Ashwini Hospital - ISO Certified Speciality Hospital For Advanced Medical & Critical Care.

Over years surgery of spine has evolved as an independent specialty. More and more spinal trauma, diseases and deformities, which were considered inoperable or difficult to approach, has been possible because of specially trained surgeons and modern gadgets. A.O. Spinal fixation device, Titanium implants, use of magnification and standardization of various approaches to all areas of the spine has made it possible for us to undertake hundreds of spinal surgeries with satisfactory out come.

Dr Feroze Ali (A.O.certfied Spinal instrumentation specialist) and Dr Paresh Kumar Dey (Arthroscopic and Endospinal Surgeon) are Consultants.

What causes neck pain?

Neck pain has a variety of causes. Poor body mechanics, herniated discs, spinal fracture, muscle spasms, spinal deformity, and osteoarthritis are a few reasons. Your physician will determine if the pain is mechanical, (coming from the joint or the disc); radicular, (coming from a nerve or nerve root); or myelopathic, (coming from the spinal cord) and determine a treatment plan.

What is a herniated disc?

A disc is the fibrous cartilage pads that lie between the spinal vertebrae; each is made up of two parts: a jelly-like center (the nucleus palpus) that loses moisture with age, and a tough outer ring (the annulus fibrous) that can split with age or injury A herniated disc occurs when the disc's jelly-like center (the nucleus palpus) ruptures the tough, fibrous outer ring (the annulus fibrous) oozing through small openings in the vertebrae where nerves enter the spinal column.

What is the difference between a herniated disc and a bulging disc?

A bulging disc is a slight protrusion of the center of the disc (nucleus palpus) into the spinal canal. In a bulging disc, the annulus fibrous (outer ring) has not been ruptured. A disc herniation is a large protrusion of the nucleus pulposus (center of the disc), which has burst through the annulus fibrous (outer ring of the disc) into the spinal canal, invading the surrounding nerves and causing pain in the neck, shoulders or arms.

Should I have a MRI if I have pain?

Your physician will determine is an MRI is necessary. Generally, an MRI is ordered for patients that have failed conservative therapy, or have persistent pain in the neck, shoulder, or arms, or exhibit weakness in the arms.

Would I have irreversible damage if I delay surgery?

Your physician will advise you based on your condition. In general, if there is severe spinal cord compression or a nerve is compressed over a period of time there may be irreversible damage. If a patient experiences an increase in weakness, weakness in the legs, loss of balance, or loss of bladder or bowel control, they should be reevaluated by their spine specialist immediately.