Spine Care

Spine Care at Sparsh Hospital, Jalandhar

Spine problems can affect the neck, upper back or lower back and may cause pain, stiffness, numbness, tingling or weakness. Some spinal conditions improve with non-surgical treatment, while others may require specialist evaluation or surgery.

At Sparsh Brain, Spine & Multispeciality Hospital, patients can undergo specialist assessment for a range of spinal conditions. Treatment planning is based on symptoms, medical history, physical examination, investigations and the overall health of the patient.

Common Spine Conditions

Spinal conditions can have different causes and may affect the bones, discs, joints, spinal cord or nerves.

Conditions commonly evaluated as part of spine care may include back and neck pain, slipped or herniated discs, nerve compression, sciatica, spinal stenosis, degenerative changes of the spine and selected conditions requiring surgical assessment.

The symptoms and appropriate treatment can vary considerably from one patient to another.

Back and Neck Pain

Back and neck pain are common and can result from several different causes, including muscle or ligament strain, disc problems, changes in the spine or nerve irritation.

Many episodes of uncomplicated back pain improve with time and appropriate activity. Persistent, recurrent or function-limiting pain may require medical evaluation to identify the possible cause and determine whether further investigation is needed.

Slipped Disc

A slipped disc, also called a herniated or prolapsed disc, occurs when material from a spinal disc moves beyond its normal position and may press on a nearby nerve.

Depending on the location of the affected disc, symptoms may include back or neck pain, pain travelling into an arm or leg, numbness, tingling or weakness. Some disc problems may cause no symptoms at all.

Many patients with a slipped disc can be managed without surgery. Treatment may include activity modification, medicines when appropriate, physiotherapy and other conservative measures. Surgery may be considered in selected patients when symptoms persist or neurological problems develop.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis refers to narrowing of the space available for the spinal cord or nerves. In the lower back, this can cause pain, numbness or weakness in the legs and may sometimes make walking or standing difficult.

Diagnosis is based on the patient's symptoms, clinical examination and appropriate investigations. Depending on the individual case, treatment may include medicines, prescribed exercises, physiotherapy, injections or surgery.

Spine Evaluation

A spine consultation usually begins with a detailed discussion of symptoms, previous illnesses, injuries, medications and earlier treatment.

The doctor may examine movement, strength, sensation, reflexes, walking pattern and other neurological functions depending on the symptoms.

Previous X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans and other medical reports can be useful during the consultation.

Imaging and Diagnostic Tests

Depending on the clinical situation, investigations may include X-ray, CT scan or MRI. MRI can provide detailed information about the spinal cord, nerve roots, discs and surrounding structures.

In selected cases, electromyography or nerve conduction studies may also be considered to evaluate nerve function.

Not every patient with back or neck pain requires imaging. The need for investigations depends on the symptoms, examination findings and clinical assessment.

Non-Surgical Spine Treatment

Many spinal conditions can initially be managed without surgery. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include medicines, activity modification, physiotherapy, prescribed exercises or other non-surgical approaches.

Physical therapy may focus on improving movement, flexibility, strength and functional ability. The specific exercises should be selected according to the patient's condition and clinical assessment.

Some patients may also be considered for spinal or epidural injections when clinically appropriate.

When Is Spine Surgery Considered?

Spine surgery is not required for every patient with back or neck pain. It may be considered when symptoms are persistent or significantly affecting daily activities despite appropriate non-surgical treatment, or when there is neurological deterioration or significant nerve compression.

The type of surgery depends on the underlying condition and may include procedures intended to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, remove a portion of a problematic disc or stabilise an unstable segment of the spine.

The potential benefits, risks and alternatives should be discussed with the treating specialist before surgery.

Spine Surgery and Recovery

Recovery after spine surgery varies according to the condition treated, the type of procedure, the patient's general health and other individual factors.

After surgery, the treating team provides instructions regarding medicines, wound care, activity, exercise and the gradual return to normal activities. Some patients may benefit from supervised rehabilitation or physiotherapy.

When Should You Seek Specialist Evaluation?

Medical evaluation is appropriate when back or neck pain does not improve, keeps returning, interferes with daily activities or is associated with symptoms such as numbness, tingling or weakness.

Urgent medical assessment is particularly important when back pain is associated with new or worsening weakness, loss of sensation around the genital or anal region, difficulty passing urine, or loss of bladder or bowel control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every back pain problem require surgery?

No. Many causes of back pain can be managed with non-surgical treatment. Surgery is considered only when it is appropriate for the specific condition and clinical situation.

What is a slipped disc?

A slipped disc, also called a herniated or prolapsed disc, occurs when material from a spinal disc moves beyond its normal position. If it presses on a nerve, it may cause pain, numbness, tingling or weakness.

When might an MRI be recommended?

An MRI may be recommended when the clinical assessment suggests that detailed information about the discs, nerves, spinal cord or other structures is needed. The decision depends on the patient's symptoms and examination findings.

Can a slipped disc get better without surgery?

Yes. Many patients with a slipped disc improve with non-surgical treatment and time. Surgery may be considered when symptoms do not improve or when significant or progressive neurological problems develop.

What symptoms require urgent attention?

New or worsening weakness, numbness around the genital or anal region, difficulty passing urine, or loss of bladder or bowel control can require urgent medical assessment.

Should I bring my previous MRI or X-ray reports?

Yes. Previous scans, medical reports, prescriptions and details of earlier treatment can help the specialist understand your medical history and plan the next steps.

Spine Care in Jalandhar

If you are experiencing persistent back or neck pain, symptoms travelling into an arm or leg, numbness, tingling or other spine-related concerns, a specialist evaluation can help identify the possible cause and appropriate treatment options.

Bring your previous medical reports and scans to your consultation whenever possible so that the treating team can review your history and investigations together.