Last updated: 19 October 2026
Spine pain affects how you walk, sleep, work, and live. At Medway Hospitals, our team of the best spine doctors in Chennai combines decades of clinical experience with advanced surgical technology to treat everything from chronic back pain to complex spinal deformities. Whether you need non-surgical management or a precision spine surgery, our specialists create a personalized treatment plan that puts your recovery first. If you are looking for an experienced spine specialist in Chennai, this guide explains who our doctors are, what they treat, and how to choose the right one.
With NABH and JCI accreditation and multiple branches across Chennai, including Kodambakkam and Mogappair, expert spine care is never far from you.
Key Takeaways
- Medway’s spine team in Kodambakkam includes a consultant neurosurgeon and an orthopaedic spine surgeon, so both nerve-related and bone-related spine problems are covered.
- Treatment is conservative first. Physiotherapy, pain management and lifestyle changes come before surgery, which is advised only when clearly needed.
- Conditions treated include slip disc, sciatica, cervical and lumbar spondylosis, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, spinal fractures and spinal tumours.
- When choosing a spine specialist in Chennai, look for spine sub-specialisation, an NABH or JCI accredited hospital, clear explanations and no pressure to operate.
- Some symptoms are emergencies. Loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the genitals or buttocks, or sudden leg weakness need same-day care: call 108 for an ambulance.
Why Choose Medway Hospitals for Spine Care?
Patients across Chennai and Tamil Nadu trust Medway Hospitals for spine treatment because of our commitment to clinical excellence, patient safety, and long-term outcomes. Here is what sets us apart:
- Experienced Spine Specialists: Our spine surgeons bring an average of 10+ years of focused spine experience, treating thousands of patients with conditions ranging from slip disc to spinal deformities.
- Advanced Diagnostic Technology: High-resolution MRI, CT scan, and nerve conduction studies help our doctors identify the exact source of your pain before recommending any treatment.
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: Where surgery is needed, we prioritize techniques that reduce tissue damage, minimize hospital stay, and speed up recovery.
- Conservative-First Approach: Surgery is recommended only when clearly necessary. Our doctors explore physiotherapy, pain management, and other non-surgical options first.
- NABH & JCI Accredited: Our hospitals meet rigorous international standards for patient safety, infection control, and clinical quality.
- Multidisciplinary Care Team: Spine surgeons work alongside neurologists, physiotherapists, and pain management specialists for complete, coordinated care.
- Affordable & Transparent Pricing: We provide clear cost estimates before treatment so patients can plan without surprises.
Best Spine Doctors in Chennai at Medway Hospitals
Our panel of spine specialists covers the full spectrum of spinal conditions, from conservative outpatient care to complex reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Balamurugan S
Qualification: MBBS, MS, MCH- Neurosurgery, FNS (Brain & Spine Surgeon)
Specialization: Neurosurgery
Experience: 27+ Years
Location: Medway Hospitals, Kodambakkam
Dr. Balamurugan S is an experienced Consultant Neurosurgeon at Medway Hospitals, Kodambakkam, Chennai. He specializes in Neurosurgery, providing expert care in the diagnosis and Treatment of Complex Brain and Spine conditions.
He holds a solid educational background with an MBBS, MS, MCh in Neurosurgery, and a Fellowship in Brain and Spine Surgery (FNS). His advanced training and commitment to neurosurgical excellence ensure that his patients receive the highest standard of care.
He is dedicated to providing comprehensive neurosurgical care, focusing on the latest techniques in brain and spine surgery. His expertise and patient-centered approach make him a trusted name in Neurosurgery at Medway Hospitals, where he is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for his patients.
Conditions Treated:
- Brain Tumors
- Spine Disorders
- Slip Disc / Herniated Disc
- Sciatica
Dr. Balaji B
- Qualification: MBBS, MS (Orthopedics)
- Specialization: Orthopedics & Spine Surgery
- Experience: 11+ Years
- Location: Medway Hospitals, Kodambakkam
Dr. Balaji B is one of Chennai’s most trusted spine specialists, bringing 11+ years of focused orthopedic and spine care experience to his patients. Practicing at Medway Hospitals Kodambakkam, he is a preferred choice for patients across West Chennai seeking a reliable spine surgeon who balances clinical precision with compassionate care.
His approach begins with a thorough clinical evaluation: understanding the patient’s history, symptoms, lifestyle, and imaging reports before recommending any course of treatment. For most patients, he emphasizes conservative management first, including physiotherapy, targeted medication, and lifestyle correction. When surgery becomes necessary, Dr. Balaji B uses evidence-based, precision-driven techniques aimed at restoring spinal stability with faster recovery.
Conditions He Treats:
- Chronic back pain and neck pain
- Cervical and lumbar spondylosis
- Slip disc (herniated disc), cervical and lumbar
- Sciatica and nerve compression syndromes
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Post-traumatic spinal injuries
Neurosurgeon or Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon: Who Should You See?
Both neurosurgeons and orthopaedic spine surgeons treat spine problems, and their work overlaps a great deal. Many patients are unsure which one to book. This simple comparison helps:
| Neurosurgeon (spine) | Orthopaedic spine surgeon | |
|---|---|---|
| Core training | Brain, spinal cord and nerves | Bones, joints, muscles and ligaments |
| Common reasons to see one | Nerve compression, sciatica, slip disc, spinal cord or nerve tumours | Slip disc, spondylosis, stenosis, fractures, scoliosis and deformity |
| Shared work | Slip disc, sciatica, spinal stenosis and many spine surgeries | Slip disc, sciatica, spinal stenosis and many spine surgeries |
| Non-surgical care | Yes, with physiotherapy and pain management | Yes, with physiotherapy and pain management |
For most back and neck pain, either specialist is a good first step. What matters more is that the doctor focuses on the spine and works with physiotherapists and pain specialists. At Medway, both work as one team, so you can be referred within the team if your condition needs it.
Spine Conditions We Treat
At Medway Hospitals, our spine specialists are experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, from everyday back pain to rare spinal disorders.
- Slip Disc / Herniated Disc: One of the most common spine conditions, a herniated disc occurs when the soft inner gel of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer and presses on nearby nerves. Symptoms include sharp radiating pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms or legs. Our doctors treat slip disc with physiotherapy, epidural injections, or minimally invasive discectomy depending on severity.
- Cervical Spondylosis (Neck Pain): Age-related wear of the cervical spine discs and joints causes neck stiffness, headaches, and arm pain. Our spine specialists assess the degree of degeneration using MRI and recommend structured non-surgical care or surgical decompression when necessary.
- Lumbar Spondylosis (Lower Back Pain): Degeneration of the lumbar spine is a leading cause of chronic lower back pain, especially in working-age adults. Treatment at Medway ranges from targeted physiotherapy and pain management to lumbar fusion surgery for advanced cases.
- Sciatica: Sciatica is characterized by pain that radiates from the lower back through the buttocks and down one or both legs, caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. Our doctors identify the precise source of compression, whether disc, bone spur, or muscle, and treat accordingly.
- Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal compresses nerves and causes walking difficulty, leg pain, and numbness. Depending on the stage, our spine surgeons may recommend laminectomy or minimally invasive decompression to relieve pressure.
- Scoliosis and Spinal Deformities: Abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis) or forward rounding (kyphosis) can worsen without treatment. Our team offers long-term monitoring, bracing, and surgical correction for progressive deformities in both adolescents and adults.
- Spinal Fractures: Trauma from accidents or falls, as well as compression fractures from osteoporosis, require prompt evaluation. Our spine surgeons perform vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, or surgical stabilization to prevent neurological damage and restore spinal alignment.
- Spinal Tumors: Both primary spinal tumors and metastatic lesions affecting the vertebral column require specialized management. Our multidisciplinary oncology-spine team coordinates surgery, radiation, and medical therapy for the best outcomes.
Non-Surgical Treatment for Back and Neck Pain
Most back and neck pain is treated without surgery. A spine specialist usually starts with the simplest options and moves on only if they do not help:
- Physiotherapy and a home exercise plan to strengthen the core and back muscles and improve flexibility.
- Short courses of pain relief medicines prescribed by your doctor, rather than long-term self-medication.
- Posture and work-setup advice, for example for long hours at a desk or daily two-wheeler commutes.
- Weight management and regular walking, which reduce load on the lower back.
- Spinal injections, such as an epidural steroid injection or nerve root block, for selected patients with nerve pain.
- Bracing for some spinal fractures and for scoliosis in growing children.
Surgery is usually discussed only when these steps have not worked after a fair trial, or straight away if there is serious or worsening nerve damage.
Types of Spine Surgeries at Medway Hospitals
When conservative treatment does not provide sufficient relief, surgery may be recommended. Our spine surgeons perform the following procedures using modern techniques and equipment:
- Discectomy: Surgical removal of the herniated portion of a disc that is compressing a spinal nerve. Minimally invasive discectomy involves a small incision, minimal muscle disruption, and same-day or next-day discharge in most cases.
- Laminectomy / Decompression Surgery: A portion of the vertebral bone (lamina) is removed to enlarge the spinal canal and relieve pressure on compressed nerves. It is commonly performed for spinal stenosis.
- Spinal Fusion: Two or more vertebrae are permanently joined using bone graft and hardware to eliminate movement at a painful or unstable spinal segment. Used for degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and post-trauma instability.
- Artificial Disc Replacement: A damaged disc is replaced with a prosthetic device that preserves natural spinal motion. It is an alternative to fusion for select candidates who want to maintain flexibility.
- Vertebroplasty / Kyphoplasty: Minimally invasive procedures for spinal compression fractures where bone cement is injected to stabilize fractured vertebrae and relieve pain. These are often used for osteoporotic fractures.
- Scoliosis Correction Surgery: For significant spinal curvature that progresses despite conservative treatment, corrective surgery uses rods, screws, and bone grafts to straighten and stabilize the spine.
What to Expect at Your First Consultation
We understand that visiting a spine specialist for the first time can feel overwhelming. Here is what your consultation at Medway Hospitals will look like:
- Personalized Treatment Plan: A plan tailored to your condition, lifestyle, and recovery goals will be created, never a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Medical History Review: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, their duration, what makes them better or worse, and your overall health history.
- Physical and Neurological Examination: A hands-on assessment of your posture, range of motion, reflexes, and muscle strength to identify the affected area.
- Imaging Review: If you have recent MRI or X-ray reports, bring them. If not, your doctor will request the appropriate scans.
- Diagnosis and Treatment Discussion: After evaluation, your spine doctor will explain your diagnosis clearly and walk you through all available treatment options, from the most conservative to surgical, along with expected outcomes for each.
When to See a Spine Specialist in Chennai
Most back pain settles with rest, gentle activity and simple care within a few weeks. Book an appointment with a spine specialist in Chennai if you have:
- Back or neck pain lasting more than 4 to 6 weeks, or pain that keeps coming back.
- Pain that travels down an arm or leg, with tingling or numbness.
- Pain that wakes you at night or does not ease when you rest.
- Difficulty walking or leg pain that forces you to stop and sit after short distances.
- A visible change in the shape of the spine, such as a curve in a growing child.
- Back pain after a fall or accident, or with known osteoporosis.
Red-Flag Symptoms: Go to Emergency Straight Away
A rare but serious condition called cauda equina syndrome affects the nerves that control the legs, bladder and bowel. Do not wait for a routine appointment if you notice:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or difficulty passing urine.
- Numbness around the genitals, buttocks or inner thighs.
- Weakness or numbness in both legs, or weakness that is getting worse.
- Back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer.
Call 108 for an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency department. Early treatment can protect nerve function.
How to Choose the Best Spine Doctor in Chennai
With many spine specialists available in Chennai, here are the key factors to consider when making your decision:
- Experience and Sub-Specialization: Choose a doctor who specifically focuses on spine conditions, not a general orthopedic surgeon who occasionally treats spine patients. Look for documented experience with your specific condition (e.g., disc herniation, scoliosis, stenosis).
- Academic Credentials and Training: Board certifications, fellowships in spine surgery (national or international), and continuous medical education reflect a doctor’s commitment to clinical excellence.
- Hospital Accreditation: Choose a doctor who operates in an NABH or JCI accredited hospital. This ensures that equipment, infection control, and surgical protocols meet verified standards.
- Patient Reviews and Outcomes: Read reviews on Google, Practo, and hospital websites. Look for patterns in feedback about doctor communication, post-operative care, and long-term relief.
- Transparency in Treatment: The best spine doctors explain your condition clearly, recommend the least invasive option first, and never rush you into surgery. If a doctor recommends surgery at the first consultation without trying conservative measures, seek a second opinion.
- Availability and Accessibility: Choose a specialist who practices at a convenient location and offers timely appointments, because delayed care can worsen spinal conditions.
Patient Testimonials
We sincerely thank Dr. S. Balamurugan, Neurosurgeon at Medway Hospital, for his exceptional expertise and compassionate care. My father underwent VP shunt surgery under his treatment, and the confidence, support, and dedication he provided were truly remarkable.”
Vijayan T
Dr. Balamurugan: Leelavathi Gore is doing fine with medical assistance and rest. Review with the doctor was timely and supportive. His immediate treatment was commendable and patient has progressed well. We are extremely satisfied with the attention given by the doctor and his attention.”
Manohar Arumugam
Book an Appointment with a Spine Specialist at Medway Hospitals
If you are experiencing back pain, neck pain, or any spine-related symptoms, do not delay care. Early evaluation by a spine specialist in Chennai leads to better outcomes and more treatment options.
Our spine specialists are available at:
- Kodambakkam | +91 94557 94557
- Mogappair | +91 94557 94557
- Kumbakonam | +91 4352 413245
- Chengalpattu | +91 4427 426829
