On the Ground: Visiting Synapse Spine — A Glimpse into Spine Care in Mumbai
- Pooja Vishwakarma
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
As a medical journalist, I recently visited Synapse Spine, drawn by its reputation among the Best Spine Surgeons in Mumbai. With chronic back pain, slipped discs, or spine-related distress affecting many people’s quality of life, I wanted to see — up close — how a modern spinal-care centre approaches diagnosis, treatment, and patient recovery. What I found was a blend of advanced technology, experienced specialists, and a philosophy that often favours conservative care before rushing into surgery.
Who is Synapse Spine — Credentials, Expertise & Clinic Setup
Synapse Spine positions itself as a spine-care network offering comprehensive diagnostics, non-surgical care, and advanced surgeries when required. Their team includes multiple spine surgeons and neuro-spine specialists trained across premier institutes in India and abroad.
As a patient enters the clinic, the environment feels deliberately calm and organised: there are diagnostic tools (imaging, nerve studies), comfortable consultation rooms, and a clear protocol for evaluating whether a patient needs conservative therapy (physiotherapy, medications, injections) or surgical intervention.
Importantly, Synapse Spine emphasises minimally invasive spine care: techniques like endoscopic spine surgery, micro-discectomy, and other less-invasive procedures are part of their offerings.
Their guiding principle? Only recommend surgery when absolutely necessary — many spine conditions may be managed non-surgically first. This measured, stepwise approach underlines why many consider them among the Top Spine Specialist in Mumbai.
Your spine deserves expert hands — where precision meets compassion
Dr. Nandan Marathe – Orthopedic Spine Specialist, Vasai
Dr. Nandan Marathe is an experienced orthopedic and spine surgeon with international fellowships from Canada, Italy, Korea, and the USA. He specializes in complex spine, deformity, and minimally invasive surgeries. Managing Synapse Spine Clinics in Virar, Vasai, and Malad, he’s also a noted researcher with 140+ publications in reputed journals.
Dr. Anuj Bhide – Spine Specialist, Andheri/Vile Parle
Based in Andheri, Dr. Anuj Bhide is widely recognized for his patient-focused spine treatments and honest communication. With 300+ positive Google reviews (4.8 rating), he’s trusted for managing chronic back pain and offering tailored surgical and non-surgical spine care solutions.
Dr. Ajit Mishra – Spine Specialist, Borivali
Dr. Ajit Mishra is a respected spine surgeon in Borivali known for his empathetic approach and expertise in spinal tumor surgeries. He focuses on accurate diagnosis and often recommends non-surgical treatments first, ensuring patients receive personalized and ethical care.
Dr. Aditya Raj – Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon, Mumbai
Dr. Aditya Raj holds fellowships from AO Spine North America, University of Toronto, and Samsung Medical Centre (Korea). His areas of expertise include scoliosis correction and complex spine deformities. Recipient of the Asia Pacific Spine Fellowship (2020), he’s known for precision and patient-centered care.
Dr. Abhishek Kulkarni – Spine Surgeon, Mira Bhayandar
Dr. Abhishek Kulkarni is an orthopedic and spine specialist skilled in minimally invasive spine procedures for disc and degenerative conditions. His approach emphasizes quicker recovery, reduced discomfort, and sustainable results for long-term spinal health.
Dr. Medha Vyas – Spine & Neurosurgeon, Goregaon
Dr. Medha Vyas, trained at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, is a dynamic spine and neurosurgeon known for her modern, evidence-based techniques and compassionate patient care. She represents a new generation of skilled, research-driven specialists.
Dr. Kunal S. Singh – Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeon, Malad
Dr. Kunal Singh specializes in endoscopic and minimally invasive spine surgeries. Focused on faster recovery and minimal hospital stay, he uses advanced surgical planning and rehabilitation strategies to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
Dr. Omkar Mahendra Shirke – Neurosurgeon & Spine Specialist, Mumbai
Dr. Omkar Shirke is an MCh Neurosurgeon with expertise in advanced spine and brain surgeries. Trained at top Indian institutions, he’s recognized for his precise surgical skills and calm, patient-oriented approach to complex spinal cases.
Dr. Navnath Jawale – Orthopedic & Spine Surgeon, Mumbai
Dr. Navnath Jawale (MS Ortho, KEM Hospital) is a dedicated spine surgeon currently pursuing a Clinical Fellowship in Spine Surgery at Synapse Spine. He focuses on advanced, evidence-based spine treatments with a goal of safe and effective patient recovery.
What Spine Care Looks Like at Synapse — From Evaluation to Treatment
During my visit, I observed the typical patient journey:
Initial evaluation & diagnostics: Patients describing back pain, sciatica, numbness, or mobility issues first undergo detailed assessment — clinical exam, imaging (MRI/X-ray), nerve conduction studies if needed.
Trial of conservative therapy: Unless there’s an urgent indication (like severe nerve compression or spinal instability), the team typically recommends physiotherapy, posture correction, pain management (injections, medications), and lifestyle modification.
When surgery becomes necessary: For conditions such as herniated/slipped discs unresponsive to conservative care, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease causing functional impairment, minimally invasive procedures or micro-discectomy / endoscopic discectomy are offered. For complex cases, more advanced spine surgeries may be recommended.
Post-treatment rehabilitation & follow-up: Emphasis on physiotherapy, gradual mobilization, and long-term spine health advice — a holistic, patient-centered care path.
This entire pipeline reflects a balance between caution, modern techniques, and respect for the spine’s complexity — a key attribute for those seeking the Best Spine Surgeons in Mumbai.
Benefits & Risks of Spine Treatments Offered at Synapse
Benefits
Minimally invasive options: Procedures like endoscopic spine surgery or micro-discectomy involve small incisions, less tissue trauma, shorter hospital stay, and quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
Holistic & conservative-first approach: Many cases of back pain, disc bulge, or early degeneration may improve with physiotherapy, pain management, lifestyle changes — avoiding surgery altogether. For patients wary of surgery, this conservative philosophy can be a relief.
Comprehensive team & facilities: Synapse offers diagnostics, surgical care, physiotherapy, and post-operative support under one roof — which simplifies the process for patients, and reduces the need to coordinate among multiple providers.
Access to high-skill surgeons for complex cases: For patients needing spinal surgery — be it disc replacement, deformity correction, or tumour-related spine interventions — an experienced multidisciplinary team can offer the most advanced care.
Risks & Potential Limitations
Surgical risks remain: Even minimally invasive spine surgeries carry inherent risks — nerve damage, incomplete relief, infections, or postoperative complications, particularly in complex cases. As in all surgical fields.
Not all conditions guarantee quick resolution: Spine problems often arise due to structural changes, degeneration, age — meaning that while surgery or therapy helps, ongoing care, rehabilitation, and lifestyle adjustments are often necessary to maintain results.
Recovery requires commitment: Post-surgical physiotherapy, posture correction, cautious return to activity — success depends heavily on patient compliance over weeks or months.
Costs and resource dependence: Advanced diagnostics, surgical tools (microscope, endoscopy equipment), and multidisciplinary care tend to make treatments resource-intensive, which may limit access for some patients.
Approximate Cost Range & What Affects It
Estimating cost for spine treatment or surgery is inherently variable — depending on the diagnosis, required interventions (from physiotherapy to minimally invasive surgery), implant/devices (if any), hospital stay, and post-operative rehab.
Data from broader Mumbai spine-surgery trends shows spine procedures can begin from modest charges for basic interventions; average costs for spine surgery (in cases requiring surgery) are often around ₹1.8 lakh but can rise significantly based on complexity.
Given Synapse’s emphasis on minimally invasive care, outpatient procedures or micro-discectomy may fall on the lower end (especially if no implant is required), while multi-level surgeries, spinal fusion, or implant-assisted treatments may ascend toward higher ranges.
During my conversation with one of the specialists, they did not commit to a fixed cost — rather, they stressed a personalized evaluation first, which then determines cost depending on diagnostics, treatment plan, hospital stay, and follow-up requirements.
Precautions and Aftercare Advice Shared by the Doctors
In our interview at Synapse Spine, the team highlighted several key precautions and aftercare guidelines for patients — whether managed conservatively or undergoing surgery. These are critical both for success and for preventing recurrence or complications:
Posture and ergonomics: For patients with back pain or disc issues — adopting proper posture, ergonomic sitting/standing habits, and avoiding prolonged static postures is crucial to prevent relapse.
Physiotherapy and gradual mobilization: Whether after conservative treatment or surgery, a structured physiotherapy regime helps strengthen supporting muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce stress on the spine.
Avoid heavy lifting and sudden movements (initially after surgery): To allow healing without undue stress on surgical sites or discs, especially in the first few months.
Regular follow-up and imaging (if needed): For chronic spine conditions — to monitor degeneration, spinal alignment, or post-operative recovery, as guided by the surgeon.
Lifestyle factors: weight management, core strength, activity modification: Since obesity, sedentary habits, or repetitive strain can exacerbate spine problems — a holistic lifestyle approach benefits long-term spine health.
Open communication on symptoms: Any new pain, numbness, or discharge after surgery should be reported immediately — early detection of complications balances safety and recovery prospects.
The doctors at Synapse underlined their commitment to patient education — ensuring individuals understand both the potential benefits and limitations before proceeding.
Who Could Benefit — And When to Seek Spine-Specialist Opinion
Based on what I observed, people who may particularly benefit from consulting a clinic like Synapse Spine include:
Individuals with persistent lower back pain, sciatica, numbness or leg pain not responding well to basic treatment or rest.
Patients diagnosed with disc herniation, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or early spinal deformities — where minimally invasive interventions, physiotherapy or micro-discectomy could offer relief.
Older individuals or those with chronic spinal wear-and-tear seeking pain management, mobility improvement, and non-surgical options before considering surgery.
Those requiring complex surgical care — when non-invasive therapy has failed, and structural issues demand precise spine surgery with expert surgeons and proper infrastructure.
However, those with mild, intermittent back pain — especially without neurological symptoms — might first explore conservative therapy (physiotherapy, lifestyle change, posture correction) and reserve surgical consultation for persistent or worsening conditions.
Reflections — What Makes Spine Care Work in an Urban Context
Visiting Synapse Spine made evident the evolving nature of spine care in a metropolitan setting like Mumbai. With rapidly changing lifestyles — long hours of sitting, stress, poor ergonomics, aging population — spinal problems are increasingly common. In such a context, a centre that blends modern diagnostics, evidence-based conservative care, and advanced surgery — all under one roof — offers a real advantage.
Synapse’s model — of evaluating each patient individually, prioritizing non-surgical options first, using minimally invasive techniques, and educating patients for long-term spine health — seems well-suited to urban needs. It reflects what many look for when searching for a Top Spine Specialist in Mumbai, not just a quick fix.
Even more important perhaps: the transparency I sensed during the visit — acknowledgement of risks, realistic expectations, and an emphasis on aftercare — helps shift the narrative from “spine surgery as a last resort” to “spine care as a lifelong, collaborative commitment.”
If you are experiencing persistent back pain, sciatica, or suspicion of a spine-related problem — consulting a capable spine-care team may make all the difference.
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