Spine Surgeon in Chennai

Back pain and neck pain can interfere with everyday activities, making simple tasks such as sitting, bending, driving, walking or getting out of bed difficult. These symptoms may arise from different spinal conditions, including slipped discs, nerve compression, age-related changes or degenerative disorders.

While some people experience discomfort limited to the lower back or neck, others may notice pain extending into the legs, shoulders or arms. Tingling, numbness and muscle weakness can also occur when spinal nerves are affected.

If you are experiencing persistent back pain, recurring neck pain or symptoms of nerve irritation, consulting an experienced spine surgeon in Chennai can help identify the underlying cause and determine appropriate treatment options. However, not every spinal condition requires surgery, and many patients may benefit from non-surgical treatments.

At Bharath Orthopaedics, Chennai, patients with spine-related concerns are evaluated based on their medical history, symptoms, physical examination and relevant investigations. Treatment recommendations are individualised according to the diagnosis, with conservative management considered wherever clinically appropriate.

What Does a Spine Surgeon Treat?

The spine supports the body, protects the spinal cord and helps us bend, turn and move. It consists of vertebrae, intervertebral discs, joints, ligaments, muscles and nerves.

Problems affecting any of these structures can cause pain, stiffness, restricted movement or neurological symptoms.

Common spine-related conditions include:

1. Slipped Disc (Herniated Disc)

A slipped disc occurs when the soft inner material of an intervertebral disc pushes through a weakened or damaged outer layer. If the displaced material irritates a nearby nerve, it may cause back pain, leg pain, tingling or numbness.

A slipped disc does not always require surgery. Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and whether nerve function is affected.

2. Sciatica

Sciatica refers to pain associated with irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve or its nerve roots. Patients may experience pain travelling from the lower back through the buttock and down one leg.

Some people also experience burning sensations, tingling or numbness. The underlying cause needs to be assessed before deciding on treatment.

3. Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces around the nerves in the lower spine become narrower. This can put pressure on the nerves and cause lower back pain, leg discomfort, numbness or weakness.

Some patients notice that walking or standing for extended periods increases their symptoms, while sitting or leaning forward provides relief.

4. Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis refers to age-related wear and tear affecting the discs and joints in the neck.

Symptoms may include neck stiffness, pain, restricted movement and headaches. In some cases, nerve compression can cause pain, tingling or numbness extending into the shoulders, arms and hands.

5. Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward in relation to the vertebra below it. Depending on the degree of slippage and nerve involvement, patients may experience lower back pain, stiffness or leg symptoms.

6. Degenerative Disc Disease

Spinal discs naturally change with age. Some changes can contribute to reduced disc height, stiffness and pain. However, disc degeneration seen on an MRI does not necessarily mean that it is the source of a patient’s symptoms.

7. Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine develops an abnormal sideways curvature. It may be identified during childhood, adolescence or adulthood. The need for monitoring or treatment depends on the patient’s age, spinal curve, symptoms and whether the condition is progressing.

Spine Care at Bharath Orthopaedics, Chennai

Spinal conditions can vary considerably in their causes and severity. Some patients need help managing recurring back pain, while others may require an assessment for disc-related problems, nerve compression or degenerative spinal changes.

At Bharath Orthopaedics, the approach to spine-related conditions involves understanding the patient’s symptoms, identifying the likely cause and discussing suitable treatment options.

The treatment plan may involve medication, physiotherapy, activity modification, selected pain-management interventions or surgical assessment, depending on the clinical findings.

Where a condition requires complex spinal surgery or specialised expertise beyond the treating doctor’s scope, referral to an appropriately qualified spine specialist should be considered.

The aim is to help patients understand their condition and make informed decisions about their care.

Doctor section – Dr. Bharath Loganathan

Dr. Bharath Loganathan – Orthopaedic Surgeon, Bharath Orthopaedics, Chennai, 20+ years of clinical experience , MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics), MRCS (Edinburgh)

Dr. Bharath Loganathan is an orthopaedic surgeon practising in Chennai. His professional background includes MBBS from Stanley Medical College, Chennai, MS in Orthopaedic Surgery from Grant Medical College and JJ Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, and MRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

His additional training includes the Ranawat Adult Joint Reconstruction Fellowship and advanced hip and knee replacement training. His clinical practice primarily focuses on knee and hip replacement, revision joint replacement and other orthopaedic conditions.

His website profile also mentions experience in managing spine-related conditions. Patients presenting with back pain, neck pain, disc-related symptoms or other spinal concerns can be assessed to determine the appropriate course of care.

Treatment recommendations are based on the individual patient’s condition, clinical examination and relevant investigations. Where specialised spine surgical expertise is required, referral to an appropriately trained specialist should be considered.

When Should You Consult a Spine Specialist?

Occasional back discomfort may improve with appropriate activity modification and conservative care. However, persistent or worsening symptoms should not be ignored.

Consider a medical assessment if you experience:

• Back pain that continues or repeatedly returns.
• Neck pain that interferes with daily activities.
• Pain travelling from the lower back into one or both legs.
• Tingling or numbness in the arms, hands, legs or feet.
• Difficulty standing or walking for extended periods.
• Muscle weakness affecting your usual movements.
• Pain that does not improve with initial treatment.
• Recurrent symptoms following a previous spinal injury.

When to seek urgent medical attention

New loss of bladder or bowel control, difficulty passing urine, numbness around the groin or saddle area, or rapidly worsening weakness in the legs may indicate serious nerve compression, including cauda equina syndrome. Seek an emergency medical assessment immediately.

Severe back pain following a significant accident, particularly with weakness or numbness, also requires urgent assessment.

How are Spinal Problems Diagnosed?

A proper diagnosis is important because different spinal conditions can produce similar symptoms. Treatment should be based on the underlying cause rather than pain alone.

During an assessment, the doctor may consider the following:

• Medical history: The doctor asks when the pain started, where it is located, whether it travels to the arms or legs and what activities make it better or worse.
• Physical examination: This may include checking spinal movement, posture, muscle strength, reflexes, sensation and walking ability.
• X-rays: These may help assess spinal alignment, bone structure, vertebral changes and certain degenerative conditions.
• MRI scan: MRI provides detailed images of spinal discs, nerves, the spinal cord and surrounding soft tissues. It may be recommended when symptoms or examination findings suggest nerve compression or another condition requiring further investigation.
• CT scan: A CT scan may be useful for examining bone structures and certain spinal injuries.

Not every patient needs all these investigations. The choice of imaging depends on the clinical findings and whether the result is likely to influence treatment.

What are the Treatment Options for Spine Problems?

Spinal treatment varies from one patient to another. The appropriate approach depends on the diagnosis, severity of symptoms, neurological findings, general health and response to previous treatment.

1. Medication

Depending on the condition, a doctor may prescribe medicines to manage pain, inflammation or muscle spasms. Medication should be used according to medical advice, particularly in patients with other health conditions.

2. Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy may help improve spinal mobility, muscle strength, flexibility and physical function. A physiotherapist can recommend exercises based on the patient’s condition and tolerance.

3. Activity Modification

Temporary modification of activities that aggravate pain may be helpful. Prolonged bed rest is generally not recommended for uncomplicated back pain. A gradual return to appropriate daily activities is often encouraged.

4. Injection-Based Treatment

In selected patients with nerve irritation, an epidural steroid injection or another image-guided intervention may be considered. These treatments aim to reduce inflammation and symptoms but do not correct every underlying structural problem.

5. Spine Surgery

Surgery may be considered when there is a clear structural problem that can be addressed surgically, particularly when significant nerve compression, progressive neurological weakness or persistent disabling symptoms are present.

The decision should take into account the expected benefits, potential complications, alternative treatments and the patient’s individual circumstances.

When is Spine Surgery Necessary?

One of the most common concerns among patients is whether back pain will eventually require surgery.

The answer is that most people with back pain do not need an operation.

Spine surgery may be discussed in situations such as:

• Persistent nerve-related pain despite an appropriate course of non-surgical treatment.
• Significant nerve compression that corresponds with clinical symptoms.
• Progressive neurological weakness.
• Certain spinal fractures or injuries.
• Specific spinal deformities or structural conditions.
• Spinal cord compression requiring surgical assessment.

The choice of procedure depends on the condition. Procedures used in selected cases may include:

• Microdiscectomy: Removal of the portion of a herniated disc pressing on a nerve.
• Laminectomy: Removal of part of the vertebral bone to create more space for compressed nerves.
• Spinal decompression: Procedures intended to relieve pressure on spinal nerves or the spinal cord.
• Spinal fusion: Joining selected vertebrae to provide stability when clinically indicated.

Not all procedures are suitable for every patient. Complex spinal reconstruction, major deformity correction and other specialised procedures may require assessment by a fellowship-trained spine surgeon.

What Should You Consider Before Choosing Spine Treatment?

Choosing a doctor for a spinal problem involves more than looking at the treatment options available.

Patients should understand:

• The doctor’s qualifications and relevant clinical experience.
• Whether the diagnosis explains their symptoms.
• Whether non-surgical treatment is appropriate.
• Why a particular investigation or procedure is being recommended.
• The expected benefits and possible risks of treatment.
• The rehabilitation and follow-up requirements.
• Whether referral to a specialist with additional spine training is appropriate.

Patients should feel comfortable asking questions and understanding their treatment choices before making a decision.

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