FAQs
- APPOINTMENTS & CONSULTATIONS
- SPINAL CONDITIONS & TREATMENT
- SURGERY & PROCEDURES
- RECOVERY & REHABILITATION
- MEDICAL AID & PRACTICAL QUESTIONS
- EMERGENCIES
Appointments can be requested by telephone, through our online contact form, or by completing the Patient Questionnaire available on this website.
Our team will assist you with selecting a suitable consultation time and provide any information you may need before your appointment.
No.
Self-referrals are welcome, and patients may book consultations directly without first obtaining a referral.
Referrals from general practitioners, physiotherapists and medical specialists are also accepted where applicable.
Bringing relevant medical information allows Dr Pillay to perform a comprehensive assessment and provide the most accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
- MRI scans and reports
- X-rays and radiology reports
- CT scans (if available)
- Referral letters
- Previous surgical records
- Current medication list
- Relevant medical history documentation
If you are unsure whether a document or scan is relevant, it is generally helpful to bring it with you for review during your consultation.
Your initial consultation is designed to develop a clear understanding of your symptoms, review any existing investigations and determine the most appropriate treatment pathway.
- Review of your symptoms
- Discussion of your medical history
- Clinical examination
- Review of MRI, CT or X-ray imaging
- Diagnostic assessment
- Discussion of personalised treatment options
If additional investigations are required, these will be discussed with you, together with clear recommendations for the next steps in your treatment journey.
No.
Most episodes of back pain can be managed successfully without surgery using physiotherapy, rehabilitation, exercise programmes, medication and other conservative treatment approaches.
Surgical intervention is typically considered only when conservative treatment has not provided sufficient improvement, or when significant structural abnormalities, nerve compression or neurological symptoms are present.
You should consider specialist assessment if you experience any of the following:
- Symptoms that persist despite treatment
- Pain that significantly affects daily life
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Progressive numbness or tingling
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Symptoms that continue to worsen over time
Early assessment can help identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and determine the most appropriate treatment pathway before the condition progresses further.
Sciatica describes pain that radiates from the lower back into the buttock and down the leg due to irritation or compression of one or more spinal nerves.
Common symptoms may include:
- Leg pain
- Tingling sensations
- Numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Burning or shooting pain
Identifying the underlying cause of sciatica is essential for developing an effective and personalised treatment plan.
A disc prolapse, sometimes referred to as a herniated or slipped disc, occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc extends beyond its normal position and places pressure on nearby nerves.
Symptoms may include back or neck pain, leg or arm pain, numbness, tingling or muscle weakness depending on the affected nerve.
Treatment depends on symptom severity, neurological involvement and your individual diagnosis. Many patients improve with conservative treatment, while surgery is reserved for selected cases where it is clinically appropriate.
Yes.
Adult scoliosis can often be managed successfully through specialist assessment and a personalised treatment plan. The most appropriate approach depends on the severity of the spinal curvature, symptoms and its impact on daily life.
Treatment options may include observation, physiotherapy, pain management or surgery where clinically indicated. Every recommendation is tailored to the individual patient’s condition and treatment goals.
Robotic spine surgery uses advanced technology to assist with surgical planning and precision during procedures. It is designed to support accuracy and improve surgical execution.
Navigation technology provides real-time guidance during surgery, helping surgeons perform procedures with enhanced precision.
Modern spine surgery benefits from significant advances in:
- Surgical techniques
- Imaging
- Technology
- Patient selection
- Surgical planning
As with any procedure, risks exist and are discussed thoroughly during consultation.
A recommendation for surgery is based on:
- Diagnosis
- Symptoms
- Imaging findings
- Functional limitations
- Response to previous treatment
Not every patient requires surgery.
Absolutely. Many patients seek second opinions before making important treatment decisions or when symptoms persist despite previous treatment.
Recovery varies depending on:
- The procedure performed
- Overall health
- Age
- Rehabilitation participation
- Individual healing factors
A personalised recovery plan will be discussed with each patient.
Many patients benefit from physiotherapy and rehabilitation programmes designed to support recovery and restore function. Recommendations vary according to the procedure performed.
Return-to-work timelines depend on:
- Procedure type
- Job requirements
- Recovery progress
Specific guidance will be provided during follow-up consultations.
Driving recommendations vary depending on the surgery performed and recovery progress. Patients should follow individual guidance provided by their healthcare team.
Coverage depends on your specific medical aid provider and plan. Our administration team can assist with guidance regarding authorisation processes and documentation requirements.
Yes. Our administrative team can assist patients with relevant information regarding medical aid procedures and treatment-related documentation.
Availability may vary depending on the nature of the condition and consultation requirements. Please contact the practice directly for guidance.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, proceed immediately to the nearest emergency department or casualty facility. Urgent appointment requests may be reviewed individually where appropriate.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Sudden weakness
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Severe trauma
- Rapidly worsening neurological symptoms
- Significant loss of function
FAQs
- APPOINTMENTS & CONSULTATIONS
- SPINAL CONDITIONS & TREATMENT
- SURGERY & PROCEDURES
- RECOVERY & REHABILITATION
- MEDICAL AID & PRACTICAL QUESTIONS
- EMERGENCIES
Appointments can be requested by telephone, through our online contact form, or by completing the Patient Questionnaire available on this website.
Our team will assist you with selecting a suitable consultation time and provide any information you may need before your appointment.
No.
Self-referrals are welcome, and patients may book consultations directly without first obtaining a referral.
Referrals from general practitioners, physiotherapists and medical specialists are also accepted where applicable.
Bringing relevant medical information allows Dr Pillay to perform a comprehensive assessment and provide the most accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
- MRI scans and reports
- X-rays and radiology reports
- CT scans (if available)
- Referral letters
- Previous surgical records
- Current medication list
- Relevant medical history documentation
If you are unsure whether a document or scan is relevant, it is generally helpful to bring it with you for review during your consultation.
Your initial consultation is designed to develop a clear understanding of your symptoms, review any existing investigations and determine the most appropriate treatment pathway.
- Review of your symptoms
- Discussion of your medical history
- Clinical examination
- Review of MRI, CT or X-ray imaging
- Diagnostic assessment
- Discussion of personalised treatment options
If additional investigations are required, these will be discussed with you, together with clear recommendations for the next steps in your treatment journey.
No.
Most episodes of back pain can be managed successfully without surgery using physiotherapy, rehabilitation, exercise programmes, medication and other conservative treatment approaches.
Surgical intervention is typically considered only when conservative treatment has not provided sufficient improvement, or when significant structural abnormalities, nerve compression or neurological symptoms are present.
You should consider specialist assessment if you experience any of the following:
- Symptoms that persist despite treatment
- Pain that significantly affects daily life
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Progressive numbness or tingling
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Symptoms that continue to worsen over time
Early assessment can help identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and determine the most appropriate treatment pathway before the condition progresses further.
Sciatica describes pain that radiates from the lower back into the buttock and down the leg due to irritation or compression of one or more spinal nerves.
Common symptoms may include:
- Leg pain
- Tingling sensations
- Numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Burning or shooting pain
Identifying the underlying cause of sciatica is essential for developing an effective and personalised treatment plan.
A disc prolapse, sometimes referred to as a herniated or slipped disc, occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc extends beyond its normal position and places pressure on nearby nerves.
Symptoms may include back or neck pain, leg or arm pain, numbness, tingling or muscle weakness depending on the affected nerve.
Treatment depends on symptom severity, neurological involvement and your individual diagnosis. Many patients improve with conservative treatment, while surgery is reserved for selected cases where it is clinically appropriate.
Yes.
Adult scoliosis can often be managed successfully through specialist assessment and a personalised treatment plan. The most appropriate approach depends on the severity of the spinal curvature, symptoms and its impact on daily life.
Treatment options may include observation, physiotherapy, pain management or surgery where clinically indicated. Every recommendation is tailored to the individual patient’s condition and treatment goals.
Robotic spine surgery uses advanced technology to assist with surgical planning and precision during procedures. It is designed to support accuracy and improve surgical execution.
Navigation technology provides real-time guidance during surgery, helping surgeons perform procedures with enhanced precision.
Modern spine surgery benefits from significant advances in:
- Surgical techniques
- Imaging
- Technology
- Patient selection
- Surgical planning
As with any procedure, risks exist and are discussed thoroughly during consultation.
A recommendation for surgery is based on:
- Diagnosis
- Symptoms
- Imaging findings
- Functional limitations
- Response to previous treatment
Not every patient requires surgery.
Absolutely. Many patients seek second opinions before making important treatment decisions or when symptoms persist despite previous treatment.
Recovery varies depending on:
- The procedure performed
- Overall health
- Age
- Rehabilitation participation
- Individual healing factors
A personalised recovery plan will be discussed with each patient.
Many patients benefit from physiotherapy and rehabilitation programmes designed to support recovery and restore function. Recommendations vary according to the procedure performed.
Return-to-work timelines depend on:
- Procedure type
- Job requirements
- Recovery progress
Specific guidance will be provided during follow-up consultations.
Driving recommendations vary depending on the surgery performed and recovery progress. Patients should follow individual guidance provided by their healthcare team.
Coverage depends on your specific medical aid provider and plan. Our administration team can assist with guidance regarding authorisation processes and documentation requirements.
Yes. Our administrative team can assist patients with relevant information regarding medical aid procedures and treatment-related documentation.
Availability may vary depending on the nature of the condition and consultation requirements. Please contact the practice directly for guidance.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, proceed immediately to the nearest emergency department or casualty facility. Urgent appointment requests may be reviewed individually where appropriate.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Sudden weakness
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Severe trauma
- Rapidly worsening neurological symptoms
- Significant loss of function
Still Have Questions?
Our team is available to assist with appointment enquiries, patient information and consultation requests.