Slip disc & sciatica treatment in Mohali: surgery vs non-surgical options & cost

Introduction

Back pain and sciatica are among the leading causes of disability worldwide. A common cause for these symptoms is a slip disc (also called a herniated disc or lumbar disc herniation), which can compress nerve roots and lead to leg pain, numbness, or weakness known collectively as sciatica. This comprehensive guide explains what a slip disc is, how it causes sciatica, the full range of treatment options available in Mohali and Punjab, how to choose between surgery vs physiotherapy, and realistic cost expectations for both conservative and surgical care.

Locally, patients in Mohali and surrounding areas often seek care at specialized centres such as Livasa Hospitals Mohali for integrated spine and neuro care. This article is written to help patients and families make an informed decision by describing causes, symptoms, diagnostic workup, non‑surgical therapies (physiotherapy, pain management, injections, spinal decompression), and surgical options (microdiscectomy, discectomy, minimally invasive spine surgery, fusion and laser-assisted procedures). We also cover cost of slipped disc treatment in Punjab, sample price ranges (estimates), and factors that influence pricing such as surgeon experience, hospital stay, implants, and rehabilitation.

Use this resource to understand when conservative care is appropriate, when to consider surgical referral, and how Livasa Hospitals Mohali can support you with expert sciatica specialist Mohali consultations, diagnostic imaging, pain procedures, and modern spine surgery when indicated. For appointments call +91 80788 80788 or book online at Livasa Hospitals appointment.

What is it?

A slip disc, medically referred to as a herniated or prolapsed intervertebral disc, occurs when the soft inner gel-like nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc pushes through a tear in the tougher outer annulus fibrosus. Most clinically significant herniations occur in the lumbar spine (lower back), especially between L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels, producing symptoms that radiate along the sciatic nerve distribution — the hallmark of sciatica.

The spine is composed of vertebrae separated by discs that act as shock absorbers and allow motion. With age, wear-and-tear (degenerative disc disease), micro-injury, sudden heavy lifting, repetitive bending, or trauma, the disc structure can weaken. When the inner nucleus herniates, it may compress nerve roots or trigger chemical inflammation around nerves, resulting in pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness down the leg.

Not all slip discs cause sciatica. Many small herniations may be asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on imaging. When a disc compresses a nerve root sufficiently, symptoms can range from mild intermittent leg pain to severe, constant pain with accompanying neurological signs such as reduced ankle reflex, foot drop, or progressive loss of bladder/bowel control in rare severe cases.

Understanding the mechanism helps guide effective treatment: reduce inflammation, relieve nerve compression, stabilise the spine if necessary, and rehabilitate the supporting muscles and posture. In Mohali and across Punjab, patients often first try conservative measures such as physiotherapy or epidural steroid injections; persistent or progressive neurological deficits may require surgical evaluation with a spine surgeon in Punjab experienced in minimally invasive techniques.

Signs and symptoms

The clinical picture of a slip disc with sciatica varies but there are typical patterns. Recognizing red flags that require urgent medical attention is essential for timely care in Mohali and nearby areas.

Common symptoms include:

• Low back pain that may be dull or sharp; often worsened by bending or lifting.
• Radiating leg pain (sciatica) that travels down the buttock and back of the leg to the calf or foot in a dermatomal pattern.
• Numbness or pins-and-needles in the leg or foot over a specific area.
• Weakness in leg muscles or foot drop affecting walking or foot clearance.
• Worsening symptoms with coughing, sneezing, or straining because of increased intradiscal pressure.

Red flags requiring immediate evaluation at a specialty centre like Livasa Mohali include:

• Severe or progressive motor weakness in the legs.
• Cauda equina syndrome signs — saddle anesthesia (numbness in the groin), new urinary retention or incontinence, bowel dysfunction, or severe bilateral leg weakness.
• Uncontrolled severe pain despite medication and rest.
• Fever, history of cancer, unexplained weight loss with back pain (suggestive of infection or malignancy).

If you live in Mohali or anywhere in Punjab and experience these red flags, immediate assessment with imaging and a spine specialist is recommended. For non‑urgent but persistent symptoms (more than 6 weeks), a consultation with a sciatica specialist Mohali or a back pain specialist can guide conservative care, imaging decisions, and whether interventional pain procedures or surgery are needed.

How is it diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis begins with a careful history and focused neurological examination. A spine specialist or neurologist evaluates pain distribution, reflexes, muscle strength, and sensory changes to identify the likely nerve root level involved. In Mohali, most evaluations at centres like Livasa Hospitals Mohali follow an evidence-based protocol combining clinical assessment with selective imaging and diagnostics.

Common diagnostic tests:

• X-ray of the lumbar spine: Helps screen for fracture, spondylolisthesis, or loss of disc height but does not show the disc herniation itself.
• MRI lumbar spine: The gold-standard imaging for visualising disc herniation, nerve root compression, and the extent of degeneration. MRI is recommended when symptoms are severe, progressive, or last more than several weeks.
• CT scan: Used when MRI is contraindicated or to evaluate bone anatomy more clearly.
• Electrophysiology (EMG/NCS): Helps confirm nerve root involvement and differentiate from peripheral neuropathy.

Imaging findings must be correlated with clinical symptoms — not every herniation on MRI causes pain. At Livasa Mohali, the multidisciplinary team (orthopaedic spine surgeons, neurosurgeons, physiotherapists, and pain specialists) reviews imaging along with patient goals, occupation, and comorbidities to develop an individualized plan. Typical consultation processes in Mohali may include an initial consultation with a back pain specialist Mohali, MRI review, and discussion of conservative vs surgical options. Consultation fees vary; for an accurate appointment or surgeon consultation cost Mohali, call +91 80788 80788 or book online.

Non-surgical treatment options

The majority of patients with lumbar disc herniation improve with conservative care within 6 to 12 weeks. Non-surgical treatment aims to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, restore function, and prevent recurrence. In Mohali and across Punjab, conservative care is widely available: physiotherapy, medical management, targeted injections, spinal decompression programs, and lifestyle modification guidance.

Common non-surgical options:

• Analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications: Short-term use of NSAIDs, paracetamol, and if needed, short courses of oral steroids or neuropathic agents (gabapentin, pregabalin) for radicular pain.
• Physiotherapy: Targeted exercises for core strengthening, flexibility, posture correction, traction, and graded return to activity. Physiotherapy for sciatica Mohali programs may include supervised sessions and a home exercise plan. Sciatica physiotherapy cost Mohali varies by clinic and intensity of therapy.
• Interventional injections: Epidural steroid injections reduce local inflammation around the nerve root and can provide weeks to months of symptom relief, allowing rehabilitation. For patients in Mohali, epidural steroid injection cost Mohali is an important consideration and typically varies by technique (transforaminal vs interlaminar) and facility.
• Spinal decompression therapy: Non-surgical mechanical decompression aims to create negative pressure within the disc and reduce nerve root compression; suitable for selected patients as an adjunct to physiotherapy.
• Activity modification, ergonomics and lifestyle: Weight loss, smoking cessation, and workplace modifications are key to long-term success.

Below is a table comparing common non-surgical modalities for slipped disc management to help patients understand benefits and recovery expectations:

Many patients in Mohali find meaningful pain relief with combined programmes: physiotherapy for sciatica Mohali plus targeted injections when needed. Choosing a qualified team and tailoring therapy to your specific disc level and lifestyle are critical. If symptoms persist beyond 6–12 weeks or neurological deficits worsen, surgical consultation is recommended.

Surgical treatment options

Surgery is considered when conservative measures fail to relieve symptoms, or when there is progressive neurological deficit, significant weakness, or signs of cauda equina syndrome. Surgical approaches for lumbar disc herniation are designed to remove the offending disc material and decompress the nerve root while preserving spinal stability.

Common surgical options offered in Mohali by experienced teams at centres like Livasa Hospitals Mohali include:

• Microdiscectomy: A small incision and use of an operating microscope or endoscope to remove herniated disc fragments compressing the nerve. It is the most commonly performed procedure for lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy.
• Open discectomy: Traditional approach with a slightly larger incision; effective when broader exposure is required.
• Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS): Tubular retractors or endoscopic techniques offer less tissue disruption, less blood loss, and often quicker recovery compared to open surgery.
• Spinal fusion: Reserved for situations with spinal instability, recurrent disc herniation with segmental collapse, or severe degenerative changes.
• Laser-assisted discectomy: Less commonly used; selected centres offer laser-assisted decompression as an adjunct for contained herniations.

Surgical decision-making depends on imaging findings, clinical deficits, patient expectations, comorbidities, and surgeon experience. Minimally invasive options (microdiscectomy, endoscopic removal) are commonly preferred in Mohali because they typically allow faster mobilization, shorter hospital stays, and earlier return to work. However, the choice between techniques is individualized.

Below is a comparison table of key surgical approaches to help patients and families understand benefits and recovery expectations:

Outcomes after surgery are generally favourable: most patients experience immediate reduction in radicular pain and progressive functional improvement. Recurrence rates vary (typically 5–15% for recurrent herniation), and proper rehabilitation is essential to optimise long-term outcomes.

Surgery vs physiotherapy: how to decide

Choosing between surgery and physiotherapy for sciatica is a nuanced decision that balances symptom severity, duration, neurological findings, patient occupation, comorbidities, and personal preferences. Many guidelines recommend initial conservative care for most patients, with surgery reserved for specific indications or persistent disabling symptoms.

Key considerations:

• Duration of symptoms: Conservative care is appropriate for acute or subacute symptoms (often within 6–12 weeks). If pain remains severe and function is limited despite therapy, surgical consultation is reasonable.
• Neurological deficit: Progressive motor weakness or foot drop generally favours early surgical decompression.
• Cauda equina syndrome: An emergency — needs urgent MRI and likely decompressive surgery.
• Patient goals: Athletes or workers requiring rapid return to heavy-duty tasks may favour early surgery after discussing risks and benefits.
• Imaging severity vs symptoms: Large herniations compressing the nerve root on MRI that correlate with clinical signs are more likely to benefit from surgery.

The table below summarises the practical differences between surgery and physiotherapy for sciatica to help patients in Mohali make an informed choice:

In Mohali, a collaborative discussion with a back pain specialist Mohali or the best spine surgeon in Punjab available at Livasa Hospitals helps determine the right path for you. Many patients start with physiotherapy and pain management; if these measures fail to restore function or if weakness progresses, timely surgery provides excellent outcomes for relief of sciatica and preservation of nerve function.

Rehabilitation and recovery

Recovery after slip disc treatment, surgical or non‑surgical, focuses on pain control, restoring mobility, strengthening core and paraspinal muscles, and preventing recurrence. A structured rehabilitation plan guided by physiotherapists and spine specialists at Livasa Mohali increases the chance of a durable recovery.

Typical rehabilitation milestones:

• Immediate post-treatment (days 0–7): Pain control, gentle mobilization, avoidance of heavy lifting and twisting. After microdiscectomy, early ambulation is encouraged.
• Early recovery (2–6 weeks): Gradual strengthening, posture training, cardiovascular conditioning, and progressive return to light duties. Scar and wound care if surgery performed.
• Functional recovery (6–12 weeks): Advanced strengthening, work-specific conditioning, and addressing ergonomic or lifestyle contributors to back strain.
• Long-term (3–12 months): Maintenance exercise, weight management, smoking cessation, and periodic review to reduce recurrence risk.

Return-to-work timelines depend on job demands. Desk-based workers may return in 2–6 weeks after minimally invasive discectomy, while heavy manual labourers often need 8–12 weeks or more. Even with conservative care, gradual return guided by pain tolerance and functional gains is recommended.

Physiotherapy programs in Mohali typically include manual therapy, supervised exercise, nerve gliding techniques, and patient education. For postoperative patients, supervised rehabilitation reduces recurrence and improves long-term functional outcomes. Ask your sciatica specialist Mohali for a tailored plan and estimates of recovery time after discectomy Mohali during your consultation at Livasa Hospitals.

Cost breakdown and insurance guidance

Costs for slip disc and sciatica care in Mohali and Punjab vary widely depending on treatment modality, hospital stay, surgeon fees, imaging, implants (if any), and rehabilitation. The figures below are indicative ranges (March 2026 market estimates) to help patients plan financially. Always request a written estimate from the hospital and check insurer pre-authorisation requirements.

Typical cost ranges in Mohali / Punjab (estimates):

Search terms patients use include disc herniation cost, microdiscectomy cost Mohali, herniated disc surgery cost Mohali, and cost of spine surgery in Punjab. These ranges reflect public and private hospital pricing differences. Insurance cover typically applies for inpatient surgical procedures but confirm exclusions (pre-existing conditions, waiting periods). Livasa Hospitals Mohali assists patients with insurance pre-authorisation and offers transparent quotes. Contact the hospital billing team when scheduling: +91 80788 80788.

Outcomes, risks and realistic expectations

Understanding outcomes and potential complications helps set realistic expectations. Most patients with radicular leg pain from disc herniation get significant relief with either conservative care or surgery. Randomised studies suggest surgery can produce faster relief of leg pain compared to continued conservative therapy, but long-term outcomes at 1–2 years are often similar for many patients. Success rates for microdiscectomy are high, with many reports showing 70–90% improvement in radicular pain.

Risks and complications to consider:

• Infection, bleeding, or blood clots — uncommon but possible with any surgical procedure.
• Nerve root injury or persistent pain — some patients may continue to have pain or numbness.
• Recurrent disc herniation — the operated level may re-herniate in a small percentage (5–15%).
• Need for further surgery — in cases of recurrent symptoms or progressive degenerative changes.

To minimise risks, choose an experienced surgeon and a centre with modern perioperative protocols. At Livasa Hospitals Mohali, multidisciplinary care, prehabilitation, advanced imaging, and minimally invasive techniques aim to optimise safety and outcomes. Discuss potential benefits and complications specific to your case with your surgeon during the consultation. For appointment or surgeon consultation cost Mohali details call +91 80788 80788.

Why choose Livasa Mohali and how to proceed

When seeking slip disc treatment in Mohali, patients want a centre that combines specialist expertise, modern diagnostics, proven interventional techniques, and comprehensive rehabilitation. Livasa Hospitals Mohali provides integrated care for spine patients, including consultations with experienced spine surgeons and neurosurgeons, advanced MRI, image-guided injections, physiotherapy, and a coordinated care pathway for surgery and recovery.

What you can expect at Livasa Mohali:

• Multidisciplinary assessment: Spine surgeons, pain specialists, and physiotherapists collaborate to create personalised care plans.
• Advanced imaging and diagnostics: MRI, CT and nerve conduction studies available locally in Mohali to expedite diagnosis.
• Minimally invasive surgical options: Microdiscectomy, endoscopic procedures, and modern anesthetic techniques for quicker recovery.
• Comprehensive rehabilitation: Post-treatment physiotherapy, occupational advice, and lifestyle counselling.
• Transparent cost estimates and support for insurance: Assistance with pre-authorisation and clear billing.

If you are searching for terms like slip disc treatment Mohali, Livasa Hospitals Mohali slip disc treatment, best sciatica clinic or sciatica specialist Punjab, Livasa Mohali aims to be a trusted local destination. To schedule a consultation call +91 80788 80788 or book online at https://www.livasahospitals.com/appointment. Early assessment improves the likelihood of successful recovery and may reduce the need for surgery.

Practical next steps and when to seek help

If you have low back pain with leg symptoms, here are practical steps to take in Mohali:

1. Initial self-care: Short periods of rest, avoid heavy lifting, use analgesics as advised, and begin gentle mobility exercises.
2. Book a specialist consultation: If pain persists beyond 2–6 weeks or worsens, seek evaluation by a sciatica specialist Mohali or back pain specialist; Livasa Mohali offers timely appointments.
3. Get appropriate imaging: MRI is commonly recommended when radicular pain is significant or persistent to correlate clinical findings with imaging.
4. Begin structured physiotherapy: A supervised rehabilitation programme reduces pain and accelerates recovery for most patients.
5. Consider interventional pain procedures: An epidural steroid injection may provide quick relief and facilitate rehabilitation; ask about epidural steroid injection cost Mohali and expected benefits.
6. Discuss surgical options: If conservative care fails or if neurological deficits appear, schedule a surgical consultation to discuss microdiscectomy or minimally invasive options and realistic recovery time.

For urgent symptoms such as urinary retention, loss of anal tone, or rapidly progressive weakness — visit the emergency department or call +91 80788 80788 for guidance on immediate assessment at Livasa Hospitals Mohali.