Sciatica Treatment Sydney

What is sciatica, and when is surgery the right treatment?

“Sciatica is nerve pain that runs from your lower back down your leg. Surgery can help if other treatments haven’t relieved the pain.”

Dr Shanu Gambhir

Neurosurgeon Sydney

Sciatica is usually triggered by conditions that press on the sciatic nerve, such as a herniated disc, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the spine). If non-surgical treatments haven’t helped, I offer ways to treat the source of your sciatic pain. With minimally invasive options like endoscopic spine surgery, I work to relieve pressure on the nerve, so you can get back to daily life with less pain and a faster recovery.

Sciatica Sydney

3 reasons why sciatica surgery may be best for you

Here are three reasons why sciatica surgery might be the best option for you:

Severe pain

When sciatica pain becomes overwhelming, making it hard to get through the day, surgery can offer fast relief to help you get back to normal.

Ongoing symptoms

If your symptoms have been going on for too long and non-surgical options haven’t worked, surgery might be the solution to finally bring lasting relief.

Precise and minimally invasive

If you’ve been putting off sciatica surgery, I offer an endoscopic spine surgery for sciatica that allows for quicker healing and less pain. Surgery is always the last resort when other treatments haven’t worked.

If you’re able to manage your sciatica with medication, physiotherapy, or other non-surgical options, it’s usually fine to continue with these treatments. Most of the time, sciatica—while painful—won’t cause lasting physical damage, so surgery is only needed if the pain or symptoms become too much to handle.

Will sciatica surgery bring lasting relief?

Most people feel much better after sciatica surgery, with pain reducing or even disappearing fairly quickly. Endoscopic spine surgery takes pressure off the nerve, which is often the main cause of the pain. Everyone heals a bit differently, so you might still feel some mild discomfort as your body recovers.

In most cases, the relief lasts, but sciatica can come back if new spine issues develop. Gentle exercises and good back care can help reduce the chances of sciatica returning. The goal is to give you lasting relief so you can get back to life without the constant pain.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a type of nerve pain that starts in your lower back and travels down one leg. It happens when something—like a herniated disc or bone spur—presses on the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in your body. This pressure can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or even weakness in your leg. Sciatica isn’t a condition itself but a symptom of an underlying issue with the spine that’s affecting the nerve.

How sciatica surgery works

Endoscopic spine surgery for sciatica is a minimally invasive way to relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve, which helps reduce pain and other symptoms. Here’s how it works:

Small incision

I make a tiny cut, about 8 mm, which is much smaller than in traditional surgery. This helps avoid damage to nearby tissues.

Endoscope insertion

Through this small opening, I insert a thin tube with a camera (the endoscope). The camera gives me a clear, high-definition view of the area, allowing me to work with precision without needing a large incision.

Targeted treatment

Using special tools through the endoscope, I carefully remove or adjust what’s pressing on the sciatic nerve—often a fragment of a herniated disc or a bit of bone that’s causing the pressure.

Minimal disruption

By working through this tiny tube, I can gently move aside muscles and tissues instead of cutting through them, meaning less trauma and a quicker recovery.

Completion and closing

Once the procedure is done, I remove the endoscope and tools and close the small incision, often with just one dissolving stitch under the skin.

Recovery and post-operative care

Most patients recover more smoothly after endoscopic spine surgery for sciatica than with traditional surgery. Here’s what to expect:

Quick discharge: Many patients go home the same day or within 24 hours.
Early movement: Gentle walking is often encouraged soon after surgery to support healing and keep circulation flowing.
Back to daily activities: Light activities can usually be resumed within a week or two, though some restrictions may apply. Full recovery time varies, but it’s often faster than with traditional surgery.
Follow-up care: Regular check-ups help track your recovery. Physiotherapy or specific exercises might be suggested to keep you strong and mobile.

Sticking to all post-op guidelines is key to getting the best results and avoiding complications.

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.

Sciatica Specialist Sydney

Why I became a spine surgeon

My journey to becoming a spine surgeon began when I was young and saw my mum struggle with pain after dislocating her shoulder. I remember feeling helpless, knowing none of us could relieve her pain. Seeing how much it impacted her daily life inspired me to become a doctor. As I trained, I was drawn to neurosurgery and to helping people with complex spine issues, knowing that the right care could truly change lives.

Why choose me as your spine surgeon

Introducing endoscopic spine surgery to Australia felt like the right move for me. My goal has always been to offer patients a less invasive, more effective option for treating painful spine conditions—one that helps them recover faster and return to daily life.

Beyond the technical skills, I bring a patient-first approach to every case. I believe in listening closely to understand your experience and goals. I take the time to explain each step clearly, so you feel informed and supported throughout your treatment. With experience in the latest techniques, including endoscopic and minimally invasive procedures, I’m here to help you find the right path to recovery with as little pain and disruption as possible.