Spine and back.
In patients’ words.

Dr. Port has been treating me for over 10 years now off and on for a back injury. He is so generous with his time and attention to my medical issues. Can't say enough good things about him and his staff. He's helped me tremendously over the years.

Michael Port, MD

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.

Yelp^®

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Dr Bae took his time to think out and explain everything. He showed us pictures of my neck stenosis MRI and what the surgery entailed. He was kind and thoughtful. He was very reassuring and recommended one more test before the final decision.

Hyun Bae, MD

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

The entire was thorough and helpful. Dr Bae listens and provides thorough and logical next steps. I feel very comfortable with him and his team. Hoping we can solve for my back pain.

Hyun Bae, MD

Scheduled spinal surgery with Dr. Khurana

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Could not have been treated better. All the nurses - Veronica, Linda, Cassie and Mary - were terrific. Same with Dr Michael Port, who was delightful, knew his stuff, and genuinely wanted to help me get rid of my lower back pain. What’s not to like?

Michael Port, MD

What a refreshing experience with a very knowledgeable doctor and his NP Margo. Have had on going back problems that had become a chronic pain problem and was radiating into my groin area. Went to dr ramkumar who did some mobility testing and an x-ray. He diagnosed my issue very quickly. He offered me a hip injection which has taken away 90% of my pain. Wish I had made the decision to see him sooner. Highly recommend

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Had an anterior cervical fusion last week. Dr Khurana is absolutely the best surgeon ! he patiently spent time reviewing my scans and answering my concerns and questions. The procedure itself went smoothly and without complications. the surgical center is so officiently run. The entire staff is caring and helpful ! I am grateful to have had Dr. Kuhrana as my surgeon ! Thank You !

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Sanjay Khurana, MD

For almost half of my life, pain was not something that happened to me. It was the backdrop against which everything else happened. I am 23. Since I was 13, I cannot remember waking up without stiffness/pain in my back. Pain has a way of changing shape over time, beginning as a symptom but becoming part of your identity. Somewhere along the way, I stopped hoping to feel better and accepted it as part of my life. As a former UCLA Division I tennis player who has always loved being active, I spent years searching for an answer: physical therapy, massage, cupping, acupuncture, strengthening, injections, imaging, and countless evaluations across the world. I never got a clear diagnosis despite seeing several orthopedists, and was told to consider chronic pain syndrome, with exploratory spine surgery as a last resort. Every opinion carried the same message: learn to live with it. Meeting Dr. Prem Ramkumar was the first time someone wasn't just listening to my symptoms; he was trying to understand my story, asking why instead of accepting the limits of what had already been tried. As a former D1 athlete, I'd worked with plenty of physicians, but he treated me with the same precision I've learned he gives medal-winning Olympians and Stanley Cup champions he treats professionally. I felt like one of his VIPs. It changed everything when he diagnosed me with hip impingement after a careful battery of tests, since my presentation was atypical. It was the first time I had an answer, and a solution. What will stay with me forever is not just the surgery itself, but the morning after. I sat on my bed and waited for the familiar stiffness in my lower back. It never came, and to this day, it still hasn't. I biked 130 miles the first day after surgery!! I began physical therapy on day three at his office, and weaned off my crutches and brace within a week. Since then, I have moved through daily life without pain. The absence of pain has been remarkable, but what surprised me even more is everything that was restored: I sleep through the night, my mind feels quieter, and the constant background noise chronic pain creates has disappeared. My mood and energy are better, and I'm standing taller. My wearable's resting heart rate and sleep scores reflect it too: my body is finally healing, not merely enduring. It isn't just excitement, but disbelief; my brain keeps searching for the pain it's so accustomed to finding. Then, little by little, I realized it isn't temporary relief. It's freedom, for the first time in a decade. People often think surgery changes your body. With Dr. Ramkumar, it also changed my relationship with the future. For years, every decision carried an invisible calculation: could my back handle this, would I wake up unable to move? Pain quietly dictated where I went and who I believed I could become. I didn't realize how much space it occupied until it was gone. Today, I believe this surgery will make me a better athlete than I was. So many others told me this wasn't possible. Dr. Ramkumar never accepted that answer. That speaks to his character: his persistence, his curiosity, his genuine commitment to patients who've spent years searching for someone willing to keep looking. He treated me as a person whose story deserved to be understood, not another MRI. As someone who now works in medicine, I've learned he believed in me when no one else would. Medicine is often described as restoring function. Sometimes it restores possibility. No review could fully express what he gave me: mornings I had forgotten were possible, confidence in my body, and a future no longer defined by limitations. If you have spent years searching for answers, feeling unheard, or wondering whether anyone will look beyond the obvious, I cannot recommend Dr. Ramkumar enough. My experience changed the course of my life, and I will always be grateful he refused to stop asking why, and fixed me. Additionally, Margo, his NP, matches that same excellence. Her clinical sharpness was matched only by the genuine care she brought to my recovery.

Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA

Dr. Bae takes the time with you to give a full explanation of what is wrong and how to address the issues.. Incredible surgeon!!!!!! I am a 10 year patient of Dr.Bae, C4-C6 2 level disc replacement… Just did my follow up and the discs look perfect… All of his staff is just amazing!!!! Just make you feel welcome and relaxed…. I’m referring patients to him he just really is the spine expert…. I’m in music, I refer to Dr. Bae to my musician friends the Eddie Van Halen (Best guitar player) of the spine for his innovative techniques that are changing how everything is perceived on the spine…. Could not thank him enough…

Hyun Bae, MD

Dr. Bhalla’s office Is organized and efficient. The office communicates Important information clearly and in a timely manner. The office provides free and accessible parking. Dr. Bhalla is both an amazing specialist and human. He listens to understand, is patient, kind, and incredibly knowledgeable about spinal diseases. I highly recommend him and his office.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Everyone from office staff, the Nurse, PA and the Doctor were all incredibly warm, kind and knowledgeable. All of my questions were answered and I would highly recommend Dr. Bae to anyone having spine related issues.

Hyun Bae, MD

I had a consultation regarding surgical options for cervical radiculopathy. Everything was excellent all the way around, from the beautiful modern office, friendly attentive staff, and the clearly outlined options and recommendation from the highly skilled Dr Bhalla. Thank you all!

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Outstanding surgeon. Spinal fusion was 100% successful with absolutely no complications. Always friendly, welcomes questions, and give complete answers.

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr. Khurana was very knowledgeable about potential treatments for my condition and patiently answered all my questions. I highly recommend Dr. Khurana if you have spine issues.

Sanjay Khurana, MD

I consulted with several surgeons, and Khurana is miles ahead of the rest. The staff and surgery center are excellent. Don't do a spine surgery without talking to Sanjay Khurana.

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr Bhalla is the best. The best spine specialist out of many. His patients are most important to him. He is amazing🙏

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I was referred to Dr Bhalla when I went into another Ortho for hip surgery. After an MRI revealed pinched nerve issue in my neck, (probably as a result of arthritis). Dr Bhalla listened well to my history. After reviewing my xrays and MRI, he explained things precisely. We've set up surgery. I'm looking forward to the results. AND, his staff also rocks! Great communications. Quick in getting stuff done. And of course, friendly.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I feel blessed to finally find Dr. Bhalia. He was able to diagnose my back issue that I have had for over ten years. I have been to many doctors and he is the best. I highly recommend Dr. Bhalia

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

First visit for neck issues. Nice greeting, no waiting, got X-rays and consult very quickly. Dr Bhalla recommended PT as the first treatment. So far, perfect!

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I was able to get in with Dr Bhalla right away. His office staff is friendly and very competent. Dr Bhalla is a true gem. He has great bedside manner and took his time explaining everything and got me scheduled for surgery in less than a week!! It is hard to find good doctors so if you need a spine surgeon try Dr Bhalla. I will update this after surgery. ❤️

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I traveled from the east coast to see Dr. Bae on the recommendation of a friend in Los Angeles. I was so debilitated by spinal stenosis that I had take a wheel chair to the plane, fly in a lie flat seat, and be wheeled off the plane to meet my ride. By the time I saw Dr. Bae for my surgery, I had tried PT, shots, painkillers, prescription anti inflammatories--literally everything. I had missed family events including a wedding and hadn't taken a pain free walk in years. Dr. Bae performed micro decompression surgery. I walked out of the clinic and have been walking ever since. It's been a month and I'm averaging 11,000 steps a day. I am eternally grateful for Dr. Bae.

Hyun Bae, MD

Dr. Khurana "saved" the quality of my life. After undergoing 3 unsuccessful spinal surgeries from a highly respected westside doctor the pain was still excruciating. My Internist recommended I try Dr. Khurana for a 4th surgery. 7 years have passed since he operated and remediated the problem. I think about him often and feel blessed by his expertise and skill. As I near 80 years of age I am more active and fit than I had been a decade before. Thank you Dr. Khurana!

Sanjay Khurana, MD