(01582) 714 304

Excellence in Spinal Care

My name is James Langdon. I am a specialist in treating spinal conditions including leg pain (sciatica), arm pain, neck and back pain. I am an expert in managing disc problems and spinal stenosis. When appropriate, I believe in minimal intervention to treat spinal conditions, and will exhaust the non-surgical treatment options (including spinal injections) before recommending surgery. I work closely with local physical therapists, radiologists, pain specialists and other health professionals to optimise patients’ treatment prior to undertaking any surgical procedures. I routinely discuss more complex cases with colleagues in our multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meeting.


My main surgical interest is in the use of minimally invasive spinal surgical techniques. I believe that the use of these techniques reduces post-operative pain, reduces length of hospital stay, and improves patient outcomes. I offer a full range of surgical treatments for degenerative spinal conditions including lumbar microdiscectomy, spinal decompression, minimally invasive spinal fusions, anterior cervical decompression and fusion / disc replacement, balloon kyphoplasty, as well as spinal injections.


I ensure that I take the time to explain things clearly in easy to understand terms, enabling patients to make informed decisions about their treatment options.


I am happy to see patients for second opinions or for the purpose of preparing medico-legal reports.


I have out-patient clinics at Spire Harpenden Hospital and at Spire Bushey Hospital.

How can I help you?

Mr. James Langdon

BSc (Hons) MB BS MRCS (Eng.) FRCS (Orth.)

Consultant Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon

Arm Pain

If the nerves in your neck become irritated or compressed, then you can start to develop symptoms radiating down your arm. The predominant symptom is usually pain, but other symptoms include numbness, tingling and weakness. Arm pain coming from your neck can be caused by compression of a nerve as it comes out the side of your neck.

Learn more

Sciatica (Leg pain)

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve and is typically felt in the buttocks, down the back of the leg, and possibly to the foot. Sciatica occurs when one or more of the nerves that make up the large sciatic nerve are irritated or pinched. Most cases of sciatica will get better with time and without an operation but sometimes surgery is required.

Learn more

Back Pain

Back pain is very, very common, indeed almost all of us will suffer from it at some point in our lives. It can vary from a mild, acute problem that rapidly settles to severe, on-going pain that never goes away. The good news is that in most cases surgery is NOT required and the pain will get better on its own and all that is required is good pain relief.

Learn more

What Patients Say

Very professional and good experience. April 2022

Mr Langdon was extremely professional with a friendly manner which gave me confidence for the procedure undertaken. He took into consideration my lifestyle and how my current problem affected this when recommending the treatment and didn’t just look at the problem and symptoms. The procedure was quick and painless and has reduced the pain and discomfort I was experiencing. April 2022

When I first met with my consultant, he reassured me and explained to me the nature of my pain and all the possible venues to alleviate it. I am satisfied with the details he provided regarding the treatment and the long term prospect to address the issue once for all, and the success margin/percentage at every stage/treatment. April 2022

He is professional, polite and caring. June 2022

James Langdon the consultant was extremely helpful. He explained the process very clearly. We would definitely recommend him to people who had a similar back problem. He invited us to ask questions and gave very straightforward answers. We had every confidence in him. March 2022

My consultant was very clear on the operation outlining the potential positives and side effects. He gave me sound advice and I felt very comfortable in his hands. His calm manner reassured me all the way and I would have no hesitation in recommending him. Two days post operation and I am feeling better so definitely the right decision to go ahead. March 2022

I felt safe in his hands. March 2022

I have been a patient of Mr Langdon for a while and have complete confidence in him. He explains everything, answers any questions I have and is completely honest about risks and outcomes. I feel he understands me as a person, too, which is also important. Although I recently moved and am further away from the hospital, I still prefer to come to Spire Harpenden where I receive the very best treatment. February 2022

Mr.Langdon is a very nice, friendly man to both of us. He is also extremely professional. I have full trust in him. February 2022

Explained everything very clearly. February 2022

I felt that my consultant understood my problems which he had talked about at the pre assessment, and explained the operation to me and the possible outcomes. February 2022

Everything was first class. I cannot comment on the success of the procedure, as it is too early to tell. January 2022

Very helpful and instructive on what treatment was available and also options. January 2022

He lived up to his very high reputation. January 2022

I had confidence in him, and did not feel pressured into having it done and am grateful I could choose him. January 2022

Mr Langdon is professional, knowledgeable and instils confidence in his ability to treat you. January 2022

Mr Langdon put me at ease with my situation. Prioritised me accordingly. Explained very clearly my options and what would be most suitable. – May 2022

Very knowledgeable with the injuries and treatment for my injury. Answered all my questions and was very efficient with treatment and appointments – May 2022

Mr Langdon has a calm and reassuringly expert professional manner that inspires confidence. He understood my fear of surgery and provided me with clear information in response to my many questions. He allowed me to take my time and reach a decision that I was happy with.

Mr Langdon took time to explain the procedure to me, also the possible side effects. He gave me every confidence regarding what would happen on the day

Mr Langdon’s manner was professional and friendly – he gave me confidence in the operation and hospital care. December 2020

Very professional and explained in detail all that could and would happen. December 2020

Cannot fault Mr Langdon in any way. February 2021

I felt that every one of my procedures was explained extremely well and prior to my operation. Mr Langdon outlined all of the issues that could occur, I felt very cared for and looked after, especially after my operation. February 2021

From my very first appointment I felt confident that I had chosen the right consultant, he made a plan and he stuck to it & made everything understandable. February 2021

James Langdon was pleasant, listened, explained my problem and possible solutions. Also has a great approach when mentioning I look at and manage my problem to evaluate it as tolerable and carry on or as needed intervention. July 2021

Mr Langdon is a very caring, nice guy who obviously knows his business. July 2021

Mr Langdon was excellent. He came recommended to me through a friend who knows him so I was always confident with his ability. He explained everything perfectly during the 1st assessment. The operation he performed on me was very successful and I am recovering well, and he also checked in on me after the operation a few times and talked me through the recovery. All in all, I’m very happy and satisfied. October 2020

Mr Langdon was brilliant from the start. I saw him at a different clinic first – but then the procedure was at Spire Harpenden. I feel he’s the best consultant I’ve seen in regards to my back – and I’ll certainly recommend him to friends and family for his outstanding knowledge and quick responses. October 2020

Displayed his knowledge perfectly with understanding my issue and needs. October 2020

I read about my consultant prior to booking my appointment with him as I felt he specialised in the treatment that I needed. He was very thorough and gave me lots of information about my procedure. He arranged for me to have my MRI scan ASAP and was booked in for my procedure very quickly. I have a follow up appointment with him in 2 weeks and hope to greet him with some positive results to my treatment. October 2020

First class. October 2020

Mr Langdon is kind, approachable and professional. November 2020

Explained clearly what would happen, good communication skills (eye contact, listened to me). November 2020

Excellent relaxed manner. November 2020

Mr Langdon is very attentive, understanding and patient I didn’t feel rushed at any stage. My decision was based on the straightforward and detailed information I received both verbally and written. Mr Langdon knows his stuff and I would without any hesitation recommend him 100%. I’m early recovery but I’m hopeful and confident that I will get my life back. Thank you James! November 2020

Very professional, willing to explain my questions and concerns. August 2020

Mr James Langdon was extremely helpful and informative. Fantastic bedside manner. July 2020

Mr Langdon has been fantastic. Not only, importantly, inspiring confidence, but practical and down to earth. He always ensured I had the opportunity to ask questions. Feb 2020

Extremely lucky to have Mr Langdon and his team, in every way so professional and so easy to talk with. September 2020

I had every faith in my consultant, that he was advising me and working in my best interest. September 2020

Mr Langdon is a caring person, listened to me and fully explained and discussed everything with me. I had complete confidence in him. September 2020

Once again a massive thank you to Mr Langdon and his team for their outstanding work and making the whole experience bearable. September 2020

I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude for curing my pain. For months I have suffered in agony day and night. I was in despair and you were my last hope. Now I am not in pain! I am continually smiling and enjoying life again! March 2020

Mr Langdon was great from start to finish. I know that he saw me at the end of an already full clinic and on top of that arranged an immediate MRI…making him much later than he needed to be in getting home! I was in a great deal of pain and I very much appreciated his help in getting me sorted as fast as possible. He made sure I was early on in the running order of procedures on the day of my treatment and everything was explained well to me both before and afterwards. Cannot fault in any way. Thank you very much.

Very patient took his time explaining the surgery and aftercare. Very knowledge about my condition. Made me feel relaxed and in safe hands as I was very scared of the surgery itself and the possible risks.

Very caring, explained fully what was wrong and what he was going to do. December 2019

He was very professional and helpful before, during and after my minor treatment. December 2019

Mr Langdon was extremely helpful and reassuring. December 2019

Mr Langdon was clear and confident with his communication. This is reassuring for a patient. December 2019

Professional and treated to a high standard. Mr Langdon was excellent, he knew everything on my condition explaining all the options available. December 2019

Mr Langdon’s manner was very polite, professional and efficient, he answered all her questions and came to see her quickly after her epidural. June 2017

I have just completed a 102 mile walk over 7 days. Thank you so much for patching me up and making this experience possible. June 2017

Thank you for your specialist surgical and operational skills as well as your patient friendly approach. The two don’t always go together. We need people like you to maintain such high standards of surgery and care. October 2017

I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you and your team following my surgery. It has been so long since I felt so well and without pain. The surgery and my recuperation has far surpassed my expectations and has made a huge difference to my lifestyle. December 2017

Three months on from my back operation and I am feeling so much better. Thank you for all the kindness and support you showed when I was in such desperate pain. February 2018

Thank you so much for the work that you have done. What an incredible job you have and do. Life changing. March 2018

Thank you for all you have done for me during the last few weeks. I am most grateful not only for the main work but also the extras like telephoning to keep me informed. April 2018

I cannot thank you enough for the success of my back operation. Everyone was so pessimistic and you were so positive. May 2018

I was at all times given all necessary information, listened to, and I had confidence that Mr Langdon would complete the operation successfully. August 2018

Highly skilled and intuitive. October 2018

He was brilliant, I felt so comfortable that he would look after me even though I felt so anxious, and he made sure to give me all the information I needed. Also, every nurse and employee of Spire had nothing but brilliant things to say about Mr Langdon – I didn’t even need to ask. They would look on my notes and see I had Mr Langdon and say I was in excellent hands, and so I felt extremely happy. My partner also has disc problems so I will very much be pointing him to Mr Langdon October 2018

Very understanding and caring chap from start to finish, and a great bedside manner, unusual for some consultants. He is trying hard to understand my problems and working with me on a treatment plan for the present, and the future. November 2018

My consultant is obviously a very competent person and comes across as such. My procedure was fully explained both before and after my surgery. He also has a professional sense of humour, which helped as I was very nervous November 2018

Mr Langdon was always prepared to fully explain what was wrong and what he could do about it, he gave me a lot of confidence to make the decision to operate, and so far so good. Albeit early days. November 2018

Mr Langdon was very professional and helpful, he came in on his day off because my treatment had to be moved. November 2018

Excellent, extremely knowledgeable on his speciality. I managed to get an appointment to see him at very short notice for which I was very grateful. December 2018

Excellent surgeon, great manner, explained procedure well. December 2018

A good sense of humour, understanding and non-judgmental. They explained everything very clearly. January 2019

Mr Langdon, very professional and calm, did not push the treatment on me which I really liked, but advised and let me make up my own mind. January 2019

James Langdon is a really good person to have on your side. He’s smart, attentive and very dedicated. January 2019

I felt very safe with Mr Langdon, he fully explained the procedure, the risks and the recovery. January 2019

A very professional consultant. Showed great care and understood me as a person and patient. Saw me pre procedure and after in recovery room and own room. Visited again before going home in late evening and yet again first thing the next morning. It felt like I was Mr Langdon’s only patient which I know is far from the truth. Unfortunately, I am a nervous patient but could not have been in better hands. Many thanks January 2019

Explained everything in detail, understood my concerns, excellent bedside manner, very professional. January 2019

James Langdon is very patient – he answers questions and really listens to you and explains again if you haven’t quite got something. March 2019

Mr James Langdon was in every way, courteous, clearly good at his particular area of expertise, took time out every day to see me and check that all was ok. Was happy to answer any questions I had. April 2019

Mr Langdon was very understanding about my condition and talked me through every procedure that could help me get more mobile again. I was always at ease with him with his caring attitude. A true professional thanks. April 2019

Mr Langdon gave a full explanation of the procedure and what would happen and what to do afterwards. Perfect. May 2019

Fully informed by Consultant Surgeon and Consultant Anaethetist who put me at ease with procedure. May 2019

I saw Mr Langdon before I had the operation and he explained everything that would happen on the day of the operation. June 2019

Very attentive, understood exactly what I was saying and made me feel confident that what I was doing was the right thing. June 2019

Mr. Langdon gave you complete confidence that all would be well and that he was available if needed at any time. He showed kindness and consideration. June 2019

Calm, professional, helpful. July 2019

Everything went off so smoothly. So pleased that the operation was so successful & the next day I was able to walk around without pain. July 2019

In overall terms he was absolutely brilliant. Clearly he is a brilliant surgeon but also a wonderful and understanding human being who, whilst pointing out the risks involved in the operation, filled me with absolute confidence that if success was possible, it would definitely be achieved – and I am delighted to say that it was. He is certainly a hero to me! It was also abundantly clear that all the staff at the hospital have absolute confidence in him and hold him in the highest regard. August 2019

Excellent, he fitted me in with an early appointment and treated me extremely well. September 2019

Extremely helpful explained everything very clearly. September 2019

Mr Langdon has been very clear and concise about the treatment he would be providing and the possible outcome. He has a very professional manner and I felt very at ease with him. He provided me with lots of information and visited me numerous times after my operation to see how I was and to explain what was done and what I should expect. I would be very happy to see Mr Langdon again in the future should I have a need to. September 2019

Caring conscientious and totally professional in all respects. September 2019

Mr Langdon gave me the confidence to go ahead with surgery that I was very worried about. He is very professional and thoroughly explained all the pros, cons and side effects that could possibly happen. All of the above helped me to make a more informed decision. October 2019

James Langdon was the consummate professional. He explained his diagnosis in plain language that was easy to understand and interpret from a layman’s point of view. He was careful to manage expectations and clear about potential risks keeping them in perspective and proportionate to the circumstances. His manner was direct whilst always retaining a caring attitude listening to the patient and answering questions clearly; even taking time out to follow up with my wife whilst I was still in post Op recovery. Very thorough and I would highly recommend James. October 2019

Fully explained the treatment I required and the reasons why. I felt very confident I was in good hands. October 2019

Professional, inspires confidence. October 2019

He was very understanding explaining everything very carefully and advising me on altering medication for the procedure and when to restart normal regime. November 2019

He was courteous, listened, understood the issue very quickly. Explained everything well and was sure to confirm I understood and asked if I had questions. I didn’t feel hurried. He provided an effective and efficient service. I’d definitely recommend him. November 2019

Professional and approachable. November 2019

Extremely happy. Care was first class throughout the stay and looked after all my needs November 2019

Very approachable, caring, friendly, put me at ease. December 2019

Very approachable and knowledgeable. Felt I was in very safe hands. December 2019

Very professional throughout. December 2019

Mr Langdon diagnosed my problem, explained fully the options I had regarding treatment also all the risks involved if I chose to have an operation. Mr Langdon organised a scan to confirm his diagnosis, and explained to me prior to my operation all that was involved in the procedure. Post operation Mr Langdon visited me in my room to check on my recovery and gave me the opportunity to ask any questions on the operation. I am very satisfied with Mr Langdon and his team on my treatment. December 2019

My marks of 10 across all questions reflect my opinion of James Langdon. Brilliant in all respects, in particular his explanation to a non medical man of my problem and his solution. December 2019

The consultant was fantastic. He explained everything I needed to know at each stage and I felt very confident that I was in good hands. December 2019

Contact Us

Spire Harpenden Hospital

Ambrose Lane

Harpenden

AL5 4BP


(01582) 714 304

langdonpa@spirehealthcare.com

Contact Us

Spire Bushey Hospital

Heathbourne Road

Bushey

WD23 1RD


(020) 8950 9090

langdonpa@spirehealthcare.com