Dr. Gaurang Vaghani
Director - Neuro and Spine Surgery
at Sterling Hospitals

The spine plays an indispensable role of supporting the body, enabling movement and protecting the spinal cord. Given the significance, any issues related to the spine must not be overlooked. If you or someone you know has been facing any concerns, don’t delay consulting a spine specialist. At Sterling Hospitals, our spine specialists provide personalised care based on each patient's condition and medical needs. They recommend suitable treatments, ranging from non-surgical management to minimally invasive procedures and spine surgery. The aim is to preserve spinal function, maintaining mobility and helping patients gain a better quality of life.
A spine specialist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the spine, including the vertebrae, intervertebral discs and surrounding nerves. Depending on their training and speciality, they may manage spinal problems through non-surgical treatments or surgical procedures.
Spine specialists assess the cause of symptoms, determine how the condition affects spinal function and recommend treatment based on the patient's needs. Their goal is to relieve symptoms, preserve nerve function where possible and help patients maintain mobility and quality of life.
Spine Surgery Doctors
Director - Neuro and Spine Surgery
Consultant - Neuro and Spine Surgery
Consultant - Neuro and Spine Surgery
Spinal problems can affect the back, neck, nerves and ability to move comfortably. Our spine specialists assess the underlying cause and recommend treatment based on the condition, its severity and its impact on daily life. The conditions they manage include:
Intervertebral discs cushion the bones of the spine. When a disc bulges or its inner material protrudes through its outer layer, it can press on nearby nerves, causing back or neck pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs.
With age, the intervertebral discs may lose water content and flexibility, reducing their ability to absorb pressure. This can cause persistent back or neck pain and stiffness. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and maintaining mobility.
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spaces within the spinal canal or around the nerves become narrower, putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. Patients may experience pain, numbness, weakness or difficulty walking, depending on the location and severity of the narrowing.
Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, usually from the lower back into one leg. It often occurs when a spinal disc or another structure compresses or irritates the nerve. Treatment aims to address the underlying cause and improve comfort and mobility.
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below it. This may cause back pain, spinal instability or nerve compression. Treatment depends on the degree of slippage, symptoms and their effect on daily activities.
Conditions such as scoliosis and kyphosis cause abnormal spinal curvature. Depending on their severity, they can affect posture, balance, movement and, in some cases, nerve function. Treatment aims to manage symptoms, maintain function and address significant deformities when necessary.
Trauma from falls, road accidents or other injuries can fracture the vertebrae or damage supporting structures. Some fractures can also affect the spinal cord or nerves. Prompt assessment helps determine the extent of the injury and whether stabilisation or other treatment is required.
Tumours can develop in the vertebrae, spinal cord or surrounding tissues. Depending on their location and size, they may cause persistent pain, weakness, sensory changes or nerve compression. Treatment depends on the type of tumour, its location and its effect on neurological function.
The cervical spine refers to the neck region, while the lumbar spine forms the lower back. Problems affecting these regions can cause localised pain, stiffness, restricted movement or symptoms that radiate into the arms or legs. Treatment is tailored to the affected region and the underlying condition.
Depending on the condition, our spine specialists may recommend procedures to relieve nerve compression, stabilise the spine, treat fractures or correct spinal deformities. The choice of procedure depends on the diagnosis, severity of the condition and the patient's clinical needs.
This approach uses smaller incisions and specialised instruments to access the affected part of the spine while limiting disruption to surrounding muscles and tissues. It may be suitable for selected disc disorders, nerve compression and spinal instability. In appropriate patients, it can support earlier mobilisation and recovery.
Endoscopic spine surgery uses a thin camera and specialised instruments inserted through a small incision to reach the affected area. It may be used to treat selected herniated discs and other conditions causing nerve compression, with the aim of relieving pressure while minimising damage to surrounding tissues.
A microdiscectomy involves removing the portion of a herniated disc that presses on a spinal nerve. It may be recommended when disc-related nerve compression causes persistent pain, weakness or other symptoms that do not respond adequately to non-surgical treatment.
Spinal decompression involves removing or reducing the tissue that is putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. Depending on the cause, this may involve removing a portion of bone, ligament or disc material. The procedure aims to relieve nerve compression and improve symptoms such as pain, weakness and difficulty walking.
Spinal fusion joins two or more vertebrae using bone grafts and, where required, screws, rods or other implants. It may be recommended for certain cases of spinal instability, fractures, degenerative conditions or deformities. The goal is to stabilise the affected part of the spine.
Spinal fixation uses screws, rods and other implants to stabilise the spine. It may be required following certain fractures, in cases of instability or as part of surgery to correct a deformity. The approach depends on the location and extent of the problem.
These procedures are used to treat selected vertebral compression fractures, often associated with osteoporosis. Vertebroplasty involves injecting bone cement into the fractured vertebra, while kyphoplasty uses a balloon to create a cavity before the cement is inserted. The aim is to stabilise the fracture and relieve pain in suitable patients.
Spinal deformity correction surgery may be considered for severe or progressive conditions such as scoliosis and kyphosis. The procedure aims to improve spinal alignment, provide stability and address associated pain or nerve compression where possible.
Spinal tumour surgery involves removing as much of a tumour as can be safely achieved while protecting neurological function. Depending on the tumour and its location, surgery may also help relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves and stabilise the spine.
Revision spine surgery may be needed when a previous operation has not adequately addressed the problem or when new complications develop. These may include recurring nerve compression, spinal instability, implant-related problems or failure of the bones to fuse. Treatment requires careful assessment to identify the cause before further surgery is considered.
The craniovertebral junction is the area where the base of the skull meets the upper spine. Surgery may be required for certain conditions involving instability, abnormal bone development or compression of the spinal cord in this region. Depending on the problem, the procedure may involve relieving pressure, stabilising the area or both.
A patient may be referred to a spine specialist when symptoms suggest a problem affecting the spine, spinal cord or surrounding nerves. Common reasons for referral include:
Persistent Back or Neck Pain: Pain that continues despite initial treatment or repeatedly interferes with sleep, work or daily activities.
Radiating Pain: Pain that travels from the back or neck into the arms or legs, potentially indicating nerve irritation or compression.
Numbness or Tingling: Persistent or recurring changes in sensation in the arms, hands, legs or feet.
Muscle Weakness: New or worsening weakness affecting grip, leg strength or the ability to perform routine movements.
Difficulty Walking: Reduced walking distance, balance problems or difficulty maintaining a steady gait.
Spinal Deformity: Noticeable changes in spinal alignment, posture or curvature that cause symptoms or affect function.
Spinal Injury: Suspected spinal damage following a fall, road accident or other significant trauma.
Limited Treatment Response: Symptoms that do not improve adequately with medication, physiotherapy or other recommended non-surgical treatments.
Recurring Symptoms After Surgery: Persistent or returning pain, weakness or other symptoms following a previous spinal procedure.
Patients can consult our spine specialists at Sterling Hospitals, Rajkot, for the assessment and treatment of conditions affecting the brain, spine and nervous system.
Patients can also explore neurosurgeon profiles on our specialists page and use the available appointment-booking facility.
Patients should confirm the specialist's availability and appointment details through Sterling Hospitals' official booking channels
Patients can contact Sterling Hospitals through its official appointment helpline to enquire about consultations, available specialists and appointment timings.
Choose a Hospital Location: Select the relevant Sterling Hospitals location in Rajkot.
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Yes. A spine specialist can assess persistent posture-related problems to determine whether they are associated with spinal alignment, muscle imbalances or an underlying spinal condition. Treatment may include physiotherapy, exercises or other interventions based on the findings.
Patients should bring previous medical records, imaging reports, a list of current medications and details of earlier treatments. Noting when the symptoms began and what makes them better or worse can also help the specialist assess the problem.
Depending on the condition, a spine specialist may recommend treatment, activity modifications, rehabilitation and follow-up assessments to manage symptoms and help preserve spinal function. The approach depends on the underlying cause and the risk of progression.
Follow-up frequency depends on the diagnosis, symptom severity and response to treatment. The specialist may recommend periodic assessments to monitor changes in symptoms, mobility and spinal function.
Yes. Spinal problems can affect people of different ages due to factors such as sports injuries, congenital conditions, disc disorders or spinal deformities. Persistent symptoms or changes in movement may warrant specialist assessment.
Follow-up appointments help assess symptom improvement, mobility and recovery. Depending on the treatment, the specialist may also review rehabilitation progress, adjust activity recommendations and determine when patients can gradually resume their usual routines.