Nerve pain can make daily life difficult, from tingling and numbness to radiating pain that impacts your ability to move freely. If you’re dealing with persistent nerve pain, know that options are available. My approach focuses on identifying the root cause of your pain and providing targeted, minimally invasive treatments to help you recover with less downtime.
Best nerve pain specialist Sydney
3 reasons why you want a great nerve pain specialist
Patient-centred care
I understand that surgery isn’t always the answer, which is why I take the time to assess the full picture. I explore non-surgical options first and make recommendations that fit your unique situation, always prioritising your comfort and needs.
Precision and safety
When nerve pain is related to structural issues like nerve compression and surgery is deemed necessary, I approach each case with care. I use techniques focused on precision and safety for the best possible outcome.
Minimally invasive options
I specialise in advanced, minimally invasive procedures like endoscopic spine surgery, designed to relieve nerve pain with smaller incisions, minimal tissue disruption, and quicker recovery times.
In my role as a nerve pain specialist, my goal is to provide safe, effective treatment that addresses the root cause of your pain.
Nerve pain conditions & treatments
Why you may need a nerve pain specialist
Finding relief from nerve pain can be a long journey, especially if initial treatments haven’t worked. Nerve pain often stems from underlying spinal conditions that need a closer look. By diagnosing and addressing the root cause of your pain, I aim to create a treatment plan that’s right for you
Here’s why a visit to a nerve pain specialist might be your next step:
- Understanding complex causes: Nerve pain can result from a range of spinal issues, from herniated discs to spinal stenosis. A specialist’s evaluation can pinpoint the exact cause of your pain, allowing for a more targeted and effective treatment approach.
- Exploring long-term relief: When pain is persistent and interferes with your daily life, a specialist’s insight can help identify options for lasting relief, even if you’ve already tried non-surgical therapies.
- Second opinion: If surgery has been recommended for your nerve pain, consulting a nerve pain specialist can provide reassurance that all options have been carefully considered, so you can make the best choice for your health.
What is nerve pain and what causes it?
Nerve pain, or neuropathic pain, is often characterised by tingling, burning, or shooting pain that can travel along the nerves. It’s typically the result of nerve compression or irritation from a spinal condition. Common causes of nerve pain include:
- Herniated discs: When a spinal disc bulges or ruptures, it can press on nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness.
- Spinal stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the nerves, causing pain, tingling, or cramping in the legs or arms.
- Sciatica: Caused by nerve compression in the lower back, sciatica results in pain radiating down the leg and is often linked to conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
- Peripheral nerve issues: Compression of peripheral nerves, such as the carpal or ulnar nerve, can cause tingling or pain in the arms or hands.
- Radiculopathy: Radiculopathy happens when a nerve root in the spine is compressed or irritated, causing pain, tingling, or weakness that radiates along the nerve’s path. When this compression occurs in the lower spine and affects the sciatic nerve, it’s known as sciatica, leading to pain down the leg. Radiculopathy can also occur in other areas, such as the neck, causing pain or weakness that radiates down the arm.
What type of treatments are available
I offer a range of treatments to target and relieve nerve pain, with options tailored to the cause and severity of your condition. Here’s a look at the available procedures:
Endoscopic spine surgery for nerve pain Sydney
What is endoscopic spine surgery and why do I need it?
Less pain
The small incision and minimal tissue disruption mean that surrounding muscles and nerves are left mostly untouched, resulting in less pain during recovery.
Faster recovery
Most patients experience a shorter recovery time and can often go home the same day or within 24 hours, allowing you to get back to your daily life sooner.
Effective results
Endoscopic spine surgery is highly effective for conditions like herniated discs and spinal stenosis. By directly relieving pressure on the nerves, this approach reduces nerve pain symptoms without the need for a larger incision.
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
My journey to becoming a nerve pain specialist began when I was just a kid. I remember seeing my mother in pain after dislocating her shoulder and feeling helpless because no one in our family could provide relief. Watching her go through this made me realise the impact of pain on daily life and inspired me to pursue a career in neurosurgery. Over time, I became drawn to helping people suffering from complex nerve pain, knowing that the right treatment could truly change lives.
Why choose me as your spine surgeon
My approach to treating nerve pain goes beyond surgery. I believe in exploring all options and using surgery only when it’s the best solution. By focusing on minimally invasive techniques, I aim to provide advanced, patient-centred care that respects your comfort and speeds up your recovery.
