Who this page is for
- A slipped disc or spinal stenosis whose symptoms have not improved with other treatment
- Worsening weakness or numbness, or difficulty walking, linked to the spine
- Complex spine problems such as atlantoaxial disorders, deformity or tumours, for which you want a specialist review
What assessment and treatment usually involve
A slipped disc is when a soft cushion of tissue between the bones of the spine bulges outwards; it is painful if it presses on nerves. It usually gets better slowly with rest, gentle exercise and painkillers, and surgery is not usually needed. A specialist may discuss surgery if symptoms have not improved with other treatments or include worsening muscle weakness or numbness.1
Spinal stenosis happens when the spaces in the spine narrow and press on the spinal cord and nerve roots. Doctors use a history, a physical examination and imaging such as X-rays, MRI or CT; imaging alone does not decide whether treatment is needed.2
Non-surgical options include physical therapy, bracing and medicines. Surgery is usually discussed when symptoms continue, or sooner if there is severe numbness or weakness that interferes with walking, or problems with bowel or bladder function. Operations include laminectomy, sometimes with removal of part of a disc, spinal fusion, and minimally invasive surgery through smaller incisions. Not everyone is a candidate for surgery.2
What YituCare coordinates at each step
- Free enquiry Tell us what you need on the form or on WhatsApp. Our first reply, within 24 hours, tells you the city, the type of hospital and the department that fit your request.
- Case review & hospital match A coordinator organises your records, translates a summary and asks 1–2 departments at hospitals we work with whether they can accept your case. The written reply comes within 3–5 working days of receiving your complete records, names the hospital and includes the hospital’s estimate.
- Appointments and dates We request the consultation, tests or admission with the hospital and keep you informed; the hospital confirms the appointment.
- In China Airport pickup, hotel arrival and hospital transfers, and, if you book it, a bilingual companion on hospital days.
- After treatment We collect your discharge documents, arrange translations you need and pass follow-up questions between you and the hospital team after you return home.
We send your MRI or CT images with the request so that the spine team can say whether a visit is worthwhile before you travel.
Records to prepare
- A short summary of your condition and treatment so far, or a recent letter from your doctor
- Recent test results and reports, with dates
- A list of the medicines you take now, and any allergies
- MRI and/or CT of the spine, as image files and reports
- A description of your symptoms over time, including any weakness, numbness or bladder or bowel problems
- Notes from any earlier spine surgery or injections
Case Review & Hospital Match
We do not publish treatment prices: they depend on the hospital’s review of your records. The hospital’s estimate comes through the Case Review & Hospital Match (USD 129), whose written reply names the hospital and sets out what the hospital proposes.
YituCare coordinates; it does not diagnose or prescribe. The hospital’s doctors make all clinical decisions and confirm appointments, and medical fees are paid directly to the hospital.
Questions about this treatment
Do most people with a slipped disc need surgery?+
No. Public health guidance says a slipped disc usually gets better slowly and surgery is not usually needed. Surgery may be discussed if symptoms do not improve or get worse.
How long will I need to stay?+
Our sources do not give a general range for spine surgery, because it depends on the operation. The hospital’s team gives the expected dates after reviewing your images; we ask for them with the estimate.
How do I start?+
Send a free enquiry on the form or on WhatsApp. If you already have recent records and want to know which hospital can accept your case and what it would cost, book the case review.
When do I learn the hospital’s and the doctor’s names?+
Our first reply tells you the city, the type of hospital and the department. The hospital’s name is given when you book a paid service: the case review’s written reply names the hospital. For a specialist opinion, the doctor’s name and hospital are given after payment.