Patient Name : Mr. Chilwadi
Age : 42 years
Introduction
A 42-year-old male presented with severe back pain and right-sided sciatica worsening over 4 months. The pain intensified with bending, turning in bed, coughing, or sneezing — classic signs of nerve root compression due to a slipped disc.
MRI confirmed L4–L5 disc herniation, and he underwent a minimally invasive L4–L5 microdiscectomy performed by Dr. Sangram Rajale, one of the leading Spine Surgeons in Pune.
He had immediate 80% pain relief and became 100% pain-free within 2 months.
Patient History & Presentation
Symptoms included:
- Severe low back pain for 4 months
- Right leg radicular pain (sciatica)
- Difficulty rising from sitting
- Pain during coughing/sneezing
- Sleep disturbance
- Difficulty turning in bed
- Posture leaning to one side
- Job loss due to pain
- Recently diagnosed hypertension
Clinical examination findings:
- Antalgic tilted posture
- Severe pain on flexion and extension
- Normal heel-toe walking (intact motor control)
- Symptoms consistent with prolapsed intervertebral disc, nerve root compression, and radiculopathy
These symptoms reflect classic neurogenic features seen in L4–L5 disc herniation.
Diagnosis & Radiology Findings
MRI suggested:
- L4–L5 disc prolapse / herniated disc
- Nerve root compression causing radicular pain
- Inflammation around the nerve root
- Features of foraminal narrowing
Layman Explanation:
A portion of the L4–L5 disc bulged out and pressed on the nerve going to the right leg — causing severe sciatica, sleep disturbance, and pain while bending or coughing.
Surgical Procedure: L4–L5 Microdiscectomy
This minimally invasive procedure included:
- A small incision near the spine
- Retracting muscles without cutting them
- Removing only the herniated disc fragment compressing the nerve
- Complete nerve root decompression
- Closure with minimal tissue disruption
The goal: Relieve nerve pressure while preserving spinal stability.
People Also Ask:
Is spine surgery safe?
Yes — microdiscectomy is one of the safest and most effective spine surgeries.
How long is recovery after microdiscectomy?
Most patients walk the same day and recover fully within 4–8 weeks.
Can a slipped disc be treated without fusion?
Yes — microdiscectomy is the preferred MIS option when instability isn’t present.
Post-Operative Recovery
Day 0 (Evening of Surgery)
- Walking with full weight-bearing
- Pain improved by 80% immediately
Day 1
- Comfortable mobility
- Pain control with mild medications
2 Months Post-op
- Completely pain-free
- Returned to full functional activity
- No radicular symptoms
- Normal sleep and lifestyle restored
Long-Term Outcome
At 2 months:
- 100% pain relief
- No sciatica
- No numbness or tingling
- Normal mobility
- Back to work
- Fully restored quality of life
Why Surgery Was Necessary
- Worsening symptoms over 4 months
- Sleep impairment
- Occupational and daily activity loss
- Progressive nerve compression signs
- Failure of conservative treatment
- Severe functional limitation (unable to turn in bed, stand, or sit comfortably)
Microdiscectomy offered the fastest, safest, and most effective relief.
About Dr. Sangram Rajale
Dr. Sangram Rajale is a highly experienced Spine Surgeon in Pune, specializing in:
- Endoscopic Spine Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MIS)
- Microdiscectomy
- Fusion & decompression procedures
- Sciatica and slipped disc treatment
Practicing at The Spine Doctor – Bavdhan, he is known for excellent surgical outcomes and evidence-based spine care.
FAQs
Back pain, sciatica, numbness, tingling, pain during coughing/sneezing.
Most patients recover in 4–8 weeks.
Yes — it is minimally invasive with very high success rates.
If pain persists for >6 weeks or worsens, or if weakness appears.
Small herniations may heal, but large symptomatic herniations often need surgery.