Personal Profile
Rajiv Bajekal is a very experienced Consultant Spinal Orthopaedic Surgeon. He offers several specialist services which include treating patients with back problems as well as hip problems. Besides his surgical practice, he is also a Lifestyle Medicine physician. He looks at holistic solutions to patients' health, empowering them to control their health issues and motivate them with his enthusiasm and passion.
He consults both privately and on the National Health Service (NHS) and is passionate about making sure patients can make informed healthcare choices. His private practice is in conjunction with Total Orthopaedics London, attached to multiple hospitals in North and Central London.
He lectures internationally and has been awarded trainer of the year award. He is an examiner for the FRCS Orth. Examination.
"I BELIEVE PATIENTS NEED TO BE INVOLVED FULLY IN DECISIONS ABOUT THEIR CARE."
His private practice mirrors my work with the NHS. I am a general Orthopaedic Surgeon with a specialist practice in low back pain and spinal problems. He does not operate on feet and shoulders, although I can offer advice.
I believe patients need to be involved in their treatment and encourage their discussion of options, fears, and concerns.
SCIATICA HAS A 75% CHANCE OF SETTLING IN 4 WEEKS
Back pain and sciatica form a very substantial bulk of his practice. He believe that back pain and sciatica are often lifestyle issues and often settle on their own. Pure back pain is seldom a cause of the trouble. Often, non-interventional methods work well for this condition. It is essential to understand the cause of the pain before treating it, and rarely is aggressive surgery required for back disorders. Intervention should be minimal and only when necessary.
His track record of complications is low as he does not perform complex operations, having a high risk of complications and a low success rate.
Treatment of Sciatica by nerve root blocks (transforaminal epidural) which deliver the anti-inflammatory medication to the site directly is a very effective way of settling the pain while natural 'healing occurs.' We know that sciatica has a 75% chance of settling down in 4 weeks without any treatment. Experience using injection techniques to treat sciatica over the years indicate a high probability of success and a very low risk of complications.
A holistic way to manage back problems is to deal with the acute problem first, often by injections and sometimes by surgery. One does not plant trees during a forest fire. After the acute problem is addressed it is important to address the underlying cause and build strength into the core and change ones habits that are contributing to the problem in the first place.
His background in lifestyle medicine helps in managing problems and in fact other illnesses that often coexist in patients. It is not unusual for patients to find that their diabetes has improved when they had actually come to see his for sciatica!
