.

Before considering open surgery or disk replacement surgery I highly recommend anyone to first consult Mo Akmal and the London Spine Unit first as there are fantastic minimal invasive procedures like the one I did “Percutaneous Laser Disk Decompression”that can can fundamentally restore your quality of life and effectively resolve the problem completely.

Lastly I would like to add that Mo Akmal is one of the most incredibly warm, kind, caring and honest doctors I have ever met in my life! A very special person!

Furthermore, Mo Akmal and the London Spine Clinic are true professionals and pioneers in spine treatment. In my opinion when it comes to the spine I would not waste my time talking to anyone else!

Thank you so so so much Mo Akmal and the London Spine Unit! You have saved my life and I am eternally grateful!

My experience with the welcoming community at Harley Street Hospital was both notably professional and warm, creating an environment that fosters comfort and ease for newcomers while offering a strong foundation for clinical and academic development.
Staff are generally approachable, respectful, and attentive, which helps build trust quickly. A standout aspect of the experience was the well-structured orientation program led by Mrs. Tomsa Roxana, the receptionist. Her guidance was not only informative but also instrumental in familiarizing us with the hospital’s environment, expectations, and protocols. Overall, it’s a supportive and respectful atmosphere that reflects the hospital’s commitment to both patient care and professional development.

I came to the London Spine Unit following a failed endoscopy seven months before in Switzerland. A normally active person, i walked into the hospital and came out in a wheel chair. Subsequently I was unable to walk without sticks. Mr Akmal ordered an eos to see the extent of damage. He was able to operate me five days later. Surgery took four hours to repair the damage. Three hours after, I was able to return home and eat sushi that evening thanks to his light anaesthetic. Three months later I am recovering my nerves and muscles bit by bit. It's a long process but without Mr Akmal's timely intervention I would possibly not be walking today. He has given me back my life. I particularly appreciate his kindness, professionalism and follow up as well as the efficiency of the emergency help line open 24/7. Huge gratitude.

Life altering surgery
After six years of progressively worsening back and leg pain that had severely limited my mobility and quality of life, I can confidently say that Dr. Mo Akmal and his exceptional team have greatly improve my life.

Dr. Akmal performed a Transforminal Interbody Lumbar Fusion surgery that has been nothing short of life-changing. His technical skill and precision were evident from the moment we discussed the procedure through to my recovery. The surgery was executed flawlessly, and the results speak for themselves.

Dr. Akmal’s ability to combine outstanding medical expertise with genuine compassion is commendable. He took the time to thoroughly explain the procedure, answered all my questions with patience, and helped me understand what to expect throughout the entire process. His confidence and expertise immediately put me at ease during what was understandably a stressful time.

The entire surgical team deserves equal praise. From the pre-operative consultations to post-surgical care, every member of the team demonstrated professionalism, expertise, and genuine care for my wellbeing.

I can now move freely and pain-free and I’ve gone from being severely limited in my daily activities to being able to enjoy life fully again. This surgery has restored my quality of life.

I highly recommend Dr. Mo Akmal for anyone with spinal issues. His surgical skill and his team’s exceptional care make him the top choice for complex procedures. If you're considering surgery for chronic back pain, you're in the best hands.

Thank you, Dr. Akmal and team, for your excellent work.

I would not normally write a review but feel compelled to do so after my Surgery at the London Spine Unit.
From my first meeting with Mr Akhmel, I felt that I was believed, even before I’d had the MRI scan!
Mr Akmel explained how he could help, the choices I had and the implications of surgery, I came away from my first meeting fully informed and quickly came to the decision to have decompression surgery and dynamic stabilisation.
Mr Akmel, Dr Lok and all the team were amazing. I cannot express how grateful I am for all the excellent care and attention I have received, from the initial appointment, pre assessment, operation day and post operative appointments.
I was up walking within 2 hour of the operation, without any pain. I now can have a full night sleep, I’m steady on my feet, and feel so positive and happy as I now have a better quality of life. Recovery has been remarkably quick which has amazed my family and friends.
Thank you to everyone at the London Spine Unit

Mr Akmal was extremely professional, explained the condition and was very reassuring while pointing out any possible risks and mitigations. the staff were extremely courteous. the daily check-ins went smoothly.

I've been having lower back pain the Lombard section L4/L5 for a number of years caused by car accident attending the doctor physio doing exercises medication with no improvement things getting worse. Can hardly walk sit down bending pain when sleeping in bed . Came across a website and was referred to the Harley Street Hospital .The first interaction with the receptionist was very good very helpful answered all my questions relating into my inquiry about L4/L5 then giving me one of there consultant name to get in touch with and speak to him regarding my injury to see if he could assist me after filling out the paperwork I eventually did had a online video link with the consultant by the name of Mr Akmal very nice person. After introduced himself to me and spoke to me regarding his findings on the paperwork I had passed on regarding my injury which was my MRI images he came right to the point and said to me that I needed an operation , to be honest I was glad relating to the way he came out with it because going to the other doctors and not really getting someone to actually come out and say things the way it was I could see then from that point he was someone I wanted to work with explaining why I would need the operation also the other treatment option that I could take relating into the kind of injury I had sustained but after all that he came right to the point that it would be my choice but he would advise me to have the operation reasons why I should also with that reassuring me that I shouldn't be worried because it's something he is good at he also explained to me the risk factors and told me to think about it take as long as I want and get back to him when I feel I've made the decision put no pressure on me or trying to influence me . from that moment I felt that I would actually get the situation sorted out . I like the way there kept me inform responded to me within good time when you had a query I think everything was conducted very professional .On the day of the procedure Bilateral L4/5 decomposition/discectomy all the staff was very helpful from first interaction to leaving very professional and I felt comfortable in the way there treated me spoke to me inform me about the procedures and what will happen also
treatment I've received. The follow-up after the operation I think was carried out very professionally and overall I was very happy with the end product which within a shorts space of time a lot of the pain that I was getting before the procedure had improved and I was back On My Feet walking around , quicker than I had expected . Overall I would say I am very happy with everything still early days but I am feeling a lot better looking forward to getting back out and about .

Got an appointment straight away and was seen by Mr Mo Akmal very friendly and explained everything in detail made my dad feel so at ease .

The Spine Unit at Harley Street Hospital truly stands out. The team is made up of highly skilled specialists who deal with a wide range of spinal conditions, and the level of care and professionalism is second to none. They use the latest technology and treatment methods, and everything is done with the patient’s well-being in mind. It’s easy to see why this is considered one of the leading spine units in London.

I recently had the privilege of being treated at the London Spine Unit and I cannot speak highly enough of the entire medical team—especially the outstanding care provided by Mr. Mo Akmal.

From the very first consultation, Mr. Akmal demonstrated exceptional professionalism, deep expertise, and a genuine commitment to patient wellbeing. He took the time to clearly explain my diagnosis, the recommended procedure, and what I could expect in terms of recovery. His calm and confident approach immediately put me at ease.

The surgical procedure itself was executed with remarkable precision. Thanks to Mr. Akmal’s skill and the support of his exceptional team, my recovery has been smooth and far quicker than I anticipated. I was able to walk away from the hospital after 3 hours from the surgery of (2 bilateral decompression of L3/L4, L 4/ L5 + mobile stabilizer insertion at L5). I have noticed a dramatic improvement in my quality of life soon after the procedure.

The entire staff at the London Spine Unit—from the nurses to the administrative team—were consistently attentive, kind, and efficient. Every step of my journey felt personalised, professional, and thoughtfully managed.

If you are considering spinal treatment and want the highest standard of care, I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Mo Akmal and the London Spine Unit of Harley Street Hospital in London. They truly set the gold standard in spinal care.
Giuseppe Santese

Both Surgeons listened to what caused my injury were Both very
Very Caring & easy to get along with.

Clear with there Explanations in layman's terms

All other staff Receptionists & Medical
Staff Excellent (WORLD CLASS SERVICE)

Following successful surgery, I would be very happy to recommend Mr Mo Akmal and the London Spine Unit.

Prior to the surgery I was in a lot of pain, and an MRI confirmed a badly herniated disc. In initial consultations Mr Akmal clearly explained my condition, and set out the various surgical treatment options. A further EOS (special X ray) was used to clarify the necessary surgery, a spinal fusion of lumber 3 and 4 vertebrae. The operation took place within a week or two of my initial consultation as a day patient. I am very happy with the outcome as I am now, six weeks after the operation, free of pain, with a small amount of remaining discomfort rapidly diminishing. I am very grateful to Mr Akmal and his team for the excellent care I have received.

I am happy to say that I made the best choice possible in selecting the London Spine Unit. My symptoms were carefully reviewed by Dr Lok. I then received balanced, expert advice from Mr Akmal that took into account the full facts of my case. This helped me to make the difficult decision to have an urgent operation, and I was booked in swiftly for a lumbar microdiscectomy. The care provided by the team was excellent, and I felt fully supported recovering at home. I am now pain-free after five months. I am confident that taking immediate action with advice from specialists at the London Spine Unit was 100% the right thing to do.

Mr Akmal and team literally changed my life. I had back surgery which I was terrified about but was up walking within an hour of waking up, and pain free afterwards. I’m 3 weeks post op and totally pain free, sciatica a thing of the past and looking forward to a new lease of life!

The care from all the doctors and nurses was brilliant and the facility is spotless and comfortable.

I`ve seen two consultants prior to Mr Akmal for about 4 years with very little results in resolving my pain. I moved to HSH under Mr Akmal`s care. It was the best decision I could have made. I had a cervical fusion and disk replacement with great results. I was never pushed into any procedures and risks and advantages were explained and remained my decision. I am now 8 weeks post surgery and I am living an active lifestyle, and back to my usual self. I cannot thank Mr Akmal enough.
There were never long waiting time for available procedure dates, and I could go home the same day as my surgery thanks to the minimally invasive methods used.

Mr Akmal is a warm, kind and extremely knowledgable spinal surgeon. His passion and expertise shines through in his consultations. My Grandmother is 85 years old and has suffered from painful spinal stenosis with some spondylosis, she'd find it difficult to walk and stand. His bedside manner was wonderful, she felt really comfortable with the process and he was reassuring throughout. It was amazing how she was able to walk straight after the operation in the ward and within 2 weeks had zero pain. Few months on her posture and strength has continued to improve and she's soon to due to go on a long-haul trip to visit family, the first time in 10 years! Her quality of life has massively improved and we cannot thank Mr Akmal enough.

Mr Akmal. Brilliant caring Dr has a lot of patience. Highly recommend.

Lovely theatre team too....very kind indeed and explain everything.

Just don't be put off by the admin/secretaries there they are rude and very unhelpful. Each encounter has been extremely fustrating to say the least. Don't believe a word they say!! They are a nightmare.....make them put everything in email as proof!.

Mr Akmal identified the problem which in itself was a massive step forward. My hip and leg pain was entirely back related and 9m of unfocused physio had got me nowhere. He set out 4 clear steps of how we could address it. I ended up doing step 1 and 2 (Spine injection and denervation.) I was free of chronic pain for the first time in years. And all done with listening and consideration. Couldn't fault it.

I was suffering from severe back pain and sciatica due to a history back problems / slipped disc, which was making everyday activities difficult. Thankfully, I found Dr Akmal, infact he was recommended to me by my mother in law.

Dr Akmal provided exceptional care and successfully treated the issue. From diagnosis to recovery he was attentive, compassionate, and highly skilled, ensuring I understood my treatment options and what to expect. Thanks to his expertise, I’m now pain-free. He equally has a good team!

i have no hesitation in recommending Dr Akmal and team

I had spinal decompression/discectomy surgery at the LSU 3 weeks ago after suffering with excruciating nerve pain in my right leg for months that kept becoming worse. What began as random strange numbness in my right leg in November 2023 steadily developed into terrible sharp shooting nerve pain from June 2024 down the whole leg to my toes. MRI showed severe prolapsed L5 disc at S1 nerve root level with degeneration in the disc. I was walking with a large waddling gait since July, having muscle spasms, preventing me from driving, working, sleeping, looking after my young children, most things!
I tried 2 different physios, osteo, acupuncture, nothing helped only made symptoms worsen. After a trip to A and E taken in by ambulance, being ignored by the junior doctors, no pain relief given or any tests conducted, I had an epidural injection in August privately which unfortunately didn’t help me personally though for my case however I have heard how it can offer relief to some patients. I then set about exploring the option of surgery. I went to various different clinics but wasn’t satisfied with the consultations I had, in that I felt they were rushed, I came out feeling they were dismissive of my symptoms and the level of impact this had on my life and the proposed 5 day hospital stay for surgery put me off too. I was looking for a day surgery and a quick recovery so I could get back to my responsibilities. I went to see Dr Akmal late August for an initial consultation after googling day surgery options for spinal surgery. I found both Dr Akmal and Dr Lok to be very knowledgeable, they both understood my problem right away and were attentive and took the time to listen to my symptoms. I was satisfied this was the right course of action for me. I decided to go ahead with the surgery and had the pre op blood tests, ECG and doctor consultation a few days ahead of the surgery. Once I got the all clear and declared fit for the operation I was given a date for surgery. On the day of the surgery I was rather anxious but Dr Akmal and his team made sure I was very comfortable and calm. They all came to speak with me and explain what was going to happen etc. Dr Bedran the anesthetist was very kind and explained what was going to be used factoring my allergies etc very well and it was all very reassuring and thorough. The procedure went well and I was able to walk straight for the first time in months. I was given the all clear by Dr Akmal and very happy to go home in the evening. I was given a full briefing on meds to take during my recovery process at home and hard copies of detailed instructions which I was so grateful for as it’s a lot to take in! I was provided with a medication pack, some extra wound dressings, decompression stockings etc. Once at home the doctor with whom I had the pre op consultation would call me every morning for the first 3 days to check in with me. This was a great opportunity to ask any questions, things I had forgotten etc.
3 weeks in I can say it’s been the best decision for my specific case to undergo the surgery. I could walk straight as soon as I had the surgery, there is the obvious pain when you go home as the drugs from the surgery wear off and roughly Day 2-5 you will feel as if you have been hit by a truck. I was very lethargic had short bursts of energy followed by tiredness and pain/ soreness in back and legs. The nerve pain flared up for me around Day 5 around my foot, hamstring and calf but thankfully gradually passed day by day and now I get minor little rumblings as the nerves are settling back down after being trapped for so long mostly under hamstring and back of the kneecap, this is tolerable and I am gradually improving to being hopefully pain free in the coming months! I am most happy to be walking straight again even if I can’t manage long walks just yet! Thank you again to Dr Akmal and all of your team, to the lovely ward nurses, to Dr Bedran, Dr Lok, also the wonderful ladies at reception who escorted my husband and I, carried my bags to the car and made sure I was sat comfortably before she let us go. Thank you so much for such a positive experience after suffering bad experiences at other clinics, I am truly grateful God led me to your clinic.