My dad is 59 and has had sciatica pain from a slipped disc between L4-L5 for 10 years. Doctors recommended surgery but said it might not last and could have lifelong risks, so we stuck with physio and meds. Now he's getting numbness and pain in his leg and fingers. Should we consider surgery now or keep trying physio and meds?

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Dhankecha Dineshbhai

General Practitioner

MBBS
6+ Yrs

Consult Now

New numbness and worsening sciatica after long-term conservative care may indicate nerve compression‚Äîsurgical decompression may now offer better relief and prevent damage.

Dr. Dhankecha Suggests...

Consult a Neurosurgeon

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Answered 14/08/2025

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My dad had an accident and the doctors are recommending cervical spine surgery can you tell me the pros and cons of this procedure? I'm really worried about the risks and recovery.

for P/E ORTHO specialist opinion is advised to the patient.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

I've been diagnosed with multiple lumbar ligamentum flavum issues and a couple of disc bulges in my lower back. The pain is really intense, and I'm also dealing with bowel and bladder problems along with ED. I'm only 30 is surgery the only way to fix this completely or are there other options I can explore?

ortho opinion is advised to the patient at apollo hospital.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

my dad is 60 and has a problem at the C1 C2 level due to spondylitis - is surgery really necessary at his age or can medication help manage it

At the age of 60 years conservative management with medicines , physiotherapy is recommended Next Steps can consult orthopedician or spine surgeon

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

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Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.