By Juliana Francis
In a country like Nigeria, grappling with brain drain as the “japa syndrome” continues to surge, and where cases of wrongful surgeries occur with little accountability, no one can blame 75-year-old Pastor Folusho Koku for becoming like a praying mantis, spending more time on his knees than on his feet, as he sought divine intervention for relief from his pain.
His prayers, however, were answered in a way that surprised even him.
His brother, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), informed him about a clinic that specialises in non-invasive procedures, eliminating the need to cut patients open.
For Koku, this brought relief, not just physically, but psychologically, as fears of surgical errors, such as forgotten instruments or cotton wool during operations, concerns that have become increasingly common among Nigerians, were no longer an issue.
Further inquiries led him to the Spine and Nerve Centre. The clinic, which already has branches in Ghana, established its first Nigerian outlet in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. On Saturday, April 11, 2026, it expanded its presence with the opening of a new branch in Victoria Island, Lagos State.
The centre specialises in non-surgical spinal decompression to treat chronic back and neck pain, offering modern, non-invasive, and cost-effective solutions for conditions such as disc degeneration.
Koku was among those present at the grand opening in Lagos.
Recounting his ordeal, he said he was diagnosed two years ago and described the pain as unbearable. In a bid to cope, he relied heavily on painkillers, but prolonged use began to take a toll on his vital organs, particularly his kidneys and liver.
It was during this difficult period that his brother introduced him to the Spine and Nerve Centre.
“I was scared of invasive surgery because I had heard of cases where people went in for surgery and their conditions worsened instead of improving,” Koku said. “I had been praying for God’s intervention, and when my brother told me about the Spine and Nerve Centre, I came here, and truly, my prayers have been answered.”
With a smile, Koku also recounted how his reliance on medication nearly worsened his condition.
“After taking painkillers for about a year and a half, I was told it was becoming dangerous. My brother then discovered the Spine and Nerve Centre and directed me there. The treatment has been positive and very encouraging,” he said.
“I underwent MRI scans and other tests, and everything that needed to be done was clearly explained to me. I came in with a numb leg. The doctor told me I would see improvement in 12 weeks, but in less than six days, I began to see results. I am encouraged by my treatment.”
Aside from Koku, other people who had received treatment at the centre shared their incredible experiences. Aside from Koku, other patients shared their positive encounters with the clinic, including a Rear Admiral.
The grand opening attracted influential Nigerians, expatriates, medical professionals, and members of the security services.
Notable personalities in attendance included HRM Alhaji Dr Abdullahi Isa Dasong II, Emir of Gudi; Alhaji Dr Ismaila Gadaka of Yobe State; HRM Oba Abdulwasiu Gbolahan Lawal, the Oniru of Iruland and chairman of the event; and former Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Professor Abdulmumini Ibrahim, among others.
Speaking at the ceremony, the clinic’s Co-founder and Clinical Director, Dr Craig Slapinski, described the birth of the Lagos Clinic as a significant milestone in a journey that began over two decades ago.
He recalled how his professional journey first took him to West Africa, where he spent two years in Ghana after graduation.
Years later, he returned to establish a medical facility there, encouraged by his wife, who observed a lack of specialised non-surgical spine care in the region.
According to him, the decision to expand into Nigeria was driven by the growing number of Nigerian patients seeking treatment in Ghana.
“About two years ago, Dr Pascal brought his mother to me for treatment. She was one of many Nigerians travelling to Ghana because there were no comparable non-surgical options available at home. That was when the idea to bring these services to Nigeria was conceived,” he said.
The clinic initially began operations in Abuja but soon recorded a surge in patients travelling from Lagos, prompting the establishment of the Victoria Island facility barely a year later.
Dr Slapinski explained that the centre offers a range of therapies designed to treat spinal conditions without surgery.
Some treatments, he noted, can be completed within 15 minutes, while spinal decompression sessions typically last between 15 and 20 minutes, depending on the patient’s condition.
He highlighted one of the clinic’s key technologies, a full laser device which emits light at specific wavelengths into soft tissues to stimulate cellular activity and promote healing.
“The light helps to open ATP channels within the cells, essentially boosting the cells’ energy and accelerating recovery,” he explained.
He further described spinal decompression as a technique that gently separates the vertebrae to relieve pressure on discs and nerves.
“In many cases, pain occurs when a disc shifts out of place and compresses nearby nerves, causing discomfort that may extend to the arms or legs. Decompression helps reposition the discs and creates negative pressure that encourages the flow of nutrients, aiding healing,” he said.
Dr Slapinski added that treatments are tailored to individual patients to ensure both comfort and effectiveness.
He explained that electrical stimulation is used before decompression to relax muscles, while cold laser therapy is applied afterwards to reduce inflammation and support recovery.
He also expressed appreciation to guests and stakeholders for attending the event, reaffirming the clinic’s commitment to improving access to specialised spine care in Nigeria.
In his goodwill message, Professor Ibrahim said: “This centre is an alternative to surgery, which involves being cut open. If you have a problem, visit the centre and explain your condition, especially if you prefer to avoid surgery. I am not campaigning for them, but the increasing demand for their services is what brought them to Lagos State. I believe our people will benefit.”
Following the ceremony, Dr Slapinski and his team conducted a tour of the facility, showcasing its technological equipment.
Attendees were also offered a 50 percent discount if they registered with the clinic on the same day.
According to the team, non-surgical treatment provides safe, gentle, and effective relief for more than 90 percent of patients who qualify for care.
They added that the clinic’s approach helps patients avoid addictive narcotics, epidural injections, and invasive surgeries that often come with significant risks. #Securitynewsalert.com
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