Radiculopathy Treatment in India
About Radiculopathy
Key Highlights
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Provides direct decompression of the pinched nerve root for immediate symptom relief.Often performed using minimally invasive techniques, leading to smaller incisions and less tissue disruption.High success rates in reducing radiating pain, numbness, and weakness.Can prevent permanent nerve damage and muscle atrophy when performed in a timely manner.May allow for a quicker return to daily activities and work compared to prolonged conservative management.Advanced intraoperative imaging and navigation improve precision and safety./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Severe or progressive neurological deficits, such as significant muscle weakness or loss of function.
- Persistent, debilitating pain (radicular pain) that does not respond to 6-12 weeks of conservative treatment (e.g., physical therapy, medications, epidural injections).
- Evidence of nerve root compression on MRI or CT scans correlating with clinical symptoms.
- Cauda equina syndrome, a surgical emergency involving loss of bowel/bladder control, saddle anesthesia, and severe leg weakness.
- Significant loss of sensation or reflexes in the affected limb.
- Condition caused by a large herniated disc, spinal stenosis, foraminal narrowing, or a spinal tumor.
How to prepare
- Complete a thorough medical evaluation, including blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray to assess surgical fitness.
- Undergo advanced imaging studies like an MRI or CT myelogram to precisely locate the nerve compression.
- Discontinue certain medications (e.g., blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin) as advised by the surgeon, typically 1-2 weeks prior.
- Discuss all current medications, supplements, and allergies with the surgical team.
- Refrain from eating or drinking (fast) for 6-8 hours before the scheduled surgery.
- Arrange for post-operative transportation and home assistance for the initial recovery period.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Infection, bleeding, or adverse reaction to anesthesia.
- Nerve or spinal cord injury, potentially leading to worsened pain, weakness, numbness, or paralysis (rare).
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which may cause headaches and require further treatment.
- Recurrence of herniation or failure to relieve symptoms (failed back surgery syndrome).
- Damage to nearby structures, such as blood vessels or abdominal organs in lumbar surgery.
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) or pulmonary embolism.
- Scar tissue formation (epidural fibrosis) that can later cause pain.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay is typically short, often 1-2 days for minimally invasive procedures; patients may walk within hours after surgery.
- Pain at the incision site is managed with prescribed medications; radicular pain often improves quickly.
- Avoid bending, twisting, or lifting heavy objects (more than 5-10 lbs) for the first 4-6 weeks.
- Gradually increase walking and light activities as tolerated; formal physical therapy usually begins 2-6 weeks post-op.
- Keep the surgical incision clean and dry; watch for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or drainage.
- Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and neurological progress.
- Full recovery and return to all normal activities, including strenuous work or sports, may take 3-6 months.
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Typical hospital stay:
1-3 days
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Expected recovery time:
4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full activity
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering radiculopathy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for radiculopathy in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Cytecare Hospital, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform radiculopathy. MediFyr helps you compare neurosurgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for radiculopathy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 150 Thousand – 500 Thousand | 1-3 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full activity | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 1.75 Million | 1-3 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full activity | Know More |
Top hospitals for Radiculopathy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurosurgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing radiculopathy.
Hyderabad, India
67 Doctors
Vivaan Reddy, a 42-year-old software architect...
Vivaan Reddy, a 42-year-old software architect and father of two, had always been active, coaching his son's cricket team on weekends. His life changed six months ago when a persistent, sharp pain began shooting down his right leg, accompanied by a constant tingling in his foot. Initially dismissed as a muscle strain, the pain worsened, becoming a burning electric shock with every step or cough. He struggled to sit through work meetings and could no longer play with his kids. An MRI revealed a severe L5-S1 disc herniation compressing his nerve root, lumbar radiculopathy. His neurosurgeon, Dr. Sharma, recommended a minimally invasive microdiscectomy after conservative treatments like physiotherapy and epidural injections provided only fleeting relief. Terrified of surgery but desperate for his life back, Vivaan agreed. The procedure itself was quick, and he woke up with the immediate, shocking absence of the searing leg pain. Recovery required careful movement and physiotherapy, but within weeks, he was walking without a limp. By three months, he was gently playing cricket in the backyard. Emotionally, he journeyed from frustration and fear of being a burden to profound relief and gratitude, reclaiming his role as an active, present father and professional.
Neurosurgeons for Radiculopathy
Explore experienced neurosurgeons who regularly perform radiculopathy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 22 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 29 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 17 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 15 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurosurgeon
Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada