The spine is made up of vertebrae cushioned by intervertebral discs — gel-filled structures that act as shock absorbers and allow flexible movement. When these discs are damaged, displaced, or degenerated, they can press on surrounding nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness that radiates into the arms or legs.
Disc problems are extremely common in India — driven by sedentary desk jobs, poor posture, lifting injuries, and the natural aging process. Most patients are told surgery is their only option. Dr. Sarish Sharma's approach challenges this — the vast majority of disc conditions respond excellently to non-surgical intervention when treated correctly and promptly.
Inner gel of the disc pushes through the outer ring, pressing on nearby nerves and causing sharp radiating pain.
The disc bulges outward from between the vertebrae, narrowing the spinal canal and compressing nerve roots.
Gradual wear and tear causes the disc to lose height and hydration, leading to chronic stiffness and pain.
You experience loss of bladder or bowel control, sudden severe weakness in both legs, or numbness in the groin area. These are signs of Cauda Equina Syndrome — a surgical emergency requiring immediate hospital care.
Dr. Sarish Sharma selects the most appropriate intervention based on the type of disc condition, severity, and the specific nerves involved. Often, a combination of two or more techniques delivers the best outcome.
A corticosteroid medication is injected directly into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord. This powerfully reduces nerve inflammation and swelling caused by the herniated disc pressing on nerve roots. ESI is highly effective for sciatica, lumbar radiculopathy, and cervical disc herniation. Relief can begin within a few days and last weeks to months. The procedure takes 20–30 minutes under X-ray or fluoroscopic guidance for precision.
Mechanical or manual traction gently stretches the spine, increasing the space between vertebrae. This decompresses the affected disc, reduces pressure on pinched nerves, and allows bulging disc material to retract. Lumbar traction is particularly effective for prolapsed discs and degenerative disc disease. Cervical traction targets neck disc problems. The therapy is painless, non-invasive, and is often combined with physiotherapy for superior results.
A Selective Nerve Root Block (SNRB) delivers anaesthetic and steroid medication directly around a specific nerve root — the precise nerve being compressed by the disc. Unlike a general epidural, SNRB targets the exact source of pain with pinpoint accuracy. It serves both as a diagnostic tool (confirming which nerve is causing the pain) and as a treatment (providing immediate and lasting relief). Performed under fluoroscopic guidance, the procedure takes 30–45 minutes.
The injection or traction session is completed in 20–45 minutes. You rest briefly and are discharged the same day. Arrange for someone to drive you home if sedation is used.
Mild soreness at the injection site is normal. Avoid strenuous activity. Most patients notice reduced nerve pain within 24–72 hours. Some feel relief immediately.
Most patients return to desk work within 1–2 days. Walking and light activity are encouraged. Physiotherapy begins alongside the injection therapy for best results.
Maximum pain relief is experienced 2–6 weeks post-procedure. Physiotherapy reinforces core strength to prevent recurrence. Most patients resume full activity without restriction.
A personalised posture, core strengthening, and lifestyle plan helps prevent future disc episodes. Repeat injections are available if needed. Surgery is avoided in the vast majority of cases.
Yes — in the majority of cases. Research shows that over 90% of disc herniations improve with conservative management within 6–12 weeks. The disc material is gradually reabsorbed by the body, and nerve inflammation resolves with appropriate treatment. Surgery is reserved for the minority of cases where neurological deficits progress or conservative measures fail after an adequate trial.
A local anaesthetic is applied before the injection, making the procedure largely comfortable. Most patients feel mild pressure during the injection but not significant pain. The entire procedure takes 20–30 minutes. You may have mild soreness at the injection site for 24–48 hours, which resolves on its own.
An Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI) delivers medication into the epidural space — a general area that bathes multiple nerve roots in the affected region. A Selective Nerve Root Block (SNRB) targets a single specific nerve root with much greater precision. SNRB is both diagnostic (identifying which exact nerve is causing pain) and therapeutic. Dr. Sarish Sharma selects the appropriate technique based on your MRI findings and clinical presentation.
Most patients undergo a course of 6–12 traction sessions over 3–6 weeks, typically 2–3 sessions per week. The exact number depends on the severity of the disc problem, the patient's response to treatment, and whether traction is combined with injection therapy. Dr. Sarish Sharma monitors progress at each session and adjusts the plan accordingly.
Disc problems can recur if the underlying causes — poor posture, weak core muscles, incorrect lifting, sedentary lifestyle — are not addressed. Dr. Sarish Sharma provides a comprehensive long-term management plan including core strengthening exercises, posture correction guidance, and ergonomic advice. Patients who follow through with the plan have significantly lower recurrence rates.
Multi-modal protocols for chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain.
Hyaluronic acid injections to restore natural joint fluid.
Conservative and surgical management for ACL tears.
Four-aspect injection therapy in a single session.
BMI therapy for delayed union and non-union fractures.
Holistic non-surgical joint preservation for arthritis.
Book a consultation with Dr. Sarish Sharma and explore the full range of non-surgical disc treatments available to you.