Herniated disc.
In patients’ words.

Dr Sanjay Khurana is a humble genius . I am writing on behalf of my husband a retired surgeon. He suffered two serious collisions and has had a 16 year history of back issues . Dr took at least half hour to review the current MRI and CT . He had performed surgery to remove a large ruptured disc fragment ,as emergency , in 2017 and fusion in 2019 . We reviewed new techniques and have a move forward treatment plan. Dr recommended we get second opinion and give serious thought . We have total confidence in his opinion and his surgical skill, empathy, and ability to communicate. 5 stars !!

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr.Leonel Hunt I live in the Los Angeles area and was referred to Dr. Leonel Hunt by a local physician. I was referred for a very painful, complex, and difficult to diagnose cervical spine disorder. Dr. Hunt was able to make the correct diagnosis, based on his physical examination, the meticulous history that he took, the imaging that he reviewed, as well as his extensive experience as an orthopedic surgeon . He explained the reasoning behind his thinking, and explained how he came to the conclusion that he did. He answered all my questions fully. The decision to proceed with immediate surgery was a collaborative decision between Dr. Hunt, myself and my spouse. I had surgery the following day at Cedars-Sinai , with everything going uneventfully. Dr.Hunt found a herniated disk , as he expected, which he removed. My pain symptoms ,which had kept me out of work for 2 1/2 weeks ,markedly improved immediately after the surgery. Some diminished pain persisted postoperatively, however, five months post surgery, my pain was completely gone. I highly recommend Dr. Leonel Hunt. He is the best. D. C. Los Angeles

Leonel Hunt, MD

Dr. Bae, his staff Bernadette and August are the most exceptional caring people. I can't express enough gratitude in the care they have given me during and after my successful spine surgery, C3, C4. I was able to function almost like normal the next day, minus not lifting anything heavy during recovery. Since then, I have another bulging disc in another area and that was painful and they've helped treat the issue right away. Dr. Bae is an incredible surgeon and he has a phenomenal staff!

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Hyun Bae, MD

Dr. Bae, his staff Bernadette and August are the most exceptional caring people. I can’t express enough gratitude in the care they have given me during and after my successful spine surgery, C3, C4. I was able to function almost like normal the next day, minus not lifting anything heavy during recovery. Since then, I have another bulging disc in another area and that was painful and they’ve helped treat the issue right away. Dr. Bae is an incredible surgeon and he has a phenomenal staff! !

Hyun Bae, MD

After years of dealing with chronic numbness and tingling in my arms, I finally found relief thanks to Dr. Ortega and his incredible team. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed, heard, and taken seriously. I had tried everything—physical therapy, cortisone shots, rest—but the symptoms persisted. Dr. Ortega took the time to review my MRI in detail, explain my condition thoroughly, and walk me through all my options. Just weeks later, he successfully performed surgery to replace three damaged discs in my cervical spine (C4–C7). I’m now just two weeks post-op and already feeling a huge difference. While there’s still some soreness from the recovery process, the intense pain caused by spinal cord compression and disc herniation is gone. This review may be a little early, but I couldn’t wait to share my gratitude. Once I’m fully healed, I look forward to writing an update—but for now, I’m just excited to be getting back to the active lifestyle I’ve missed for so long. Thank you, Dr. Ortega, for helping me take my life back.

Brandon A. Ortega, MD

I have to preface my comments about my experience with Dr. Khurana and his staff with the fact that I have never been a fan of allopathic medicine, doctors and especially surgeons would be a massive understatement. Almost every friend and family member that's ever had to have surgery, especially back surgery has only come out worse for the wear. Or having to go back multiple times and never recovering partially or fully. I was referred by my primary care physician who could not stop raving about Dr. Khurana as he had fixed one of those bad surgeries I mentioned. Needless to say I was not excited but the pain I was experiencing with my degenerative disc disease, osteoporosis and bulging discs was having a tremendous effect on my mental well-being and ability to do the simplest tasks. Just say I was depressed would've been an understatement. Even though the spinal fusion surgery on my L4 L5 disc's was due before the Covid pandemic hit I was forced to wait three years for my surgery. He advised me if I woke up paralyzed I should call immediately. It was a long three years and not because of the pandemic itself. Possible paralysis can be horrifying consideration. Because I was a Medicare patient I had the surgery performed at St. John's hospital. I happen to have a strange condition where I am highly resistant to anesthesia and have woken up twice during minor surgeries and although by now I was completely unafraid of the surgery itself because I knew I was in such good hands (I had three years to do a lot of research on Dr. Khurana) but the anesthesia situation was still terrifying. I knew the surgery would be longer and more complicated than originally planned but the anesthesiologist completely understood my legitimate concern. To be totally honest I don't remember a thing after getting to the hospital after prepping myself early that morning. And afterwards there was much less pain than I expected and after a year and a half I'm happy to report after getting fresh imaging and consulting with Dr. Khurana last week found out that the surgery was a complete success. I've spoken to surgeons in the past, For myself and as support for friends and family and I have never ever met a surgeon as warm and genuinely caring as this wonderful man. On top of that he also has the patience of a saint. I am not an easy patient, I am well aware of that. But no matter how many phone calls I made and my endless questions and concerns everyone from reception to his medical assistant always treated me with kindness and compassion, like a human being and not just a patient or a file number. After the summer I will be going back to have the screws taken out of my back since the bone grafting was so successful and this time they will be no fear involved whatsoever. It's been five years since we started our journey. It's not over yet and hopefully my DDD will not require any future surgeries. But should I ever need another you can trust I wouldn't hesitate to reach out to his office again. I'm grateful that he is so much younger than me and hope he never leaves the Los Angeles area. Anyone who has the opportunity to have this extraordinarily gifted and compassionate surgeon perform a procedure on them they are incredibly blessed. I am so grateful he did not decide to become a car mechanic with those gifted hands and golden heart.

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Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr. Kamrava and I met a little over a year ago when my chief pain complaint was the left side of my neck. I have a complex history with injuries — I played contact sports my whole life like football and lacrosse, boxed in college, served in the Army, experienced a hit and run on my motorcycle, had multiple snowboarding/wakeboarding crashes, and to top it all off I had brain surgery a couple of years ago for Chiari Malformation. Basically, my body has been through the wringer and now that I’m 30 years old, the pain has caught up to me. Dr. Kamrava has successfully reduced my overall pain in the last year by about 80%. I was miserable when I saw him — I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t sit in my chair long enough to focus on work, and the future looked bleak. How was I going to progress in my career? How was I going to start a family and live my life? The pain was constant and it was so fatiguing. Dr. Kamrava stuck by my side as we resolved each problem in my body. I had arthritis in my cervical spine so we did a couple of injections and an RFA — this improved my pain by 20%. Then we discovered that my left shoulder labrum was torn, along with part of my supraspinatus tendon so we injected it with PRP — my overall body pain improved by 30%. The next thing we found was that I had a couple herniated discs in my neck, which Dr. Kamrava just injected 2 weeks ago — this helped SIGNIFICANTLY by another 30%. Dr. Kamrava brings confidence, optimism, compassion, and expertise to the table. He’s open minded and is always willing to answer questions. I’m not completely pain free yet, but I’m 90% there. Dr. Kamrava and Nora have been so great to work with. I would recommend this team over and over again. They really are out there changing lives. Thank you!!! Daniel

Evish Kamrava, MD

I had one level herniated disc surgery with Dr Khurana in 2010 and the results were.excellent. In 2023 I developed spinal stenosis on two levels in my lower back. I went the route of physical therapy, steroid shots, to no avail. I had the stenosis surgery in November 2023 with Dr Khurana. The results far exceeded my expectations. No more pain and no more trouble walking---and I had a lot of each. Quite amazing actually.

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr Khurana performed L4/5 stenosis laser surgery 8 years ago with unbelievable results. Now my issues are with disc herniation. Dr. Khurana is not one to offer up surgery as a 1st option. Twice over the past 2 years he’s recommended a more cautioned approach & has referred a pain management Dr. who will provide steroid shots & or an epidural steroid injection in the troubled discs. If they fail to provide necessary relief then alternate options will be considered. Dr. Khurana is not only one of the best in LA he is one of the best in the world.

Sanjay Khurana, MD

They are extremely accommodating. I had 2 MRI’s at 9 am and was in front of Dr khurana a little after 10. So that was the office experience but what is much more important are the results. I had a herniated disc in 2009 and no problems until this year. I suffered before the surgery in 2009 for months and the day after the surgery I was up walking around and back to work within a week.

Sanjay Khurana, MD

I am so happy with Dr Khurana and his staff. They are always professional and helpful. I was anticipating him to say we need to operate. But, he said if you can deal with the pain let’s wait a few months and see if the body will absorb the herniated disc. There is no risk in waiting. People always say, “ surgeons just want to operate! Dr Khurana is not that type of surgeon.

Sanjay Khurana, MD

I don't really know where to begin. I was introduced to Dr. Khurana after injuring my neck and not having any strength/extreme pain in my shoulder. This was a Tuesday afternoon around 3pm. He reviewed my MRI and knowing the pain I was in insisted that his assistant schedule me for surgery Thursday that same week and not wait until Friday. I had a herniated disk. It was in pieces. It was only one day but it showed a lot about the doctor understanding his patients and doing what needs to be done to put them first. He answered all my questions, was honest about everything I asked him, and most importantly made me feel like I was his only patient despite having I believe 4 other procedures to do that day. I didn't even get a 2nd opinion...this guy was so impressive upon meeting him my father who is a physician and I decided it wasn't necessary. I handled zero paperwork, everything is done for you, what a pleasure. Lastly, I was back at work 4 days later. I was back playing 18 holes of golf 5 weeks post op. No rehab was necessary. I simply cannot say enough good things about this man. I thanked him 1000 times over and its still not enough. I am back to normal life. Dr. Khurana is the absolute best!!!!!

Sanjay Khurana, MD

My dad had been struggling with lower back pain from a bulging disc for over a year. He had been given a wide variety of surgical options from other spine surgeons. When he met Dr. Khurana, he knew he was the surgeon for him. He had the most conservative approach, took the time to explain everything to him, was very thorough and detailed, friendly, approachable, etc... everything anyone would want in a back surgeon!! His surgery went perfectly and was seriously a life changer for him. We would definitely recommend Dr. Khurana to anyone for any spinal procedure!

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Sanjay Khurana, MD

In early 2017 I slipped on some ice and suffered a stable fracture of the L1 vert. Once the trauma of the fall settled and I thought I could return to normal, I soon discovered I'd never see normal again. The fall changed EVERYTHING, as most traumatic injuries do. I was also suffering from a bad knee I believe was exacerbated by the fall. About a year and a half after the fall, I went to see Dr. Bae on the recommendation of my Dr. He took a look at my MRI and noted I had a bone spur hitting the nerve someplace below the L1 where the break was, something others had missed (bulging discs, not much to do about it). He assured me this was easy to fix and I'd be good as new. BACK SURGERY!!! AHHHHH!!!! I was terrified. He noted that while I had some disc degeneration, he felt my spine overall looked no worse than someone else's my age, or his even, which made me feel good--he's young. Anyway, in November 2018 I had surgery to fix the bone spur. I've had several surgeries in my life and I woke up sick and out of it every time. This time I woke up like I just had the best nap of my life. I was up and going to the bathroom shortly after I woke up and I was home a few hours later. The office follow-up was great, and I thank Lisa Cano for her kindness and thoroughness during a small rough patch about three weeks post surgery. I'd been feeling a little blah and I could tell I was retaining water throughout my body. I just felt...swollen. I got a massage, and while the masseuse was very careful around the incision, she moved things around, as massage will do. A few hours passed and as I got up from the couch to go to bed, my back was wet. Long story short, the incision opened up and was leaking fluid. I immediately called the office (around 9pm, so it was the exchange I got), and Lisa called back immediately, asked me to take a picture, then told me how to cover it, etc. and had me come in the following morning. Dr. Bae was extremely concerned, said he'd never seen this so far out post surgery. He was NOT dismissive or cavalier, which I appreciated. His concern actually made me calmer about it (we can address the psychology of that another time) He swabbed for infection, then dressed it and sent me home with dressings and orders to take pictures after every dressing change. Within a day or two he called and said he wanted to go back in and surgically put a drain in. I finished a round of antibiotics he normally gives post surgery, and he put me on a second round. I was very against going under again, and within a few days the incision began tunneling. It was clear I had an infection but it wasn't bad enough to make me ill-no fever, no pain to speak of, just a little uncomfortable and a lot unnerving. He finally prescribed a different, stronger antibiotic and within a couple of days the tunneling stopped and the incision closed. These things happen. Drs work diligently to prevent infection, but it happens. The competency and care I experienced with Dr. Bae and his PA Lisa cannot be overstated. I was not worried for a second, and when I objected to going under again for the drain, Dr. Bae was firm that we shouldn't wait too long, but he didn't push. I sent Lisa gross pictures of the wound and the bandages every day, and it was enough to ruin the strongest of stomachs. Her communication was right on, and frequent. Saving the best for last, my back is good as new. The only negative was that with a repaired back my knee situation came to the forefront and proceeded to cause me suffering the back couldn't hold a candle to. I got that taken care of in September of 2019 (see my review of Dr Andrew Yun). I cannot say enough about Dr. Bae and his staff. He is just wonderful and he'll be my go-to if any future issues arise.

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Hyun Bae, MD

- Visited Dr Hunt for 2nd opinion after another ( top, top rated spine doctor) recommended surgery for a herniated disc L3-L4. - Dr. Hunt reviewed the MRI and examined me and told me there was nothing wrong with my disc. The pain I was having was from my Sacroiliac joint and PT was all I needed. No surgery. - I'm writing this review 3 months after finishing PT; my pain issue has been successfully addressed. ** When I visited Dr.Hunt he took the time and explained very carefully what exactly was going on with me and answered all of my questions. He is a very confident and competent doctor. He is my guy going forward.

Leonel Hunt, MD

Went through alot a pain from having a bulging disc for over a year. I came to DR bhalla for a second opinion from my previous DR. I liked the way he treated me and gave me answers I was looking for . Treated me with respect and I followed through with surgery on L4-L-5 decectomy . I am no longer having pain shooting down my leg thank GOd for Dr Bahalla. He is the best . I would like to thank him and his staff for the treatment and all the hard work.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I went to Dr. Bhalla because of nerve pain resulting from bulging disks. He was honest with me about my options moving forward after trying steroids & PT. He didn't pressure me into surgery, but gave me real options. I'm so grateful I trusted his experience and knowledge because I'm now pain free and feeling great! He is always kind and sincere and greets me with a warm smile. The care and concern for his patients is evident in his demeanor. I will forever be grateful for how he helped me. Thank you, Dr. Bhalla! You're the best!

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Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Dr. Khurana treated me for a herniated disc on my L5 S1 back in 2017. The hospital along with his staff were all wonderful to work with from start to finish. He's professional, kind, and caring and this translates into his work. Two years later and my back is going strong. Thanks Dr. K!

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Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr. Bhalla is a wonderful specialist! For over five months, I had been dealing with almost constant pain from a bulging disc. My primary physician tried oral steroids . . .sent me for weeks of physical therapy. . .and I worked out responsibly on my own. After no lasting improvement, my primary physician referred me to Dr. Bhalla, claiming that he was the best spinal specialist in Long Beach. I met with him and immediately like him. . . very friendly manner, easy going, caring, compassionate, an expert who provided clear, simple suggestions. First, we went the epidural route. I experienced about 10 days of relief then after holiday travel (cross country), some long car rides, and over-extending myself through exercise, I was down again. . .more pain than ever. As the last resort, Dr. Bhalla performed a lumbar discectomy on Jan. 8. He explained everything in a reassuring manner, of course, not guaranteeing optimal results. However, he was positive that I would experience relief, stating that he had very good success rates. In short, after the operation, I had no more pain in my butt and left leg. (My bulging disc had been pinching the nerves going down my left rear end and leg.) I still have some numbness in my feet and toes, but I expect this to improve. Certainly, I was very well prepared for this surgery after going through over five months of alternative treatment. Plus, I am in very good shape for a 63-year-old man. However, Dr. Bhalla's positive, confident, caring attitude helped greatly! I would highly recommend him. . .the best ever!

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Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Dr. Bhalla, was great with my back issue. I had a herniated disc that was pinching my Sciatic nerve. We chose surgery as my best option, and I am so glad I did. I am now pain free and have resumed my active life style. I would recommend Dr. Bhalla to anyone with the same issues I was having with my back. Dr. Bhalla was personable, professional, and gave me great confidence in my decision and in his abilities as a surgeon.

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Amandeep Bhalla, MD

About 3 months ago, I went to see Dr. Bhalla on a recommendation from a friend. I had been having lower back pain and sciatic nerve pain down my left leg. I consulted with Dr. Bhalla, and he set me up with an MRI. The MRI showed that I in fact had a herniated disc and that it was pinching my Siatic nerve pretty severely. Dr. Bhalla gave me my options, and since I had experienced this same situation 25 years ago, we decided my best option was surgery. Today, I am pain free, and have resumed my normal life style ( running, working out etc.) I’m really glad I got the tip, to see Dr Bhalla. He was easy to talk to, professional, and gave me his confidence in his abilities. I would recommend Dr. Bhalla to anyone with the same back issues that I had, and with total confidence.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I've been a patient of Dr. Bhalla for a little under a year and am absolutely astounded by the level of care and professionalism demonstrated by Dr. Bhalla and his executive assistant Tyra Joseph. I've had the misfortune of dealing with dozens of medical professionals and facilities and generally speaking, my experience has been frustrating to say the least. The reasons for this are usually related to unprofessional communication, lack of follow-through, lack of empathy and emotional intelligence, and an overall sense of being treated like a problem to be solved as quickly as possible. Dr. Bhalla and Tyra have given me the opposite experience. I feel cared for and listened to. Just recently my disc herniation symptoms worsened and instead of hurrying to finish with me, Dr. Bhalla sat down and listened to my lifestyle concerns, hearing me out before suggesting that he write a recommendation to my employer that will (hopefully) help me achieve a more sustainable recovery plan and short-term remedial lifestyle. Tyra carried this out with quick responses and a genuine sense of accommodation and understanding, empathizing with the fact that my quality of life is suffering and offering to help to the fullest extent that she can by working with my employer's HR representative. I feel genuinely cared for by this team and given how rare that is, I want to write in with a sincere expression of gratitude and acknowledgement as this level of service is far beyond what the norm has become.

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Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I recently had a herniated disc in my L3. I was very nervous about the surgery (microdiscectomy) but I had no choice as I was in so much pain and in bed for 2 months. I can honestly say Dr Bae help save my life and get me back on track. Dr Bae and his team were extremely professional and knowledgeable and made me feel like everything was going to be alright. He knew exactly what needed to happen after looking at my MRI. The surgery went amazing I was able to walk right away. It's been a bit of a struggle post-op getting my leg back to normal and will start PT soon. It's an amazing comforting feeling being treated by the best in the world. Thank you Dr Bae for helping me get my life back. Not sure what I would have done or how this would have ended up if I hadn't been under your care. Staff is amazing knowledgeable and very helpful pre and post. Please keep up the amazing work helping people the way you do.

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Hyun Bae, MD

Dr. Estess is a great doctor. I came to her complaining of ongoing lower back pain and she provided me with a few options. One of which was to get an MRI just to be safe, so I decided to go with that. Turns out, I have two herniated discs in my back! No idea how! Again, she went over a few options with me and I'll be starting physical therapy soon to see if it helps. I'd recommend her to anyone. I felt very comfortable the entire time and I felt like she really listened to me :)

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Allyson Estess, MD