Honest Answers to
Common Questions

Bring all imaging on CD or digital format (MRI, CT, X-rays), any prior surgical notes or discharge summaries, a list of current medications, and a written description of your symptoms - when they started, what makes them worse or better, what you've tried so far. The more history you bring, the more productive the first consultation will be.

Yes. A second opinion is your right as a patient. You do not need a referral and do not need to inform your current doctor. Many patients come for a second opinion independently. We review your case objectively and provide our assessment - which may confirm the original recommendation or offer an alternative perspective.

Yes. For patients outside Chennai - particularly for second opinions - we offer remote consultations. Send your imaging and records in advance, and we will review them before the video call so the consultation is substantive rather than just a history-taking session. Contact us to arrange this.

Complex spine consultations are typically 30–45 minutes. We review your imaging, take a thorough history, examine you, and discuss findings and options. We do not rush consultations - particularly for patients who have been waiting a long time or have had prior surgery that didn't work.

Absolutely, and we encourage it for complex cases. Having a family member present means someone else hears the explanation, can ask questions, and helps you remember what was discussed. For older patients or those with significant diagnoses, having support present is important.

Surgery is indicated when: (1) there is a structural problem that can only be corrected surgically, (2) conservative management has been properly tried and has failed, or (3) there is a neurological emergency (progressive weakness, bladder/bowel involvement). An MRI abnormality alone is not an indication for surgery - symptoms and functional impact drive the decision.

Risks vary by procedure but generally include: infection (1–2%), bleeding requiring transfusion (<5%), dural tear / CSF leak (1–5% depending on procedure), nerve injury (<1% for routine procedures, higher for complex revision), anaesthetic risks, and hardware failure long-term. We discuss specific risks relevant to your procedure in detail before you consent.

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MIS) uses small incisions, tubular retractors, and sometimes endoscopes to achieve the same decompression or stabilisation as open surgery - with less muscle damage, less blood loss, and faster recovery. It is suitable for many disc herniations, single-level stenosis, and some fractures. However, complex deformity, revision surgery, and tumour cases usually require open approaches.

Recovery varies significantly by procedure: Microdiscectomy - back to desk work in 2–3 weeks, physical work in 6–8 weeks. Single-level fusion - desk work 4–6 weeks, heavy work 3–4 months. Multi-level deformity correction - full recovery 6–12 months, though meaningful improvement begins within weeks. Pain relief often begins immediately for nerve compression; back pain and fatigue take longer.

Fusion surgery uses titanium screws and rods, which are permanent and do not need to be removed. Titanium is generally not detected by standard airport metal detectors but may trigger advanced scanners. We provide a medical card confirming your implants. Hardware removal is rarely needed and only considered if it causes a specific problem.

A standalone pain clinic typically offers injections and medications without surgical oversight or the ability to escalate if those fail. Our practice integrates interventional pain procedures within a full spine surgery practice - meaning we can offer the complete pathway from conservative management through interventional procedures to surgery, all under one specialist.

Epidural steroid injections are safe when performed under image guidance by a trained specialist. We generally limit injections to 3 per year per region to avoid cumulative steroid exposure. More frequent injections are occasionally appropriate in specific clinical situations. Each injection is a clinical decision - not a routine repeat.

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) involves placing electrodes in the epidural space to modify pain signals. It is fully reversible - the system can be removed. We always perform a trial (1–2 weeks with external device) before implanting permanently, so you know the benefit before committing. SCS is highly effective for Failed Back Surgery Syndrome, CRPS, and refractory neuropathic pain.

Yes. Opioid reduction is a specific goal we work towards when the underlying pain can be managed by other means (interventional procedures, neuromodulation, targeted physiotherapy). We do not abruptly stop medications - reduction is gradual and structured. The aim is to improve function and quality of life, not simply reduce a number on a prescription.

Consultation fees are available at the front desk of MGM Malar (Adyar) and Annaamalai Spine Center, or by calling our office directly. Fees differ between hospitals. We do not publish fees online as they are subject to periodic revision.

Most spine surgeries are covered by major health insurance plans in India, including government schemes (CMCHIS, Ayushman Bharat where applicable). Coverage depends on your specific policy and the procedure. Our hospital billing teams assist with pre-authorisation. We recommend verifying your coverage before scheduling elective surgery.

Interventional pain procedures (epidural injections, nerve blocks, RFA) are covered by many insurance plans, though coverage varies. Spinal cord stimulators are covered by some policies - pre-authorisation is typically required. Our team will guide you through the process. Cash-pay rates are also available.

Contact our office in advance. We will schedule your consultation, any required investigations, and if surgery is planned, coordinate admission so you minimise travel trips. Many out-of-city patients complete consultation, pre-operative workup, surgery, and initial recovery in a single trip of 2–3 weeks. We assist with accommodation guidance near the hospital.

Routine consultations are typically available within 3–7 working days. Urgent referrals - from physicians for patients with progressive neurological deficits or emergencies - are accommodated as soon as possible, often the same day. Contact us directly for urgent cases rather than booking online.

Yes. Surgery and interventional procedures are performed at both facilities. Complex deformity, tumour, and revision surgery is preferentially performed at MGM Malar (Adyar) due to the availability of full intensive care backup, neuromonitoring teams, and blood bank resources.

Post-operative patients have access to the clinic's direct line and WhatsApp for concerns between appointments. For urgent post-surgical issues (new neurological symptoms, wound problems, fever), we ask patients to contact us immediately - these are not matters to wait for a scheduled appointment.