Neck and Back Pain Specialist Sydney

Meet your neck and back pain specialist

“Neck and back pain can impact every part of your life, but with the right care, relief is possible.”

Dr Shanu Gambhir

Neurosurgeon Sydney

Neck and back pain can disrupt your daily life, making even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Whether it’s sharp nerve pain, chronic aches, or stiffness that limits your movement, finding the right treatment starts with understanding the cause. As a specialist in minimally invasive spine care, my focus is on identifying the source of your pain and providing targeted treatments to help you get back to doing what you love.

Best neck and back pain specialist Sydney

3 reasons why choosing the right specialist matters

Here’s why working with the right neck and back pain specialist can make all the difference:

Targeted diagnosis and treatment

Neck and back pain often stem from complex spinal conditions. I take the time to understand the exact cause of your pain and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Minimally invasive solutions

I specialise in advanced, minimally invasive procedures that relieve pain with smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and faster recovery times.

Patient-focused care

I believe in listening to your concerns and explaining your options clearly. Surgery is always a last resort—I prioritise non-surgical treatments wherever possible to ensure the best outcome with the least disruption to your life.

Neck and back pain conditions & treatments

Conditions treated by a neck and back pain specialist

Neck and back pain can result from a variety of conditions, including:

Lumbar disc herniation: A bulging or ruptured disc in the lower back can press on nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs.
Cervical disc herniation: A herniated disc in the neck can lead to pain radiating down the arms, tingling, or weakness.
Lumbar canal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back can compress nerves, causing cramping, numbness, or pain in the legs.
Lumbar spondylolisthesis: When one vertebra slips over another, it can lead to back pain, instability, and nerve compression.
Sciatica: Pain that starts in the lower back and travels down the leg, often caused by disc herniation or spinal stenosis.
Spondylosis (degenerative disease of the neck and back): Age-related wear and tear in the spine can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

What treatments are available for neck and back pain?

I offer a range of treatments to target and relieve your pain, each tailored to your specific condition. These include:

Steroid injections

Targeted injections reduce inflammation around the affected nerves, providing relief without surgery.

Minimally invasive spine surgery

Advanced techniques use smaller incisions to treat spine conditions with less pain and faster recovery.

Lumbar spine surgery

Tailored procedures address conditions like herniated discs, stenosis, and spondylolisthesis in the lower back.

Endoscopic discectomy

A minimally invasive procedure to remove herniated disc material pressing on spinal nerves.

Endoscopic foraminotomy

This technique widens the bony opening where nerves exit the spine, relieving pressure.

Endoscopic rhizotomy

A precise procedure to cut small nerve branches causing chronic back or neck pain, providing lasting relief.

Recovery and post-operative care

If surgery is needed, recovery is often quicker and less painful with minimally invasive techniques. Here’s what to expect:

Quick discharge: Many minimally invasive procedures allow for same-day discharge or a short hospital stay.
Early mobility: Gentle movement is encouraged soon after treatment to support healing and maintain mobility.
Back to activities: Light activities can often resume within the same day, though full recovery depends on the procedure and condition.
Follow-up care: I work closely with you during recovery, offering guidance on exercises and physiotherapy to prevent future issues and maintain spine health.

Risks of spine surgery

While the risk of complications is low, all surgeries carry some potential risks, including infection, bleeding, blood clots, and reactions to anaesthesia. Additionally, there are specific risks related to spine surgery:

Spinal fluid leak: A tear in the membrane around the spinal cord can cause headaches and require further treatment.
Nerve damage: Potential for nerve injury, leading to weakness, numbness, or even paralysis.

Specific risks of fusion surgery:

Adjacent segment disease: Increased stress on nearby vertebrae might lead to degeneration over time.
Hardware complications: Screws or rods used in the procedure can shift or break, sometimes needing revision surgery.

I take every step to minimise these risks and ensure a safe, effective recovery, with the likelihood of significant complications being very low.

Nerve pain specialist Sydney | Dr Shanu Gambhir

Why I became a nerve pain specialist

I became a spine surgeon because I wanted to help people live without the burden of pain. This started when I was a child, and my mum dislocated her shoulder. Seeing her struggle with pain and not being able to help had a big impact on me. It made me want to become a doctor. During my training, I was drawn to neurosurgery because I wanted to help people with serious spine problems and make a real difference in their lives.

Why choose me as your spine surgeon

My approach is not just about treatment—it’s about putting you first. I take the time to listen, explain every option clearly, and focus on solutions that fit your needs. Surgery is always my last recommendation, and if it’s necessary, I use the most advanced techniques to minimise discomfort and recovery time.

With extensive experience in treating neck and back conditions, I’m here to help you find relief and move forward with confidence. Let’s work together to get you back to living your life fully.