Some back problems cannot wait.
Go to an emergency department now if you have back or leg pain with: loss of bladder or bowel control, new difficulty passing urine, numbness around the private parts, inner thighs or buttocks, or new or quickly worsening weakness in the legs.
Severe back or neck pain after a fall or accident: keep the person still, do not move them, and call Rescue 1122.
Back pain with a fever and feeling very unwell needs a doctor the same day.
See a doctor within days, not weeks, if back pain comes with:
- weight loss you can't explain
- pain that is worse at night
- a past history of cancer or TB
Once you are safe, you can call +92 300 4890692 to arrange follow-up with Dr Malik.
Look at the Surgeon’s Education and Experience
Degrees and registration
Check for an MBBS plus a specialist degree (MS or FCPS) in orthopedic surgery or neurosurgery. Then look the surgeon up on the PMDC's online register. This is the official list of doctors kept by the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council. You can search it by name or registration number.
Experience in spine surgery
Experience matters, but years alone do not tell you much. Ask which spine operations the surgeon does often, and about how many each year.
Ask How Much of Their Work Is Spine Surgery
Spine surgery is done by orthopedic surgeons and by neurosurgeons. Ask: "What share of your operations are on the spine?" Ask too which spine operations they do regularly.
Check the Hospital, Not Just the Surgeon
Where you have surgery matters too. A good hospital keeps you safe during and after the operation.
Questions to ask about the hospital
- Can they do X-ray, MRI and CT scans on site?
- Is there an intensive care unit (ICU) if you need it?
- How do they prevent infection in the operating theatre?
- Will nurses check on you closely after the operation?
The Surgeon Should Listen and Explain Clearly
A good doctor explains your spine problem in simple words and answers your questions. You should not feel rushed.
They should also explain what to expect, the risks and the other options, so your family can decide together. Knowing what to expect eases stress.
Ask About the Surgery Methods and Tools
Smaller-cut surgery
Some spine operations can be done through small cuts (minimally invasive surgery). For suitable patients, this can mean less blood loss and getting up a little sooner. For many operations, long-term results are similar to open surgery. It is not right for everyone, so ask if it suits your problem.
Ask too if they use live X-ray or computer guidance to see the spine clearly during surgery.
Not sure if you even need spine surgery? WhatsApp your MRI report to +92 300 4890692 and book a consultation.
What About Online Reviews?
Online reviews and word of mouth can help, but nobody can check if a review is real. The PMDC's register, the surgeon's training and the hospital tell you more.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Be careful if:
- The surgeon will not tell you their degrees or their PMDC number
- Nobody can tell you clearly who will do your operation
- The risks and other options are not explained clearly
- You feel pushed to agree to surgery fast
- Prices are not clear before the surgery starts
If you notice any of these signs, get a second opinion before you agree to surgery.
About Dr Imran Salim Malik
Dr Malik is a consultant orthopedic and trauma surgeon with more than 20 years of experience in orthopedic surgery. His surgical degree is in orthopedics and trauma. Spine surgery is one part of his work, alongside joint replacement and fracture care.
Training and registration
He trained at Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, and Galway University Hospitals, Ireland. You can check his registration on the PMDC website using the number above.
Spine operations, hospital and fees
Dr Malik performs every operation himself. At your consultation, you can ask him which spine operations he does, how often, and what the hospital has for spine patients.
He sees patients at Omar Hospital & Cardiac Centre, Johar Town.
The consultation fee depends on the hospital you visit. We tell you the exact fee on WhatsApp before you book, so there are no surprises. A follow-up visit within 5 days of your first consultation is free to go through your reports and scans.
The cost of surgery depends on the operation, the implant, the room and the nights in hospital. It is explained to you before you decide.
Patient Reviews
At your consultation, Dr Malik explains what is wrong, your options, the risks and the expected recovery. He talks in Urdu or English, whichever you prefer.
Want Dr Malik to go through your MRI with you? WhatsApp the report to +92 300 4890692 to book a consultation. Dr Malik will need to examine you before advising on surgery.
Take Your Time and Choose With Care
Look the surgeon up on the PMDC's register. Ask how often the surgeon does your operation, and about the hospital. Make sure risks and fees are explained before you agree.
Already been told you need an operation? A second opinion is your right. Bring your reports and Dr Malik will go through your options with you, including non-surgical ones.
From the clinics of Dr Imran Salim Malik, orthopaedic and trauma surgeon. MBBS (Allama Iqbal Medical College) · MS (Trauma & Orthopaedics) · PMDC Reg. 39646-P. Every patient is different: Dr Malik will tell you what applies to you.
