Spine surgery for Clooney

George Clooney has undergone surgery on his spinal column after he complained of agonising headaches.

Surgeons who operated on the actor's neck last month discovered fluid was leaking out of his spinal column. They performed "spinal cap" surgery and the star is now said to be almost fully recovered.

The 43-year-old was injured in October filming a fight scene for his upcoming thriller Syriana. Soon afterwards he complained about "having horrible headaches". He was forced to cancel several engagements to promote Ocean's Twelve including an appearance on Oprah Winfrey's show and a trip to Europe.

The former ER star, who gained 30 pounds for his role as former CIA agent Robert Baer in Syriana, had to wear a neck brace while he recuperated from his on-set injury. The film, which also co-stars Matt Damon and Greta Scacchi, is due for release later this year.