Introduction

Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability in India today. Studies show that spine-related conditions affect a significant portion of the Indian population, with low back pain alone accounting for 73% of all back and neck complaints reported at spine clinics across the country. Herniated disc is the single most common diagnosis, affecting 41.2% of all spine patients. What is most alarming is that spinal problems are no longer limited to the elderly — with sedentary desk jobs, long hours on screens, and poor posture habits, Indians as young as 25–30 years are increasingly being diagnosed with serious spinal conditions.

If you or a loved one has been advised spine surgery — or if you simply want to understand your back pain better — this guide is for you. From understanding what causes spine problems to recovering faster after surgery, we cover everything you need to know.

What Are Spine Problems?

Common Back & Neck Conditions Explained

The spine is made up of 33 vertebrae (bones) stacked on top of each other, with soft discs in between acting as shock absorbers. It houses and protects the spinal cord — the main pathway of nerves connecting your brain to the rest of your body. Any damage, degeneration, or pressure on these structures can lead to what we call a spinal problem.

Common spine conditions include:

• Herniated or Slipped Disc — when the soft inner disc pushes out through a crack

• Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) — age-related wear and tear of spinal discs

• Spinal Stenosis — narrowing of the spinal canal causing nerve compression

• Spondylolisthesis — one vertebra slips forward over another

• Scoliosis — abnormal sideways curvature of the spine

• Cervical Spondylosis — arthritis of the neck commonly seen in Indians over 40

• Spinal Fractures — often caused by accidents or osteoporosis

• Sciatica — pain radiating from the lower back down to the leg

What Causes Back Pain & Spine Problems?

Spine problems rarely happen overnight. They develop over time due to a combination of lifestyle, age, and health factors. In India, the following causes are most prevalent:

• Poor posture — especially from long hours sitting at desks or looking down at phones

• Sedentary lifestyle — lack of physical activity weakens the muscles supporting the spine

• Obesity — excess body weight puts added stress on the lumbar (lower) spine

• Ageing — natural degeneration of discs and joints after the age of 35

• Heavy lifting or repetitive physical work — common in labour-intensive occupations

• Accidents or injuries — road accidents, falls, or sports injuries

• Osteoporosis — more common in women post-menopause, leading to vertebral fractures

• Genetic factors — family history of scoliosis or disc disease

Warning Signs & Symptoms

When Should You See a Spine Specialist?

Many Indians dismiss back pain as routine tiredness. However, certain symptoms indicate a serious spinal condition requiring medical attention:

• Persistent back or neck pain lasting more than 4–6 weeks

• Pain that radiates down the arms or legs (a sign of nerve compression)

• Numbness or tingling in hands, fingers, legs, or feet

• Muscle weakness in the arms or legs

• Difficulty walking, standing, or maintaining balance

• Loss of bladder or bowel control (a medical emergency — seek care immediately)

• Stiffness in the neck or back that worsens in the morning

• Sharp, shooting pain while bending or twisting

Important: If you experience loss of bladder/bowel control or sudden weakness in both legs, visit the emergency department immediately — this could indicate Cauda Equina Syndrome, which requires urgent surgery.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Tests You May Need

A spine specialist will evaluate your condition through a combination of clinical examination and advanced imaging:

• MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) — the gold standard for diagnosing disc problems, nerve compression, and soft tissue issues

• CT Scan — provides detailed images of bone structures

• X-Ray — useful for detecting fractures, alignment issues, and spondylolisthesis

• EMG/Nerve Conduction Study — assesses nerve function and damage

• Bone Density Test (DEXA Scan) — to detect osteoporosis in older patients

Treatment Options

Spine surgery is recommended only when conservative treatments have failed over a period of 6–12 weeks. Non-surgical treatments include:

• Physiotherapy and targeted back exercises

• Anti-inflammatory medications and pain management

• Epidural steroid injections for nerve pain relief

• Lifestyle modification — weight management, posture correction

• Traction therapy and hot/cold compresses

Surgery is considered when: the pain is severe and disabling, there is progressive neurological weakness, conservative treatment fails after adequate trial, or there is an urgent condition like cauda equina syndrome.

Types of Spine Surgery

At Neotia Getwel, our experts perform a wide range of surgical procedures using the latest technology:

1. Discectomy

   Removal of the herniated portion of a disc pressing on a nerve. It is one of the most commonly performed and effective spine surgeries, with a success rate of around 85% in India.

2. Laminectomy (Spinal Decompression)

   Removal of part of the vertebral bone (lamina) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. Highly effective for spinal stenosis.

3. Spinal Fusion

   Two or more vertebrae are permanently joined to eliminate painful movement. Used for spondylolisthesis, fractures, degenerative disc disease, and scoliosis. Success rates range from 70–90%.

4. Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS)

   A modern technique using small incisions, specialised instruments, and real-time imaging. It causes less muscle damage, less blood loss, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery — with success rates of 85–95%.

5. Cervical Spine Surgery

   Performed for neck disc herniations, cervical spondylosis, and nerve compression. Includes ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion) and posterior cervical decompression.

6. Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty

   Minimally invasive procedures where bone cement is injected into a fractured vertebra — mainly for osteoporotic compression fractures common in elderly Indian women.

Post-Surgery Recovery Time & Tips

Recovery after spine surgery is a gradual process. The timeline depends on the type of surgery, your age, and your overall health. Here is what you can expect:

Week 1–2: Hospital & Early Recovery

• You will be encouraged to sit up and walk (with support) within 6-12 hours (Maximum time will be discharged in 1-2 days) after surgery — early mobilisation is key

• Pain and discomfort are normal and will be managed with prescribed medications

• Do not sit for more than 20–30 minutes at a stretch

• Keep the incision site clean and dry; check daily for redness or discharge

• Avoid bending, twisting, or lifting anything heavier than a glass of water

Week 1–2: Hospital & Early Recovery

• Begin physiotherapy as advised by your surgeon — this is the most important part of recovery

• Gentle walking is encouraged and should gradually increase every day

• Learn correct posture techniques — how to sit, stand, sleep, and bend safely

• Avoid driving until your surgeon gives clearance

• Most patients with desk jobs can return to light work by 4–6 weeks

3–6 Months: Strengthening & Return to Normal Life

• Continue physiotherapy with progressively stronger exercises

• Bones from spinal fusion take at least 3–4 months to heal fully

• Swimming and gentle yoga (under guidance) may be introduced

• Avoid heavy lifting, contact sports, or strenuous activity until cleared

• Attend all follow-up appointments — do not skip even if you feel better

Diet & Nutrition for Spine Recovery

What you eat plays a vital role in how quickly your spine heals:

• Calcium & Vitamin D — essential for bone healing. Include milk, curd, paneer, ragi, and sunlight exposure

• Protein — helps repair muscles and tissues. Dal, eggs, chicken, fish, and soy are excellent sources

• Anti-inflammatory foods — turmeric (haldi), ginger, omega-3-rich fish, and green leafy vegetables

• Stay well hydrated — drink 8–10 glasses of water daily to keep spinal discs healthy

• Avoid smoking and alcohol — both significantly delay bone healing and increase complication risk

Post-Operative Complications to Watch Out For

When to Call Your Spine Surgeon

• Fever above 101°F

• Increasing pain at the surgical site or new severe back pain

• Redness, swelling, or discharge from the wound

• Sudden weakness, numbness, or paralysis in legs or arms

• Loss of bladder or bowel control

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing (can indicate a blood clot)

Why Choose Neotia Getwel?

At Neotia Getwel Multispecialty Hospital, our dedicated team combines advanced technology with compassionate care to deliver the best outcomes for every patient.

• Experienced spine surgeons trained in minimally invasive and complex spinal procedures

• State-of-the-art OT with intraoperative imaging.

• Dedicated spine physiotherapy and post-operative rehabilitation programme

• Multidisciplinary team including neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, and pain specialists

• NABH-accredited facility with high standards of patient safety and care

Conclusion

Spine surgery may feel daunting, but with the right medical team and proper post-operative care, most patients return to a pain-free and active life. The key is early diagnosis, expert care, and following your recovery plan diligently.

Don't let back pain hold you back. If you are experiencing any spine-related symptoms, consult our specialists at Neotia Getwel Multispecialty Hospital — because good health is closer than ever.