Best Orthopedic Specialists for Degenerative Disc Disease in India

This page lists 26 degenerative disc disease doctors in India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.

Quick answer

This page lists 26 degenerative disc disease doctors in India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.

About Degenerative Disc Disease doctors in India

This directory is based on doctors currently listed in GAF Healthcare's registry. Clinical suitability varies by patient; a doctor should review your history and investigations before any treatment decision.

About the Condition

What is Degenerative Disc Disease?

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) refers to the gradual breakdown of the intervertebral discs — the cushioning structures that sit between the bones of the spine — leading to pain, reduced mobility, and in some cases nerve compression. Although some degree of disc wear is a natural part of ageing, factors such as prior spinal injury, repetitive physical loading, obesity, smoking, and genetic predisposition can accelerate the process and increase its clinical impact. Left unmanaged, DDD may contribute to related conditions including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and radiculopathy (nerve-root pain radiating into the arms or legs). A thorough assessment of an individual's medical history, physical examination findings, and relevant imaging is necessary before any care pathway can be recommended.

Individual assessmentEvery case is different
Complete evaluationUnderstand the condition first
Specialist reviewChoose the right approach
Medical assessment helps clarify severity and identify appropriate options.

Treatment options for Degenerative Disc Disease

Care may include lifestyle changes, medical treatment, specialist review or a procedure, depending on the diagnosis, associated conditions and individual goals. The options below are associated with this condition in the GAF Healthcare directory.

Spinal Fusion Surgery

Spinal fusion surgery permanently joins two or more vertebrae using bone grafts and metal instrumentation (screws, rods, cages) to eliminate painful motion between them.

Why it may be consideredIt is commonly performed for degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, or instability that has not responded to conservative treatment. The goal is to relieve chronic back or leg pain and restore spinal stability.

Key distinction: Most Popular

Disc Replacement Surgery

Disc Replacement Surgery (Artificial Disc Replacement) involves removing a damaged or degenerated spinal disc and replacing it with an artificial implant that preserves natural spinal motion.

Why it may be consideredIt is commonly performed for cervical or lumbar degenerative disc disease causing chronic pain, nerve compression, or radiculopathy that has not responded to conservative treatment. Unlike spinal fusion, it aims to maintain flexibility and reduce stress on adjacent spinal segments.

Key distinction: Most Popular

How is Degenerative Disc Disease treated?

Care usually follows several stages, from assessment through treatment and follow-up.

1

Assessment

Review medical history, BMI and overall health.

2

Lifestyle & medical treatment

Diet, physical activity, behavioural support and medicines when appropriate.

3

Specialist evaluation

Assess whether additional treatment may be appropriate.

4

Treatment selection

Non-surgical or surgical options based on individual circumstances.

5

Treatment & recovery

Follow the selected treatment plan and recovery guidance.

6

Long-term follow-up

Monitor weight, health and response to treatment.

Degenerative Disc Disease doctors

Dr. Puneet Girdhar Featured

Dr. Puneet Girdhar

MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics), M.Ch (Orthopaedics), Spine Fellowship, MITLIF Bioskills Training, Articular Surface Arthroplasty Fellowship, AO Trauma Fellowship
Vice Chairman & Head — Ortho Spine Surgery (Robotic Spine Surgery Centre) · Specialty: Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon
BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital New Delhi, India18+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 18+ years of experience in Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon
  • Vice Chairman & Head, Orthopaedic Spine Surgery (Robotic Spine Surgery Centre), BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi
  • Consultant Spine Surgeon, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi
Expertise & Procedures
  • Robotic-guided spinal fusion and fixation
  • Minimally invasive disc replacement surgery
  • Endoscopic and microscopic keyhole decompression
  • Spinal deformity correction with instrumentation
  • Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty for fractures
View all procedures →
Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon Experience: 18+ YearsHospital Affiliation: BLK-Max Super Speciality HospitalHospital accreditation: JCI, NABH
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Dr. Abhay Nene

MBBS, MS (Orthopedics), Spine Foundation Fellowship, ASSI-Dartmouth Spine Fellowship
Senior Consultant — Spine Surgery · Specialty: Spine Surgeon
Gleneagles Hospital Mumbai, India31+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 31+ years of experience in Spine Surgeon
  • Senior Consultant – Spine Surgery, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai
  • Consultant Spine Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai
Expertise & Procedures
  • Spinal deformity correction and scoliosis surgery
  • Spinal tumor resection and reconstruction
  • Cervical spine fusion and instrumentation
  • Lumbar disc replacement surgery
  • Microdiscectomy and endoscopic spine surgery
View all procedures →
Spine Surgeon Experience: 31+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Gleneagles HospitalHospital accreditation: NABH, JCI
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Dr. Agnivesh Tikoo

MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics), DNB (Orthopaedics), Fellowship in Spine Surgery, AO Spine Fellowship, Fellowship in Complex Spine Surgery, Fellowship, Fellowship
Consultant Spine Surgeon · Specialty: Spine Surgeon
Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai Mumbai, India15+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 15+ years of experience in Spine Surgeon
  • Consultant Spine Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, Present
  • Fellowship in Spine Surgery, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi
Expertise & Procedures
  • Spinal Fusion Surgery (Anterior, Posterior, Lateral)
  • Minimally Invasive Discectomy
  • Endoscopic Spine Surgery
  • Spinal Deformity Correction
  • Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty
View all procedures →
Spine Surgeon Experience: 15+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Apollo Hospitals, Navi MumbaiHospital accreditation: JCI, NABH
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Dr. Ankur Nanda

MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics), MBA (Healthcare), Fellowship in Endoscopic Spine Surgery, Fellowship in Spine Surgery, AO Spine Faculty Education Program Certification, AO Spine Advanced Course Certificate, AO Spine Basic Course Certificate
Associate Director of Spine Services — Spine Surgery · Specialty: Spine Surgeon
Indian Spinal Injuries Centre New Delhi, India23+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 23+ years of experience in Spine Surgeon
  • Associate Director of Spine Services, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi — Present
  • Spine Surgeon, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi
Expertise & Procedures
  • Spinal Fusion Surgery (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar)
  • Endoscopic Spine Surgery
  • Navigation-Guided Spine Surgery
  • Discectomy (Open and Minimally Invasive)
  • Laminectomy and Laminoplasty
View all procedures →
Spine Surgeon Experience: 23+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Indian Spinal Injuries CentreHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
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Dr. Arvind J Vatkar

MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics), MCh (Spine, UK), Senior Spinal Fellow (RCS Approved), International Training Fellow (MCh Spine), ATLS
Consultant — Orthopaedic and Spine Surgery · Specialty: Spine Surgeon
Medicover Hospital Mumbai, India22+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 22+ years of experience in Spine Surgeon
  • Consultant Orthopaedic and Spine Surgeon, Medicover Hospital, Navi Mumbai — Present
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, MGM Medical College, Nerul — Present
Expertise & Procedures
  • Spinal Fusion Surgery (Anterior, Posterior, Lateral)
  • Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)
  • Microdiscectomy and Discectomy
  • Spinal Deformity Correction (Scoliosis, Kyphosis)
  • Navigated Spine Surgery with Intraoperative Monitoring
View all procedures →
Spine Surgeon Experience: 22+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Medicover HospitalHospital accreditation: NABH, JCI
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Dr. Burhan Salim Siamwala

MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics), DNB (Orthopaedics), AO Spine Asia Pacific Fellowship, Global Spine Diploma (AO Spine)
Consultant — Orthopaedics & Spine Surgery · Specialty: Spine Surgeon
Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai Mumbai, India5+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 5+ years of experience in Spine Surgeon
  • Consultant, Orthopaedics & Spine Surgery — Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, India
  • Specialized training in minimally invasive and endoscopic spine techniques at leading international centres
Expertise & Procedures
  • Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression
  • Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy
  • Spinal Fusion Surgery (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar)
  • Scoliosis and Kyphosis Correction
  • Posterolateral Fusion (PLF)
View all procedures →
Spine Surgeon Experience: 5+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Apollo Hospitals, Navi MumbaiHospital accreditation: JCI, NABH
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Dr. Kalidutta Das

MBBS, MS (Ortho), FNB (Spine Surgery), Spine Fellowship, Advanced Training
Chief & Director of Spine Services — Spine Surgery · Specialty: Spine Surgeon
Indian Spinal Injuries Centre New Delhi, India32+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 32+ years of experience in Spine Surgeon
  • Chief & Director of Spine Services, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi — Since 2007 to Present
  • Spine Surgeon, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi — 32+ years of clinical practice
Expertise & Procedures
  • Spinal Fusion Surgery (Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar)
  • Disc Replacement Surgery
  • Microdiscectomy and Discectomy
  • Laminectomy and Laminotomy
  • Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty
View all procedures →
Spine Surgeon Experience: 32+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Indian Spinal Injuries CentreHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
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Dr. Manoj Kumar

MBBS, DNB, FNB, MRCS, Endoscopic Spine Fellowship
Senior Consultant — Orthopedic Spine Surgery · Specialty: Spine Surgeon
BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital New Delhi, India6+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 6+ years of experience in Spine Surgeon
  • Senior Consultant, Orthopedic Spine Surgery, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi
  • Consultant Spine Surgeon, Jaypee Hospital, Noida
Expertise & Procedures
  • Endoscopic Spine Surgery
  • Minimally Invasive Discectomy
  • Spinal Fusion Surgery
  • Artificial Disc Replacement
  • Laminectomy and Decompression
View all procedures →
Spine Surgeon Experience: 6+ YearsHospital Affiliation: BLK-Max Super Speciality HospitalHospital accreditation: JCI, NABH
Image not available

Dr. Neeraj Gupta

MBBS, D.ORTHO, DNB (Orthopaedics), FNB – Spine Surgery, MRCS (Part I & II), DTB, IASA Spine Fellow, Fellow
Senior Consultant — Spine Surgery · Specialty: Spine Surgeon
Indian Spinal Injuries Centre New Delhi, India12+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 12+ years of experience in Spine Surgeon
  • Senior Consultant — Spine Surgery, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi
  • Spine Surgery Fellow, Michigan University Hospital, USA
Expertise & Procedures
  • Minimally Invasive Lumbar Fusion (MIS TLIF)
  • Cervical Interbody Fusion (ACDF/ALIF)
  • Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery
  • Spinal Deformity Correction (Scoliosis/Kyphosis)
  • Microdiscectomy for Herniated Disc
View all procedures →
Spine Surgeon Experience: 12+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Indian Spinal Injuries CentreHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
Image not available

Dr. Parthasarathy Srinivasan

MBBS, D Ortho, DNB (Ortho), FNB (Spine Surgery), MNAMS
Senior Consultant — Orthopaedics and Head of Spine Surgery · Specialty: Spine Surgeon
Rela Hospital Chennai, India10+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 10+ years of experience in Spine Surgeon
  • Senior Consultant – Orthopaedics and Head of Spine Surgery, Rela Hospital, Chennai
  • Consultant Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon, Dr. Mehta's Hospital, Chennai
Expertise & Procedures
  • Spinal fusion surgery (cervical and lumbar)
  • Spinal deformity correction
  • Microdisectomy and minimally invasive discectomy
  • Endoscopic spine surgery
  • Revision spine surgery
View all procedures →
Spine Surgeon Experience: 10+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Rela HospitalHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL

Hospitals where these doctors practise

BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital🇮🇳 New Delhi, India

BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital

Est. 1959
JCIJoint Commission International accreditationNABHNational Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditation
OrthopedicsCardiac SurgeryCardiologyMedical Oncology
5+
Doctors here
3.8
48 reviews
650+
Beds
67+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Puneet GirdharDr. Manoj KumarDr. Rajesh Verma
+2 more
Gleneagles Global Hospitals (Global Hospitals)🇮🇳 Parel, Mumbai, India

Gleneagles Global Hospitals (Global Hospitals)

Est. 1996
NABHNational Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationJCIJoint Commission International accreditation
OrthopedicsLiver TransplantCardiac SurgeryOncology
1+
Doctors here
4.6
183 reviews
450+
Beds
30+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Abhay Nene
Indian Spinal Injuries Center🇮🇳 New Delhi, India

Indian Spinal Injuries Center

Est. 1995
NABHNational Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationNABLNational Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories accreditation
OrthopedicsSpine SurgerySurgical GastroenterologyOphthalmology
4+
Doctors here
4.5
76 reviews
200+
Beds
31+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Ankur NandaDr. Kalidutta DasDr. Neeraj Gupta
+1 more
Fortis Hospital, Noida🇮🇳 Noida, India

Fortis Hospital, Noida

Est. 2004
NABHNational Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationJCIJoint Commission International accreditation
OrthopedicsCardiac SurgeryCardiologyMedical Oncology
1+
Doctors here
4.5
88 reviews
236+
Beds
22+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Arvind J Vatkar
Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre🇮🇳 Chennai, India

Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre

Est. 2018
NABHNational Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationNABLNational Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories accreditation
OrthopedicsCardiac SurgeryCardiologyMedical Oncology
1+
Doctors here
4.7
108 reviews
450+
Beds
8+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Parthasarathy Srinivasan
Apollo Hospitals🇮🇳 New Delhi, India

Apollo Hospitals

Est. 1983
JCIJoint Commission International accreditationNABHNational Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditation
OrthopedicsCardiac SurgeryCardiologyMedical Oncology
2+
Doctors here
4.9
1240 reviews
1000+
Beds
43+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Shashank Sharad KaleDr. Chander Shekar
Paras Hospitals🇮🇳 Gurgaon, India

Paras Hospitals

Est. 2006
NABHNational Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationNABLNational Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories accreditation
OrthopedicsCardiac SurgeryCardiologyMedical Oncology
1+
Doctors here
4.4
59 reviews
300+
Beds
20+
Years Since Founded
Dr. V Anand Naik
Artemis Hospital🇮🇳 Gurgaon, India

Artemis Hospital

Est. 2007
JCIJoint Commission International accreditationNABHNational Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditation
OrthopedicsCardiac SurgeryCardiologyMedical Oncology
2+
Doctors here
4.9
64 reviews
750+
Beds
19+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Varun KhannaDr. Vimal Kumar Dakour
Medanta - The Medicity🇮🇳 Gurgaon, India

Medanta - The Medicity

Est. 2009
JCIJoint Commission International accreditationNABHNational Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditation
OrthopedicsCardiac SurgeryCardiologyMedical Oncology
1+
Doctors here
4.9
2150 reviews
1600+
Beds
17+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Vineesh Mathur

Why consider treatment in India?

Many international patients consider India for degenerative disc disease treatment for several reasons, including:

More affordable estimates

Competitive indicative costs compared with many other countries, for similar clinical standards.

Internationally accredited hospitals

Hospitals experienced in treating international patients.

Experienced specialists

Doctors who regularly manage similar cases.

Care coordination support

A team to help with planning, medical translation and follow-up.

How this directory is built

Doctors are matched using the specialty, location, condition (Degenerative Disc Disease) recorded in their profiles. Inclusion is not an endorsement and does not guarantee a treatment outcome.

Need help with the next step?

Share your needs with our care coordination team for information about doctors and hospitals.

Common questions

FAQs about Degenerative Disc Disease in India

What is Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative disc disease is a condition in which the intervertebral discs of the spine lose height, hydration, and structural integrity over time, reducing their ability to absorb shock and maintain normal spinal alignment. Despite the word 'disease,' it describes a spectrum of wear-related changes that vary considerably in severity from person to person.
What are the symptoms and health risks of Degenerative Disc Disease?
Common symptoms include chronic or intermittent neck or low-back pain that may worsen with prolonged sitting, bending, or lifting, along with stiffness and, when nerve structures are involved, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating into the limbs. Some people with significant disc changes on imaging experience minimal symptoms, while others with milder structural changes report substantial pain — illustrating that symptom severity does not always correlate with imaging findings. Experiencing these symptoms is not sufficient on its own to establish a diagnosis, and other causes of spinal pain must be considered by a clinician.
How is Degenerative Disc Disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically begins with a detailed clinical history and physical examination, including neurological testing to assess reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation. Imaging plays a central role: X-rays can reveal disc height loss and alignment changes, while MRI — the most informative modality for soft tissue — allows assessment of disc hydration (graded using systems such as the Pfirrmann classification, which rates disc degeneration from Grade I to Grade V), annular tears, nerve compression, and adjacent-segment involvement. In some cases, additional investigations such as CT scanning, electromyography (EMG), or nerve-conduction studies may be requested to clarify the extent of nerve involvement or to guide procedural planning.
How is Degenerative Disc Disease treated?
Treatment for degenerative disc disease is tailored to the individual based on symptom severity, functional limitation, neurological findings, and the degree of structural change identified on imaging. For many patients, a structured non-surgical programme is the appropriate first pathway, while those with persistent or severe neurological compromise, significant instability, or failure of conservative measures over an adequate trial period may be evaluated for procedural intervention — which, depending on the clinical picture, could include spinal fusion surgery or disc replacement surgery. All treatment decisions should be made in collaboration with a qualified specialist following a complete individual assessment, as no single approach is universally suitable.
Can Degenerative Disc Disease be treated without surgery?
Non-surgical management is a meaningful and often effective pathway for many patients with DDD, and typically includes a combination of structured physiotherapy (focused on core stabilisation and postural correction), pain management strategies (which may involve oral analgesics, anti-inflammatory medications, or image-guided injections such as epidural steroid injections or facet joint blocks), activity modification, and addressing modifiable risk factors such as weight management and smoking cessation. Psychological support and cognitive behavioural approaches may also be incorporated for patients with chronic pain. The appropriateness and composition of a non-surgical programme depend on individual clinical factors and should be guided by a treating specialist.
When is Spinal Fusion Surgery considered for Degenerative Disc Disease?
Spinal Fusion Surgery may be considered when conservative or medical options have not achieved enough improvement, or when the severity of the condition warrants it. The decision depends on clinical assessment, expected benefits and individual risks.
Which doctor treats Degenerative Disc Disease?
Degenerative disc disease is most commonly evaluated and managed by an orthopaedic spine surgeon or a neurosurgeon with a subspecialty focus on spinal conditions; a spine-trained physiatrist (rehabilitation medicine specialist) or a pain management specialist often plays a central role in non-surgical care. In many centres, a multidisciplinary spine team — which may also include neurologists and specialist physiotherapists — collaborates on complex or refractory cases.
How do I choose a doctor for Degenerative Disc Disease?
When selecting a provider, it is worth comparing a surgeon's documented experience with the specific procedure being considered (spinal fusion or disc replacement), their hospital's access to intraoperative neuromonitoring and minimally invasive techniques, and the availability of a structured rehabilitation programme and clear long-term follow-up plan. Seeking a centre that offers a multidisciplinary evaluation before recommending surgery is generally considered good practice for spinal conditions.
What documents do international patients need to share for a medical evaluation?
Share a medical summary, investigation and imaging or biopsy reports where relevant, a current medication list, previous diagnoses and related treatment records. Provide clear copies with translation where needed.
How does GAF Healthcare help international patients plan treatment in India?
Our care coordination team helps review initial medical information, connect you with suitable doctors and hospitals, explain next steps and indicative estimates, and organise a treatment plan before travel.