Frequently Asked Questions

Orthopaedic and spine surgeons treat a wide range of conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles, and spine. Common spine-related conditions include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, and spinal fractures. Orthopaedic conditions may include joint arthritis, ligament injuries, rotator cuff tears, fractures, and sports injuries.

You should consider seeing a spine specialist if you experience persistent back or neck pain, numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, difficulty walking or maintaining balance, or if your symptoms do not improve with rest or physiotherapy. Sudden onset of weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control also requires immediate attention.

Minimally invasive spine surgery involves smaller incisions, less tissue damage, and faster recovery compared to traditional spine surgery, which typically requires larger incisions and longer recovery times. The minimally invasive approach often results in reduced pain, less blood loss, and a shorter hospital stay.

Not all spine conditions require surgery. If your symptoms are mild to moderate and improve with rest, medications, or physiotherapy, surgery may not be necessary. However, if there is nerve compression, severe pain, loss of function, or no improvement with conservative treatment, your doctor may recommend surgical intervention.

Treatment options for herniated discs include rest, pain medications, physiotherapy, epidural steroid injections, and in some cases, surgery such as discectomy or spinal decompression. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the extent of disc herniation.

Yes, many cases of chronic back pain can be managed without surgery through a combination of lifestyle changes, physiotherapy, medications, posture correction, ergonomic adjustments, and sometimes alternative therapies like acupuncture or chiropractic care.

Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery, the patient’s overall health, and how well they follow post-operative instructions. Minimally invasive procedures may allow return to normal activities within a few weeks, while more complex surgeries may require several months of recovery and rehabilitation.

Spine surgery is generally safe when performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon. However, like any surgery, it carries risks such as infection, bleeding, nerve damage, blood clots, or failure to relieve symptoms. Your surgeon will discuss the potential risks and benefits specific to your condition.

Serious spine problems may present with symptoms such as persistent or worsening back or neck pain, radiating pain to arms or legs, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, or loss of coordination. Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control or severe trauma to the spine requires urgent medical evaluation.

Pain after surgery is managed through a combination of prescribed medications, physical therapy, ice/heat application, and gradual return to activity. Your doctor may also recommend specific pain management techniques, such as nerve blocks or TENS therapy, to ensure comfort and promote healing.