Neck Pain Specialist in Hyderabad
Specialist diagnosis and advanced treatment for cervical spondylosis, disc prolapse, and radiculopathy. Minimally invasive & endoscopic cervical spine surgery by Dr. Sayuj Krishnan — Consultant Neurosurgeon at Yashoda Hospital, Malakpet.
When to See a Neurosurgeon for Neck Pain?
Not all neck pain requires surgery, but certain signs indicate nerve or spinal cord involvement.
Radiculopathy
Sharp pain or numbness shooting down your arm to the hand.
Hand Weakness
Difficulty with fine tasks like buttoning shirts or loss of grip.
Myelopathy
Balance issues, frequent tripping, or change in walking style.
Cervical Spine Conditions We Manage
Degenerative Conditions
- 01.
Cervical Spondylosis
Chronic wear-and-tear of discs and joints, often causing stiffness and base-of-neck pain.
- 02.
Cervical Disc Prolapse
Herniated disc compressing the nerves, leading to severe arm pain (brachialgia).
- 03.
Spinal Canal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal causing long-term spinal cord compression (myelopathy).
Specialized Treatments
- ✓
Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy
Keyhole surgery to remove herniated discs without major muscle trauma or fusion.
- ✓
Cervical Microdiscectomy
Microscopic nerve decompression to relieve severe radiculopathy.
- ✓
ACDF / Disc Replacement
Advanced reconstructive surgeries to restore spinal stability and motion.
Our Symptom-to-Surgery Pathway
Dr. Sayuj Krishnan follows a conservative-first approach. Surgery is only recommended when non-surgical treatments fail or there is a risk of neurological deficit.
Consultation
Detailed clinical and neurological exam
Diagnostics
MRI, CT or EMG/NCV studies
Conservative
Physical therapy and medication
Surgery
Minincally invasive options if needed
Minimally Invasive Neck Surgery
Traditional neck surgery often involved long incisions and significant hospital stays. Today, Dr. Sayuj utilizes advanced endoscopes and operative microscopes to perform procedures with pinpoint accuracy.
Why choose Endoscopic/Microscopic?
- • Minimal blood loss and muscle trauma
- • Smaller, cosmetic-friendly incisions
- • Shorter hospital stay (often 24–48 hours)
- • Faster return to daily activities and work
Compare: ACDF vs ADR
| Feature | ACDF (Fusion) | ADR (Motion) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Joins vertebrae together | Artificial mobile joint |
| Neck Motion | Reduced at level | Preserved motion |
| Adjacent Levels | High stress | Normal stress |
| Recovery | 4–6 weeks total | 2–4 weeks total |
*The choice between fusion and motion preservation depends on your specific scan and clinical state.
Frequently Asked Questions — Neck Pain
What are the most common causes of persistent neck pain?+
Persistent neck pain is often caused by cervical spondylosis (age-related wear and tear), cervical disc prolapse (herniated disc), or degenerative disc disease. Other causes include cervical canal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), facet joint arthritis, and myofascial pain syndrome (muscle strain). If pain radiates to the arms or is accompanied by weakness, it usually indicates nerve or spinal cord compression requiring specialist neurosurgical evaluation.
What is cervical radiculopathy and its symptoms?+
Cervical radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the cervical spine is "pinched" or compressed, usually by a herniated disc or bone spur. Symptoms include sharp, shooting pain radiating from the neck down to the shoulder, arm, or hand; numbness or "pins and needles" in specific fingers; and weakness in the affected arm or hand. Dr. Sayuj specializes in diagnosing these nerve-specific patterns to guide targeted treatment.
What is cervical myelopathy and why is it serious?+
Cervical myelopathy is the compression of the spinal cord in the neck. It is a serious condition because it affects the main "cable" of the nervous system. Symptoms include difficulty with fine motor tasks (buttoning shirts, handwriting), frequent tripping or unsteadiness while walking, and hand weakness or numbness. Unlike simple neck pain, myelopathy often requires early surgical intervention to prevent permanent neurological damage.
When does neck pain become a surgical emergency?+
While most neck pain resolves with conservative care, you should seek emergency neurosurgical review if you experience: sudden weakness in arms or legs, loss of bowel or bladder control, rapidly progressing difficulty in walking, or severe pain following a traumatic injury (accident/fall). These signs often indicate acute, severe spinal cord compression.
What is Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy?+
Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy is an ultra-minimally invasive procedure to remove a herniated disc in the neck. Using a tiny incision (less than 1cm) and a high-definition endoscope, Dr. Sayuj can remove the pressure from the nerve without the need for large muscle incisions or fusion in many cases. This leads to faster recovery, less post-operative pain, and preservation of neck mobility.
What is ACDF surgery (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion)?+
ACDF is a gold-standard procedure for treating disc prolapse and spondylosis. The surgeon removes the damaged disc from the front of the neck to decompress the nerves and spinal cord, then "fuses" the vertebrae using a small cage and plate. It is highly effective for relieving arm pain and stabilizing the spine when multiple levels are involved or there is significant instability.
How is Cervical Disc Replacement different from ACDF?+
Cervical Disc Replacement (CDR), or Arthroplasty, involves replacing the damaged disc with an artificial mobile joint rather than fusing the bones. The primary advantage is that it preserves natural neck motion and reduces the stress on the "adjacent levels" of the spine, potentially slowing down future degeneration. It is generally suitable for younger patients with single-level disc disease and no significant arthritis.
Regain Comfort & Mobility
Don't let neck pain or arm numbness limit your life. Get an expert neurosurgical opinion today.
Yashoda Hospital Malakpet — Specialist Spine & Neurosurgery Division