Amandeep Bhalla, MD.
Recovery and return to activity reviews.

Dr. Bhalla is great! I've had back issues and intermittent pain throughout my adult years. Whenever it got intolerable I resorted to acupuncture and/or chiropractic care and on a few occasions epidurals. Someone cutting on my back was not anything I was receptive to. When sciatic episodes became more frequent and longer lasting and I was forced to postpone scheduled knee replacement surgery I reluctantly decided to again consult an orthopedic surgeon. After initial consultation, x-rays and MRI I had follow up appointment with Dr. Bhalla to discuss options. He recommended surgery. Still reluctant to go that route I opted for another try with an epidural, but to to no avail. Back to Dr. Bhalla who told me the problems were going to continue to get worse so at age 73 I finally agreed to surgery. Lower lumber fusion surgery was performed at Long Beach Memorial Hospital by Dr. Bhalla and Dr. Rao (vascular surgeon). Anterior Lumber Interbody Fusion (ALIF) and laminectomy surgeries were performed on Monday and Thursday of the same week. The week in the hospital (overall very good care and treatment) and first 2 weeks at home I experienced moderate pain and discomfort but nothing intolerable. After 2 weeks of light rehab at home I started physical therapy program. After several weeks of PT my back felt really good. It has been nearly one year since the surgery and other than minimal discomfort during the initial recovery period I have experienced no back pain! From the initial consultation through the post-op visits Dr. Bhalla thoroughly explained all the options, the details of the surgical procedure, the recovery and rehabilitation process and patiently answered all my questions. Dr. Bhalla is a compassionate and highly skilled physician and surgeon! And, kudos to his very competent and kind office staff. While back surgery is a last resort, if there is no other viable way to address your pain and problems Dr. Bhalla is the surgeon for you.

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Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I have nothing but high praise for Dr. Bhalla's genius and skill for restructuring my spine. Moreover, all the nurses and rehab staff go over and above standards of care.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I would like to encourage anyone with back/spine issues to schedule a consult with Dr. Bhalla. His bedside manner is awesome! He is informative, and takes the time to explain things simply & directly. I am extremely grateful for his phenomenal surgical expertise as I recover from my surgery. I wish all doctors were like Dr. Bhalla. I will be recommending him to my nursing colleagues, friends/family, & neighbors. Dr. Bhalla is 💯 the BEST OF THE BEST IN SPINE SURGERY!

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

You want a surgeon that exudes confidence and that describes Dr. Bhalla perfectly. After looking at my MRI we were scheduling surgery the very next day. I went over a year with sciatica pain and now I am pain free. I can't tell you how happy I am with the overall experience with Dr. Bhalla and his entire staff! Cheers!

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Excellent spine surgery and recovery

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Dr Bhalla explained the surgery in detail, and performed it to my satisfaction. Pain free and back on the golf course! Multi level lamenectomy. Recommend highly.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

First driving into parking lot, very convenient right next to the door and to the elevator up to the office. That doesn't happen in Long Beach, CA. Entering the office I was greeted with a smile and a warm welcome. I was early to the appointment, but I was brought back to the exam room less than 10 minutes after I arrived. Dr. Bhalla entered right behind me and he had studied my chart, knew why I was there and got into the important things. My back is beautiful! The surgery was late December 2016, before the operation I could barely walk. I was in terrible pain, even sitting or laying down. What good work was given to me, my recovery with physical therapy and following directions I was up around by April and no trouble since.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Dr.Bhalla made me feel comfortable from the get go. He heard and answered all of my questions. Most of all my surgery was a success and I've been pain free since 2018.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Absolute expert in his field. I was in so much back pain for years. Dr Bhalla and his team helped me through my surgery and recovery and now I am pain free. He is a great listener and very kind.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Excellent surgeon- had lower back surgery 13 months ago(anterior lumbar inter body fusion L-5 S-1) after experiencing severe pain. I am now pain free and back to enjoying normal activities. I highly recommend Dr. Bhalla.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I cannot recommend Dr. Amandeep Bhalla highly enough! From my first consultation in 2018 to post-surgical care in 2020, he demonstrated exceptional expertise, professionalism, and compassion. Now in 2025 I am facing new obstacles that I am certain he will guide me through. Dr. Bhalla takes the time to explain my condition and treatment options thoroughly, ensuring I feel confident in my care plan. Dr. Bhalla's dedication to patient-centered care is evident in his approach--he listens, educates, and involves you in the decision-making process. His use of advanced, minimally invasive techniques made my procedure smoother than I ever expected, and my recovery was outstanding. Beyond his surgical skill, Dr. Bhalla is kind, attentive, and genuinely invested in his patients' well-being. I have to give a shout out to his Office Manager Ronnie T. She is a bright star, kind, attentive, and genuinely invested in the patients' well-being. I initially met her hen he was Dr.. Bhalla's Nurse. The office staff, including Khalil the X-Ray Tech, are very friendly and you are made to feel like you stepped into a friend's home. There is also an abundance of FREE parking! I am incredibly grateful for Dr. Bhalla and his expertise and I highly recommend him to anyone in need of top-tier spinal care.

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Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I am returning to see Dr Bhalla at his new office. He accomplished a successful surgery on my lower back 3 years. He delivered exactly on his prognosis and expected outcome. I am returning on another issue unrelated to the first. This is my first visit to this new practice. It is well managed, and I was able to see a couple of friendly faces. I highly recommend Dr Bhalla and his practice.

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Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Dr. Bhalla is great! He did surgery on my lower back. Once I got through the recovery & physical therapy, I no longer have back pain.

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Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I have worked in healthcare most of my career and Dr Bhalla in my opinion is the best of the best. A few years ago I needed back surgery and I got to the point that I could barely walk or do much of anything. I went to three spine surgeons for opinions and I left two of the offices amazed at the suggested treatment plans. One surgeon said I needed anterior and posterior lumbar fusion, the second wanted to send me on the epidural merry go round with a pain pump. Thank goodness for Dr Bhalla- he was spot on with the most appropriate yet minimally invasive surgery. I was thrilled that they had a robot assisted protocal and the added gift of having Dr. S Bhalla ( father) assisting Dr. A Bhalla ( son). I was in and out of Long Beach Memorial quickly, and from the time I woke up from surgery had no pain, no complications had no trouble with rehab - although the surgery was so successful my recovery was fast. Years later- still no pain, great range of motion, ability to weight train with no issues etc. I am still amazed at the outcome - in addition Dr. A and S are extremly compassionate and caring. I wonder if the added positive vibes help with recovery ? Also- I have had the pleasure of meeting Mrs Dr Bhalla and she is one of the top Dermatologist in the area and is very caring and compasionate. Anyone would be lucky to have them as their physicians. PS I am " hard grader" as I evaluate healthcare professionals for a living- best of the best!

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Went in today for my surgery follow up. Very friendly office staff and Dr Bhalla provided very clear instructions on the next steps in my recovery. Very professional as always.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Amandeep Bhalla is a highly skilled and caring man. Bhalla’s team performed a 360 spinal fusion, installing hardware to correct my scoliosis and stenosis. He said my surgery was challenging as he found and removed numerous synovial cysts within my spinal column. He did not nick or damage my dura, which must have been quite an impressive feat. My surgery took almost 7 hours; recovery has been slow, sometimes halting, but I’ve steadily improved. I would recommend to anyone who has spine surgery to be patient with their recovery, and to seek out aquatic physical therapy, then progress slowly to water aerobics in a shallow pool.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I am adding this note on 11/2023. Surgery 8/15/2019. Very severe degenerative disc disease. I am a trauma RN of 35 years. Surgical presentation serious. Sobering reality that I would wake up quadriplegic and never taking a voluntary breath (vs mechanical ventilation) paraplegia, even quadriplegia was a sobering possibility. Following my spine you referred mt Dr Kolahi, he’s an amazing hand surgeon. After bilateral CTR. I am pain free. Minimal R delt numbness - you da best! This guy will always have my back! ( there IS double crush, I’m walking proof. Put that in your fellowship!)

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

In July, 2023, Dr Bhalla referred me to Dr Karp for injections for my spinal stenosis pain. This was my 4th injection. The last 3 were not successful. Dr Karp did the procedure on Aug 25, 2023. The pain has lessened a lot. For the first time in 2 years I have days with no pain in my right buttock and leg when walking. Other days pain level is 2/3. I still cannot stand for any length of time. I experience pain when standing which is relieved by sitting. I use a cane and walker at home and a rollator when going to medical appointments.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I had extensive spinal surgery on December 5, 2022. The threat to my spinal cord has been repaired and I continue to get stronger. It's been a long recovery with physical and occupational therapy, but every day gets a little better. I'm so grateful that Dr. Bhalla was recommended to me and that both Doctor Bhalla's operated on me. --Verdee Olson

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

My dad has had an incredible experience with Dr. Bhalla. He did a great job on my dad’s spine surgery and recovery. He is knowledgeable but most importantly compassionate and patient. He has been great clearly communicating what’s expected to my parents and our family. We are very lucky to have our dad walking again thanks to Dr. Bhalla!

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Dr. Bhalla takes a conservative approach which I appreciate. My case required surgery and he is very skilled. I was confident in my treatment plan and ability to become pain-free. Prior to surgery, my pain level was a 7 and sometimes 8. After recovery, I'm pain-free and back to biking, hiking, and enjoying life. I'm forever grateful.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Dr. Bhalla saved my life! I spent a year in bed, spending absurd amounts of money on XRAYS, MRS's, chiropractic, epiderals, pain management, back specialists and so much more for my back problem only to continue to get worse. Dr. Bhalla from Day 1 made me feel safe and I knew I could trust him to cure me. I am only 39 years old and was very scared to have surgery, even though I was almost unable to walk or stand due to severe pain. But Dr. Bhalla did exactly what he said he could. I can actually live life again and think about the possibility of carrying a child. I cant thank him enough and recommend Dr. Bhalla and his amazing staff to anyone and everyone!!!

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Best doctor ever. I would recommend him to anyone. He has great bedside manors and is an expert in his field. I had neck surgery and had absolutely no pain and have had excellent results. Eight months later I had lower back surgery for my chronic Spinal Stenosis issues. Again, virtually no pain. That was last October and after three weeks I was walking two miles without pain and playing golf after eight weeks. I feel better than I have in years. Even back to coaching baseball again. Two thumbs up!

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Update: Dr. Bhalla performed spine surgery on me on December 38, 2020. Prior to the surgery he came to my bedside and explained what would be entailed in my surgery. I had a lumbar laminectomy L3-L5, instrumented fusion L4-L5, fluoroscopy, allograft ad autograft. He also performed Sciatic joint fusion on me on Dec 19, 2019…Two rods and 7 screws later I am relatively pain free! He is friendly, compassionate and allays my fears prior to the start of any procedure. After the laminectomy, I saw him in the hospital the next morning at 6:45 am! There he was asking if the pain had subsided and it had. Post operative care provided more of the same compassion and general concern for my wellbeing. I have referred many of my friends, family and associates to Dr. Amandeep Bhalla. While I have so much care and admiration for Dr. Bhalla, I would also like to give a 5 star rating to his Nurse. Ronnie is a Breath of fresh air! She is kind, friendly and compassionate. She puts puts you at ease prior to seeing Dr. Bhalla. I have found that I can get an appointment quickly and once you check in for the appointment, Ronnie calls you in quickly and Dr. Bhalla sees you very quick. It is a very well run office. I was referred to Dr. Bhalla for lower back/sciatic pain. He is friendly, courteous and provides a thorough explanation of my problems as gleaned from the MRI. He assisted me in putting aside my fears of an epidural. On the day of my procedure, he came to see me prior to starting and I was greeted with a warm smile. I would like to also give kudos to his Physician Assistant, Mykeal. They are both young medical professionals who strive to make their patients feel at ease through discussion and information. The entire staff of Dr. Bhalla’s office (Corinne the Scheduler), Yvette (his Nurse), and the staff at the Surgery Center should be commended for fast, courteous and friendly interactions with their patients.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD