Sciatica Treatment in India
About Sciatica
Key Highlights
-
Provides rapid and significant relief from leg pain, numbness, and weakness caused by nerve compression.Often performed using minimally invasive techniques, leading to smaller incisions, less tissue damage, and reduced scarring.Typically results in a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery compared to traditional open spine surgery.High success rate in improving mobility and overall quality of life for patients unresponsive to conservative care.Helps prevent potential long-term nerve damage and muscle weakness.
Who is this surgery for?
- Severe sciatica pain that persists for 6-12 weeks despite comprehensive non-surgical treatment (rest, medication, physical therapy).
- Progressive neurological deficits, such as significant leg weakness, foot drop, or loss of bowel/bladder control (cauda equina syndrome, a medical emergency).
- Significant limitation in daily activities, work, or sleep due to unrelenting pain.
- Confirmed nerve root compression on an MRI or CT scan that correlates with clinical symptoms.
- Recurrent episodes of debilitating sciatica that severely impact quality of life.
How to prepare
- Complete a thorough medical evaluation, including blood tests, ECG, and imaging studies (MRI/CT) as requested by the surgeon.
- Discuss all current medications (prescription, over-the-counter, and supplements) with the surgical team; you may need to stop certain ones like blood thinners.
- Stop smoking well in advance of surgery to improve healing and reduce complication risks.
- Arrange for help at home for the first 1-2 weeks post-surgery for tasks like driving, cooking, and cleaning.
- Follow pre-operative fasting instructions (typically no food or drink after midnight before surgery).
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Infection, bleeding, blood clots (DVT/PE), and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Nerve or spinal cord injury, which could lead to worsened pain, weakness, numbness, or paralysis (rare).
- Dural tear (cerebrospinal fluid leak), which may require additional repair.
- Recurrence of the herniated disc or failure to relieve symptoms (failed back surgery syndrome).
- Persistent pain, stiffness, or scar tissue formation around the nerve root.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay is typically 1-2 days; walking is encouraged soon after surgery to aid recovery.
- Pain is managed with prescribed medications; avoid NSAIDs initially if a bone graft was used.
- Limit bending, twisting, and lifting (nothing heavier than 5-10 lbs) for the first 4-6 weeks.
- Begin a guided physical therapy program after 2-6 weeks to strengthen core and back muscles.
- Gradually return to light activities and sedentary work within 2-4 weeks; avoid heavy labor for 3-6 months.
- Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing and progress.
-
Typical hospital stay:
1-2 days
-
Expected recovery time:
4-6 weeks for basic activities, 3-6 months for full recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering sciatica in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for sciatica in India include Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Miot Hospital Chennai, Manipal Hospital Rangapani, 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 sciatica. MediFyr helps you compare spine surgeons 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 sciatica compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 150 Thousand – 450 Thousand | 1-2 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for basic activities, 3-6 months for full recovery | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 1.58 Million | 1-2 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for basic activities, 3-6 months for full recovery | Know More |
Top hospitals for Sciatica in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated spine surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing sciatica.
Bangalore, India
105 Doctors
Vihaan Garcia, a 42-year-old construction foreman,...
Vihaan Garcia, a 42-year-old construction foreman, had always been proud of his physical strength. For over a year, a persistent, sharp pain shot down his left leg, making long days on site unbearable. Simple tasks like bending to tie his boots or sitting in his truck became agonizing. He tried physical therapy and epidural injections, but the relief was temporary. An MRI revealed a large herniated disc at L5-S1 compressing his sciatic nerve. His spine surgeon, Dr. Chen, recommended a minimally invasive microdiscectomy, explaining it would relieve the nerve pressure and give him the best chance to return to work. Vihaan was terrified of surgery and the potential impact on his ability to provide for his family. The procedure itself was quick, and he woke up with the familiar leg pain dramatically reduced. After a cautious 6-week recovery with strict lifting restrictions, he gradually returned to modified duties. The emotional weight lifted with the physical pain; he felt hopeful and grateful to reclaim his active life and role as a provider, though he remains mindful of his spine health.
Spine surgeons for Sciatica
Explore experienced spine surgeons who regularly perform sciatica and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 20 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 14 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 8 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur
- 7 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 5 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 12 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 25 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 15 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 17 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon
Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- 19 Years Experience
- Spine surgeon