AnnaMaria
Brushing off a slipped disc and relying on quick fixes like painkillers or heat packs can lead to serious problems down the road. Left untreated, you could develop sciatica—sharp, shooting pain from the lower back down the leg—or spinal stenosis, where the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on nerves. Both conditions can cause chronic pain, mobility issues, and even problems with bladder control.
What Causes Sciatica and Spinal Stenosis?
While a slipped disc is a common trigger, other risk factors include:
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Sedentary lifestyle
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Obesity
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Pregnancy
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Bone spurs
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Muscle spasms
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Physically demanding jobs
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Aging and arthritis (especially for spinal stenosis)
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Congenital spinal conditions or previous injuries
Symptoms to watch for:
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Persistent back or leg pain
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Numbness, weakness, or tingling
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Difficulty walking
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Severe cases: loss of bladder or bowel control
Modern Solutions: Robotic-Assisted Spine Surgery
When rest, medication, or physiotherapy aren’t enough, surgery might be needed. Robotic-assisted spine surgery is a cutting-edge option that offers:
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Smaller incisions
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Precise implant placement
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Reduced complication risk
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Faster recovery
This advanced technology doesn’t replace skilled surgeons, but it boosts accuracy for better long-term results.
Real Stories: Aziza and Mohammed
At Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru, Aziza Rajabu and Mohammed Al Dowaiki both faced debilitating spinal problems:
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Aziza: Suffered for years with lower back pain and trouble walking, caused by spondylolisthesis and spinal canal stenosis.
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Mohammed: Developed severe leg pain, urinary problems, and muscle weakness from a disc herniation compressing his nerves.
Both underwent robotic-assisted spinal fusion surgeries:
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Surgeons used tiny incisions and guided implants (screws and rods) to relieve nerve pressure and stabilize the spine.
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Results: Aziza was walking comfortably within hours. Mohammed quickly regained strength, and his pain and urinary symptoms disappeared.
Why It Matters
Sciatica and spinal stenosis are more than aches and pains—they can truly change your life if ignored. But with early diagnosis and advanced options like robotic spine surgery, real relief is possible. As Aziza and Mohammed’s experiences show, timely intervention can restore mobility, independence, and a pain-free future. Sometimes, the right help comes just when you need it most.
