Spine Surgeon in Surat for Back and Neck Problems
ગુજરાતી|हिन्दी
Dr. Aman Khanna, M.S. Orthopaedics, assesses back and neck problems in Surat and performs spine surgery where it is needed. The OPD is at Mahavir Health Campus, Athwa Gate (Mon–Sat 4:00–6:00 PM, by appointment). Most back and neck pain improves without an operation, so the first visit is about finding the cause and agreeing the right treatment, which is sometimes surgery.
Who should see an orthopaedic spine doctor?
An orthopaedic spine doctor assesses the bones, discs and joints of the neck and back, and the nerves that pass through them. A consultation is worth considering if you have:
- Back or neck pain that has lasted more than a few weeks or keeps coming back.
- Pain, tingling or numbness that travels down an arm or a leg.
- Weakness in a hand, foot or leg.
- An injury to the neck or back after a fall or road accident.
- An MRI report that mentions a slipped disc, narrowing of the spinal canal or a fracture, and you would like an opinion on what to do next.
You do not need a scan before the first visit. If you already have X-rays or an MRI, bring the films and reports.
Back and neck symptoms that need urgent care
Most back pain is not an emergency. These signs can mean serious pressure on the nerves or the spinal cord, and they should not wait for an OPD appointment. Go to the nearest hospital emergency department the same day for:
- New weakness in one or both legs, or a foot that drags or slaps when you walk
- Difficulty passing urine, or loss of control of urine or stools
- Numbness around the genitals, anus or inner thighs, or a new change in sexual function
- Pain or numbness in both legs
- Clumsy hands, difficulty with buttons, an unsteady walk, or weakness or numbness in both arms or both legs
- Back or neck pain after a fall, road accident or other significant injury
- Severe back pain with fever
See a doctor within a day or two for back pain with unexplained weight loss, a past history of cancer, or pain that is worst at night and not eased by rest. If there is also fever, new weakness or numbness, go to the emergency department the same day.
How a spine problem is assessed
The assessment starts with your history and an examination of posture, movement, muscle strength, reflexes and sensation. X-rays show the bones and alignment. An MRI is advised when nerve compression is suspected and the result would change treatment, or when warning signs are present. A CT scan or nerve tests are added only when they will change the plan.
Scan changes such as disc bulges and age-related wear are common even in people with no pain. For this reason the report is read together with your symptoms and examination, and not on its own.
Non-surgical treatment comes first for most patients
Most episodes of back and neck pain, and many slipped discs, settle over time with staying active within comfort, physiotherapy and medicines as advised by the doctor. Surgery is not needed for the majority of patients.
For leg pain that comes from a nerve in the lower spine, a lumbar selective nerve root (foraminal) block may be considered where indicated. It is an image-guided injection placed close to one lumbar spinal nerve root. It can show which nerve is the source of the pain and may be used as part of treatment. Relief varies. The block is used only when the scan and your symptoms point to one nerve. Like any injection it carries risks, including soreness, infection and, rarely, nerve or blood-vessel injury. These are explained before you consent.
Spine surgery performed in Surat
Surgery is considered when symptoms are serious or getting worse, or when they have not settled with non-operative care and the scan explains the symptoms. Dr. Khanna's spine surgery covers:
- Disc surgery (microdiscectomy): removes the part of a slipped disc that presses on a nerve, using an operating microscope.
- Endoscopic discectomy: removes a slipped disc fragment in the lower back through a small incision, in selected patients. It is usually done under local anaesthesia with sedation, as day-care surgery.
- Decompression and fusion: relieves pressure on nerves and, where needed, joins vertebrae so they move as one.
- Cervical spine surgery: surgery from the front or the back of the neck, chosen by the problem.
- Spine fracture fixation: stabilises a broken vertebra with screws and rods where the fracture is unstable or presses on nerves. Acute spine injuries are accepted at Mahavir Health Campus. If Surat cannot be reached quickly, go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
For sciatica without weakness, about six weeks of non-surgical care usually comes first, before surgery is discussed.
For non-operative care of slipped disc and leg pain, see slip disc and sciatica treatment. For neck and arm symptoms, see neck pain and cervical spondylosis.
Before and after spine surgery
Before any spine operation you will need your scans, a review of your medicines (especially blood thinners and diabetes tablets), basic fitness tests and a clear discussion of what the operation can and cannot achieve. If you smoke, stopping before surgery helps healing.
After surgery most patients are helped to sit and walk early, with wound care and physiotherapy. Limits on lifting, bending and long sitting are advised for a period. After a microdiscectomy, patients usually stay in hospital for 2 to 3 days, return to desk work at about 4 to 6 weeks and to heavy work at about 3 months. After a decompression or a fusion, the stay and the recovery depend on the operation and the patient, and are explained before surgery.
Every spine operation carries risks. These include infection, bleeding, injury to a nerve or to the membrane around the nerves, pain that is not fully relieved, the need for further surgery, bones that do not join after a fusion, risks of anaesthesia and blood clots in the legs. The risks differ by operation and by patient, and they are explained before you give consent.
What to bring to the first visit
Bring previous X-rays, MRI films and reports, and a list of your medicines. Tell the doctor about any weakness, numbness or bladder or bowel changes.
Surgery is one possible result of the visit. The first job is to tell you whether you need it.
OPD location and timings in Surat
Mahavir Hospital — Athwa
Mahavir Health Campus, Ring Rd, Athwa Gate, Surat 395001OPD: Mon–Sat 4:00–6:00 PM · By appointment
Patients also come to the Athwa Gate OPD from Navsari, Valsad, Vapi, Bardoli and Vyara. To book an OPD visit, message on WhatsApp at +91 89808 22922. The chat is for booking and OPD timings only; examination and advice are given at the consultation. Dr. Khanna's qualifications and memberships are on the About page.
Frequently asked questions
When should I see a spine doctor for back pain?
See a spine doctor if back or neck pain lasts more than a few weeks, keeps returning, or comes with pain, tingling or weakness in an arm or leg. Go to an emergency department the same day for new leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the genitals, clumsy hands or an unsteady walk, or back pain after significant injury.
Does every slipped disc need surgery?
No. Most slipped discs improve with time, activity within comfort and physiotherapy, and surgery is considered only for selected patients. These are people with severe or worsening nerve symptoms, weakness, or leg pain that has not settled with non-operative care and matches the MRI findings.
Which spine operations does Dr. Aman Khanna perform?
Dr. Khanna performs microdiscectomy with an operating microscope, endoscopic discectomy, decompression and fusion, cervical spine surgery and fixation of spine fractures. Acute spine injuries are accepted at Mahavir Health Campus. Which operation, if any, suits you is decided after examination and scans.
What is a lumbar selective nerve root (foraminal) block?
A lumbar selective nerve root block is an image-guided injection placed near one nerve root in the lower spine. It can help identify which nerve is causing pain and may form part of treatment for leg pain from a lower-spine nerve, where indicated. Relief varies, and risks such as soreness, infection and, rarely, nerve or blood-vessel injury are explained beforehand.
Do I need an MRI before the first consultation?
No. The first visit starts with your history and examination. If you already have scans, bring the films and reports. An MRI is advised when nerve compression is suspected and the result would change treatment, or when warning signs are present.
How is an orthopaedic spine surgeon different from a neurosurgeon?
Both can operate on the spine. Orthopaedic surgeons train mainly in bones and joints, and neurosurgeons in the brain and nerves. Ask either surgeon how often they do the operation you need.
Where can I consult Dr. Aman Khanna for spine problems in Surat?
OPD consultations are at Mahavir Health Campus, Ring Rd, Athwa Gate, Mon–Sat 4:00–6:00 PM, by appointment. Appointments are booked on WhatsApp at +91 89808 22922; the chat is for booking only.
Related pages
Slip disc surgery (microdiscectomy)
What lumbar microdiscectomy involves, who may need it, and recovery in general terms.
Slip disc surgery SurgeryEndoscopic and minimally invasive spine surgery
How keyhole spine procedures work and when they may suit.
Endoscopic spine surgery SurgerySpinal decompression, fusion and fracture fixation
Surgery to release compressed nerves, join vertebrae or stabilise a broken spine, where indicated.
Decompression and fusion TreatmentSlip disc and sciatica treatment
Assessment and non-operative care for slipped disc and leg pain from a pinched nerve.
Slip disc treatment NeckNeck pain and cervical spondylosis
Assessment of neck pain and arm symptoms that come from the neck.
Neck pain LocationMahavir Hospital, Athwa: OPD details
Mahavir Health Campus, Ring Rd, Athwa Gate: Mon–Sat 4:00–6:00 PM.
Athwa clinic