Published by Commons Clinic. [Web version](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/sciatica/) Reviewer names are abbreviated. Patient reviews describe individual experiences. Review counts describe source records, not unique patients or clinical outcomes; the acquired snapshot may not include complete platform histories. Clinical education and patient accounts do not replace a consultation. Reviews by topic · Conditions # Sciatica. *In patients’ words.* When you are looking into sciatica, the details people share can help you prepare for a conversation. These patient reviews mention the subject directly and link to the clinician and original source. **17** matching reviews **6** clinicians [Meet the clinicians ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/sciatica/#catalog-clinicians) [Read every matching review ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/sciatica/#review-browser) This collection shows written reviews rated 4 or 5 stars. These are individual experiences. A topic mention does not establish who performed a procedure, medical suitability or a typical result. [Read this catalog as Markdown](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/sciatica/index.md) People behind your care ## Meet the clinician. *Hear the experience.* Clinician order rotates between visits. Each portrait stays with that clinician’s patient accounts. Read the full reviews for context. [Amandeep Bhalla, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/sciatica/#clinician-amandeep-bhalla-m-d) [Brandon A. Ortega, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/sciatica/#clinician-brandon-ortega-md) [Hyun Bae, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/sciatica/#clinician-hyun-bae-md) [Michael Port, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/sciatica/#clinician-michael-port-m-d) [Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/sciatica/#clinician-prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba) [Sanjay Khurana, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/sciatica/#clinician-sanjay-khurana-m-d) [![Amandeep Bhalla, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/amandeep-bhalla-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) Meet our team ## [Amandeep Bhalla, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine 5 matching reviews [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/amandeep-bhalla-m-d/) Excerpt > I went over a year with sciatica pain and now I am pain free. D. Beggs Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: June 30, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/107053002806242125931/place/ChIJ8YAf0pAz3YARGxtBH2uG-xA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD Excerpt > I have severe sciatica and have been to a chiropractor and had physical therapy, yet no improvement. T. Chisam Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: October 25, 2024 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/106616942405897080906/place/ChIJ8YAf0pAz3YARGxtBH2uG-xA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD [Read all 5 matching accounts for Amandeep Bhalla, MD →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/sciatica/?provider=amandeep-bhalla-m-d#review-browser) [![Brandon A. Ortega, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/brandon-ortega-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/brandon-ortega-md/) Meet our team ## [Brandon A. Ortega, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/brandon-ortega-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine 2 matching reviews [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/brandon-ortega-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/brandon-ortega-md/) Excerpt > My husband suffered from severe sciatica pain. M. DeGott Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: June 16, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/102441019847901563356/place/ChIJTxvcSygz3YARoijXeBhzhh8) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Brandon A. Ortega, MD Excerpt > In the past 12 years of dealing with Sciatica, and PT, I have never been in such a nice PT location. A. Iribarren Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: May 16, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/114468541044946748023/place/ChIJTxvcSygz3YARoijXeBhzhh8) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Brandon A. Ortega, MD [Read all 2 matching accounts for Brandon A. Ortega, MD →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/sciatica/?provider=brandon-ortega-md#review-browser) [![Hyun Bae, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/hyun-bae-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/hyun-bae-md/) Meet our team ## [Hyun Bae, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/hyun-bae-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine 3 matching reviews [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/hyun-bae-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/hyun-bae-md/) Excerpt > My sciatica on the left side was severe. C. Colby Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: December 4, 2024 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/103172067714540849452/place/ChIJSdGvF0q7woARopa4Y6gfPO4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD Excerpt > I had sciatica pain for many years. C. C. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: May 9, 2018 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/hyun-bae-md-santa-monica?hrid=pfCUxUEZErEsP9HnmsjFwA&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD [Read all 3 matching accounts for Hyun Bae, MD →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/sciatica/?provider=hyun-bae-md#review-browser) [![Michael Port, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/michael-port-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/michael-port-md/) Meet our team ## [Michael Port, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/michael-port-md/) Pain Management, Anesthesiology 1 matching review [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/michael-port-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/michael-port-m-d/) Excerpt > I had 2 injections in my spine, and my sciatica is almost nonexistent! G. Gaboury Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: February 20, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/101349905596048810335/place/ChIJGZNjz326woARe-3UIeMPwJI) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Michael Port, MD [Read all 1 matching accounts for Michael Port, MD →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/sciatica/?provider=michael-port-m-d#review-browser) [![Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Meet our team ## [Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine 2 matching reviews [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Excerpt > What started as hip pain turned into back pain, knee pain, sciatica—you name it. S. Hammond Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: January 31, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/114476787827605045046/place/ChIJN5abTJkz3YARYFiCkifHPjw) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA Excerpt > I thought it was sciatica but it ended up being bone on bone left hip. D. Cassidy Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: April 12, 2024 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/103445630714591813048/place/ChIJN5abTJkz3YARYFiCkifHPjw) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA [Read all 2 matching accounts for Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/sciatica/?provider=prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba#review-browser) [![Sanjay Khurana, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/sanjay-khurana-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) Meet our team ## [Sanjay Khurana, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Spine 4 matching reviews [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/sanjay-khurana-m-d/) Excerpt > Best of all, the unrelenting sciatica pain for the past 6 mos is gone. S. Gulick Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: July 16, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/111661887885295532587/place/ChIJCTVQzX26woARV5EyXoh3nDU) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Sanjay Khurana, MD Excerpt > They are an incredible time and fixed my sciatica instantly and I am healing so quickly because of their professionalism M. Biancaniello Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: February 2, 2023 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/109189813218570740474/place/ChIJCTVQzX26woARV5EyXoh3nDU) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Sanjay Khurana, MD [Read all 4 matching accounts for Sanjay Khurana, MD →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/sciatica/?provider=sanjay-khurana-m-d#review-browser) Make it personal ## What matters *in your conversation?* Use the accounts here to think about the questions you want to bring to our team. - What concerns about sciatica do I want to explain in my own words? - Which details in these patient accounts would I like to ask our team about? Explore the collection ## Read more *patient experiences.* Browse the written reviews rated 4 or 5 stars that match this topic. Filter by clinician, source, or rating. 17 written reviews Highest rated first · Newest within each rating > Dr Port at Commons Clinic is wonderful! He took my pain seriously and with care, despite an MRI that didn’t look horrific. I had 2 injections in my spine, and my sciatica is almost nonexistent! The nurses were amazing, as was the anesthesiologist. Dr Port was professional, supportive, approachable and down to earth. Thanks to everyone involved! G. Gaboury Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: February 20, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/101349905596048810335/place/ChIJGZNjz326woARe-3UIeMPwJI) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Michael Port, MD > Dr. Ramkumar has been the best doctor I have ever had the opportunity to see. > Let me rewind a bit. I had a serious soccer accident when I was 16 that resulted in hip surgery at 17. At the time, I thought I was good to go. Unfortunately, my body had other plans. I only had about two pain-free years before the hip pain returned, and over the next 8–9 years it slowly got worse. What started as hip pain turned into back pain, knee pain, sciatica—you name it. > I tried everything: physical therapy after physical therapy, aqua therapy, doctor after doctor. Every test came back “normal,” and no one could tell me what was wrong. It felt like either no one was looking hard enough, or no one truly understood what I was dealing with. > That all changed when I met Dr. Ramkumar. > At my very first appointment, he took new X-rays, looked at them once, and immediately knew what was wrong. For the first time, I finally had answers. Even more importantly, he took the time—despite his busy schedule—to sit with me and explain everything in a way I could truly understand. He is incredibly personable and never talks down to you like some doctors do. You can genuinely tell that he cares about helping you get your life back from chronic pain. > I was understandably nervous about going through surgery again, but between Dr. Ramkumar and his amazing staff, I felt confident moving forward. And let me tell you—it was life-changing. I finally feel free from the pain that haunted me for so many years. I only wish I had found his office sooner. > Every single staff member, from the PAs to the front office team, is kind, welcoming, and treats you like family. They make you feel heard, comfortable, and supported—qualities that are sadly rare in medical settings, in my experience. > I am beyond grateful for the care Dr. Ramkumar and his team have provided, and I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone who is sick and tired of living in pain. S. Hammond Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: January 31, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/114476787827605045046/place/ChIJN5abTJkz3YARYFiCkifHPjw) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA > Courteous front office staff. Minimal wait. Post op X-ray done, friendly X-ray tech. PA saw me first, did not rush and answered all my questions. (PA Bri has been very responsive via email in the interim before this latest appt). MD saw me next, did not rush and answered remaining questions. Back office staff will handle my work leave and EDD and PT prescription. Best of all, the unrelenting sciatica pain for the past 6 mos is gone. I did not wait to do the procedure, though I didn’t want to do it, and I think that made the difference for a good outcome. I have diminishing post op pain and increase in activity (6 weeks post op) as the weeks go on. Very relieved this is over and grateful for the good results. S. Gulick Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: July 16, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/111661887885295532587/place/ChIJCTVQzX26woARV5EyXoh3nDU) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Sanjay Khurana, 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! D. Beggs Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: June 30, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/107053002806242125931/place/ChIJ8YAf0pAz3YARGxtBH2uG-xA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD > My husband suffered from severe sciatica pain. Dr. Ortega listened to every detail, likewise,he explained in detail the type of surgery he could perform to provide relief. He answered all questions. Was with and us every step of the pre and post surgery. We are so happy to have Dr. Ortega. He is gifted with incredible precision and skill. Thank you, Dr. Ortega. > Ronald and M. DeGott M. DeGott Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: June 16, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/102441019847901563356/place/ChIJTxvcSygz3YARoijXeBhzhh8) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Brandon A. Ortega, MD > The office is very clean & fairly new. Front office staff for appointments & filing of disability paperwork are extremely nice. Nurse visits for wound care - they are cautious to not cause any pain when cleaning, changing bandages or removing staples/sutures. > > Dr. Ortega has a great bedside manner in clinic & hospital. Surgery was scheduled to be a fusion, based off an MRI. An X-Ray was done in office & he found he could do a decompression vs fusion & gave me the choice. I went with decompression based on the possibility of issues with other discs down the road. PAIN: Has been minimal if any, including surgery. > > Elena, his scheduling assistant has been very accommodating with scheduling appointments, surgical approval & dealing with my hectic work schedule. > > The office has its own PT room. In the past 12 years of dealing with Sciatica, and PT, I have never been in such a nice PT location. The PT doctor & therapists are all very nice, knowledgeable of their job & make sure you are comfortable and not in any pain. > > Prior to my surgery I did a lot of research of spinal orthopedic Dr’s in my plan before choosing Dr Ortega. > > I highly recommend Dr Ortega if you are considering spinal surgery. A. Iribarren Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: May 16, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/114468541044946748023/place/ChIJTxvcSygz3YARoijXeBhzhh8) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Brandon A. Ortega, MD > Fantastic surgeon who cured my severe sciatica problem through surgery. B. lobner Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: December 19, 2024 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/102758889954365718774/place/ChIJCTVQzX26woARV5EyXoh3nDU) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Sanjay Khurana, MD > All I can say is that I’ve now had. Dr. Bay put artificial discs in my neck 10 years ago and literally saved my golfing career. Before coming to him, I could hardly grip a club. Since the surgery, I’ve won seven club championships between two clubs in the last 10 years > > 6 weeks ago I had db Bae fix my back. I couldn’t walk or put weight on my leg. 4 hours after surgery I walked unassisted around the hospital wing. My sciatica on the left side was severe. Now on the way to recovery #2. Optimistic and can say with conviction that there is a difference in neuro surgeons he is worth every penny he charges. And newsflash he isn’t as expensive as some others. > > In summary all I can say is that if you have a spine issue listen to this man. He knows his craft. Btw I have the exact same feedback from everyone I e sent to him. He is the best that I know of. C. Colby Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: December 4, 2024 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/103172067714540849452/place/ChIJSdGvF0q7woARopa4Y6gfPO4) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD > I have severe sciatica and have been to a chiropractor and had physical therapy, yet no improvement. My GP ordered an MRI and suggested I see Dr. Bhalla. I'm glad I did. He took the time to make sure I really understood the reason for all the pain. He showed me on the MRI that I have spinal stenosis and a synovial cyst at L4/5 pushing against the nerves. I'm going with corrective surgery, that much to my surprise is outpatient. The office staff is excellent and scheduling the surgery was a breeze. I feel very comfortable with my choice, and am confident I'm in good hands. T. Chisam Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: October 25, 2024 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/106616942405897080906/place/ChIJ8YAf0pAz3YARGxtBH2uG-xA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD > I had a very pleasant experience with Dr. Ramkkumar. I was in life altering pain for over a few years. I thought it was sciatica but it ended up being bone on bone left hip. He had me scheduled for a complete hip replacement the following month. Immediately after surgery the pain in the hip was gone and was sent home the next day . On my very first post surgery visit with Dr. Ramkumar , I walked in under my own steam....pain free and no cane. I can't thank him enough. He gave me my mobility back. Also my freedom to do the things I enjoy. D. Cassidy Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: April 12, 2024 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/103445630714591813048/place/ChIJN5abTJkz3YARYFiCkifHPjw) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA > They are an incredible time and fixed my sciatica instantly and I am healing so quickly because of their professionalism M. Biancaniello Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: February 2, 2023 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/109189813218570740474/place/ChIJCTVQzX26woARV5EyXoh3nDU) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Sanjay Khurana, MD > Hands down some of the best medical care I have ever received. > > I've had back problems for almost 13 years, and I've seen dozens of the top specialists and surgeons in the Los Angeles area throughout the years. I came to Dr. Khurana in August with excruciating sciatica due to a severe herniation at L4L5 and moderate herniation at L5S1. I had had a previous microdiscectomy at those same levels almost 10 years prior which made things a little trickier, and the three surgeon opinions I got did not all agree on what to do with me. > > Dr. Khurana spent probably almost an hour with me in-office, and then another 30-45 minutes with me on the phone talking me through my options and what he would recommend if it were him or a family member going through the situation. Never once did he tell me I should see HIM for the procedure, only what he thought would be the smartest and safest course of action for me. Ultimately, I ended up scheduling a repeat microdiscectomy with him and am so happy with my decision. > > His office is easy to get ahold of, he is consistently on-time (even early!), and made the surgery scheduling process absolutely seamless. Dr. Khurana's PA, Elaine, could not possibly be more knowledgable or helpful. They've both been incredibly accessible to me both before and after surgery, answering all 1000+ of my questions thoroughly. > > Dr. Khurana does his surgeries at DISC, which felt like I was getting royal treatment compared to the two surgeries I've had at Cedars Sinai hospital. From my nurses to my anesthesiologist, I felt like both the facilities and the team Dr. Khurana uses were the absolute best. G. S. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: September 30, 2019 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/sanjay-khurana-md-marina-del-rey?hrid=aJ8j5QVfLWNZzhed8dUXjA&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: Sanjay Khurana, MD > Dr Bhalla is a life saver! I had been suffering from debilitating and extremely painful sciatica for well over a year only to have that culminated in the need for a discectomy. Dr. Bhalla was gentle, kind, validating and easy to speak with, totally contrary to the stereotype of a narcissistic surgeon. The surgery was literally an instant cure to my pain, recovery was minimal. No complaints and I can't speak highly enough about my experience. I am so very grateful to Dr. Bhalla! L. B. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: February 20, 2019 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/amandeep-bhalla-md-long-beach?hrid=9SZaEFQMMwfUWiGgSvdMBw&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD > e suffered from sciatica pain for about 10 years with multiple visits to urgent care, steroid and pain medicine injections, and physical therapy. I've been able to manage to pain but was always aware that sooner or later surgery will be necessary. About 3 weeks ago the sciatica pain got so unbearable I couldn't stand up on my feet. This time pain medicine and steroids were not relieving my pain and I had to go to the emergency room. Next day my family doctor recommended that I should be seen by Orthopedic Surgeon and she sent me to Dr. Bhalla for treatment. Lucky the HMO authorization was expedited and approved next day. I called to schedule my appointment and explained the urgency and my pain. I was scheduled for a visit the same day! Upon my arrival, I was warmly greeted by the front desk staff and given the paperwork to fill out. I was taken for X-rays and exam a few minutes later. > Dr. Bhalla reviewed the x rays and my medical history and explained that the surgery is my best option at this point and that we can schedule the surgery for Monday ( I was seen on Friday). He also explained that it's a microscopic surgery to remove a portion of the disk that is causing the pressure on your nerve root and minimal recovery time. > It was 4:30 on a Friday and Dr. Bhalla's staff immediately got to work getting the insurance approvals and scheduling my surgery. > After my visit, Dr. Bhalla send me a text message regarding the surgery details and let me know that I can text him if I have any questions!!! I did send him a text on a Saturday with some concerns prior to my surgery and he texted me back answering my questions! > He visited me during surgery preparation to answer any questions or concerns and right after to let me know everything went well. > I went from morphine in my IV at the hospital prior to the surgery to Tylenol after and was up on my feet walking the same day! I went home the next day pain-free! E. Roque Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: September 6, 2018 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/112463776380674492337/place/ChIJ8YAf0pAz3YARGxtBH2uG-xA) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD > I've suffered from sciatica pain for about 10 years with multiple visits to urgent care, steroid and pain medicine injections, and physical therapy. I've been able to manage to pain but was always aware that sooner or later surgery will be necessary. About 3 weeks ago the sciatica pain got so unbearable I couldn't stand up on my feet. This time pain medicine and steroids were not relieving my pain and I had to go to the emergency room. Next day my family doctor recommended that I should be seen by Orthopedic Surgeon and she sent me to Dr. Bhalla for treatment. Lucky the HMO authorization was expedited and approved next day. I called to schedule my appointment and explained the urgency and my pain. I was scheduled for a visit the same day! Upon my arrival, I was warmly greeted by the front desk staff and given the paperwork to fill out. I was taken for X-rays and exam a few minutes later. > Dr. Bhalla reviewed the x rays and my medical history and explained that the surgery is my best option at this point and that we can schedule the surgery for Monday ( I was seen on Friday). He also explained that it's a microscopic surgery to remove a portion of the disk that is causing the pressure on your nerve root and minimal recovery time. > It was 4:30 on a Friday and Dr. Bhalla's staff immediately got to work getting the insurance approvals and scheduling my surgery. > After my visit, Dr. Bhalla send me a text message regarding the surgery details and let me know that I can text him if I have any questions!!! I did send him a text on a Saturday with some concerns prior to my surgery and he texted me back answering my questions! > He visited me during surgery preparation to answer any questions or concerns and right after to let me know everything went well. > I went from morphine in my IV at the hospital prior to the surgery to Tylenol after and was up on my feet walking the same day! I went home the next day pain-free! > I believe that patient's testimonial is less of a recognition of a doctor's skill and expertise and more of a recommendation of a doctor's ability to listen, care and heal. I can vouch for the fact that Dr. Bhalla's abilities are unmatched. > Dr. Bhalla and his staff made me feel comfortable, safe and truly cared for. > Thanks for your care and humor and thanks for treating my pain!! Otherwise, I would have gone insane E. K. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: September 5, 2018 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/amandeep-bhalla-md-long-beach?hrid=qQQWx8qHPll3iNeFzvmI7Q&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: Amandeep Bhalla, MD > I had sciatica pain for many years. First time I had was sometime > in 1996 after a soccer game. Very minor in the beginning > but became worse and worse as time went by. > When I couldn't walk even two blocks because of this pain, I decided to get a surgery. > > After searching for doctors, I picked Dr Bae. > He took care of my disc, L4/L5 & L5/S1, in 2016. > Now, I'm post-op 20 months. > Walking, no problems at all. > No back pain. > > He did a great job! > When one of my friends developed > the same issue I didn't hesitate even 1 second to recommend Dr Bae. C. C. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: May 9, 2018 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/hyun-bae-md-santa-monica?hrid=pfCUxUEZErEsP9HnmsjFwA&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD > I've had degenerative disc disease most of my adult life. In my mid 40's I decided to get into shape to reduce the side effects of a bad L5 and in doing so started to get sciatica 5 yrs into my fitness obsession. I went to my first ortho who did nothing but put me on Vicodin (which I refused to take) and prescribed me physical therapy. That only made my situation worse. I had 2 epidural shots which seem to work momentarily but eventually wore off. Then I found dr. Bae!!! This man is an amazing surgeon and doctor! His staff is the best, his bedside manner is great, he's a life changer and I can't recommend him to enough people! He's also into cutting edge technology with the use of stem cells for spine rejuvenation (I think I'm saying that right). Anyway, if your suffering and your quality of life is affected def go see him.....it's worth the time to have your life changed for the better!! Thank you Dr. Bae!!! L. T. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Yelp · Date: January 8, 2015 [Read review on Yelp](https://yelp.com/biz/hyun-bae-md-santa-monica?hrid=QtdBKD1R9_RuqWqHPUsX_w&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=biz_post_share&l=en_US) Source link type: verified permalink Attributed clinician: Hyun Bae, MD Understand your options ## Bring your *next good question.* Spine ### [Herniated disc and sciatica: questions that clarify your options](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/herniated-disc-sciatica-questions/) A disc finding matters when it fits the symptoms and examination. Use your visit to understand the cause of leg pain, the pace of change, and the reasons for each next step. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/herniated-disc-sciatica-questions/) Keep exploring ## More patient *perspectives.* [All review topics →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/) Body areas ### Lower back and lumbar spine 85 matching reviews · 10 clinicians Explore patient accounts → [Lower back and lumbar spine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/lower-back/) Body areas ### Neck and cervical spine 112 matching reviews · 8 clinicians Explore patient accounts → [Neck and cervical spine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/neck/) Body areas ### Spine and back 371 matching reviews · 11 clinicians Explore patient accounts → [Spine and back](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/spine/) Conditions ### Herniated disc 29 matching reviews · 7 clinicians Explore patient accounts → [Herniated disc](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/herniated-disc/) Conditions ### Radiculopathy 4 matching reviews · 3 clinicians Explore patient accounts → [Radiculopathy](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/radiculopathy/) Procedures ### Disc replacement 33 matching reviews · 3 clinicians Explore patient accounts → [Disc replacement](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/disc-replacement/) ## Complete review collection [Read all 17 written reviews in this collection](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/review-topics/sciatica/all.md) ## Review pages in Markdown Previous: This is the first review page. 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