Spine and back reviews

I went to Dr. Bae after finding him through an online search for a second opinion. I am so lucky that I had him operate instead of the doctor that I saw before him. I had spinal stenosis and spinal decompression surgery with a spinal fusion was the standard procedure for my diagnosis. Dr. Bae told me about a clinical trial that I might qualify for that could be performed instead of fusion. I qualified and had the surgery. He performed the surgery at an outpatient hospital and I walked out the same day. I was able to drive in a week and returned to work very part time in two weeks. I am able to do so many things I couldn't do before the surgery and am seeing more and more improvement in the four months since the surgery. I had complete confidence in Dr. Bae's abilities and would highly recommend him to anyone that has spinal problems. He is the best!!!

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Hyun Bae, MD

Amazing, caring doctor! Took my 85 year old father to him after our primary doctor referred us. My father had suffered a complete collapse of his T-7 and compression on the spinal cord from a previous car accident and I was extremely nervous about the major surgery he was about to undergo to reinforce his spine. Dr. Bhalla calmed my fears and did an excellent job with the 2 rods and 12 screws he put in his back. This surgery saved my dad from becoming completely paralyzed. Very grateful to Dr. Bhalla!

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

My neck surgery was a success!! I no longer have migraine headaches and my posture is perfect. I couldn't be happier.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

A pure Golden Genius.> Dr. Leonel Hunt's background alone speaks for himself. If anyone! believes this doctor is not one of the most " Thoughtful, Brilliant, Dedicated" Orthopedic Spine Surgeon's across America, then they should look at his achievements, his hard-work, and long-suffering that he put into his career, and his patients. I alone, appreciate the time and effort he put into my back surgery. He's a caring doctor too. I was able to call him between 1:00am to 4:00am if I had a concern about my back once I returned home. He did not reject one call. Dr. Hunt knew I was very scared; but, he assured me that everything would be ok being that this was my second (Lumber S1-L5 Discectomy) that didn't go so well the first time, at another location. I knew that God had blessed Dr. L Hunt with wisdom and a good heart. After looking at a few of your reviews, I thought I'd needed to validate who you are. Well done! Dr. L Hunt...….. T.Q.

Leonel Hunt, MD

I was scared to get my neck surgery , but now that I finally have my migraine headaches are gone and posture is perfect! Dr Amandeep Bahalla Jr. Is by far the best surgery I have had. And I have had many!! Thank you Dr!!

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I was hospitalized and in extreme back pain when I went to a Spine Doctor in an upscale clinic. We were assured by the nurse that we do not have to bring the MRI result from another hospital since they can pull it from their computer only to be told when we went to the clinic that they can't access but they can get the result direct from the hospital and will just call me after 3 days for the findings. We did not received the call as promised and after 8 days of getting a run around in the phone to talk with the Doctor, his nurse finally told me that the Doctor could not read the result. It was 8 days of more pain. I was so desperate that I just searched the internet and found a Spine Doctor Dr, Amandeep Bhalla. I have no Idea about him but it was God's answered prayer for what I found is the best spine surgeon in LA. I had a very successful spine surgery and after a few weeks started feeling normal again. Just having to be personally assured by him before the surgery hat I do not have to worry and will be fine give you a sense of comfort and confidence going to the operating room. He also sees to it that you are given the best service after surgery. I highly recommend Dr. Amandeep Bhalla if you have spine issues. He just not look at you as a patient but makes you feel important with personalize care. Thank you Dr. Bhalla, I will be forever grateful to you.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Finding Dr. Bae was a miracle! I can't begin to list all the reasons why. He drove from Cedars to St. John and showed up at midnight to check on my husband after 5 grueling surgeries. I didn't think doctors existed who would go so far for a patient. Look up his creds, and if you should ever need spine surgery, count yourself lucky if you can connect with him and his amazing assistant, Lisa. Their expert work, kindness, and empathy are very very rare.

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Hyun Bae, MD

I have been suffering from neck/arm pain for the past 8 mos. I've been to 3 different "experts" & no one would write a Rx for me to go in for MRIs...even though nothing else was working: epidurals, cortisone, meds. As a prior gymnast & dancer, I know my body & I know when I started losing the feeling down my hands & then my fingers started to get freezing cold, the problem was a lot more serious than the doctor I was seeing was seeing. I finally demanded he write ard for MRIs on both shoulders & my cervical spine & through some research was referred to Dr. Khurana - who, after taking one look at all my tests, reports, etc. said I needed emergency surgery or I'd end up with permanent nerve damage. I wonder - if my previous dr had listened to me - would I be in the situation I now find myself? Of course, we can't look back, only forward & I am so lucky that I was directed to Dr Khurana, who went over everything with me in great detail & explained the surgery so that even my husband, who doesn't know anything about anything re: medical terms, procedures & the like, completely understood & felt 100% confident when we left. The surgery is pretty extensive: Dr Khurana will be fusing my C3/4 & then totally replacing my discs at C5/6 & C6/7 & any time one goes in for surgery, especially anything related to the spine, it is nerve-wracking, to say the least. But everyone in the office - from the front desk to Amanda & Elaine &, especially, Dr Khurana made me feel like I was in the best hands possible. My appointment was on a Wednesday & Jessica, who schedules the surgeries, called me the next day & was able to get me in w/in a week - pretty unheard of these days. I go in tomorrow morning & have been told that, while the recovery may be pretty tough, I am expected to feel relief from the excruciating pain I've been living with pretty immediately. I can't thank the entire staff for making a scary situation less so. If you're reading this & have any issues with your spine, look no farther....Dr Khurana IS your man!

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Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr Khurana operated on my father one month ago and we couldn't be more pleased with the process. My dad had an extremely fast recovery with minimal pain. Dr Khurana is professional and articulate and made the process of spine surgery as positive of an experience as it could possibly be. His staff is courteous and accommodating, we always felt like they had our best interest in mind. We 100% recommend Dr. Khurana, he is the best!

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Sanjay Khurana, MD

This doctor actually cares about his patients. Even though I still have pain in my neck but that is understandable since I had 3 discs replaced.

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Sanjay Khurana, MD

Before Dr Bae I had seen 4 other back dr's. All told me I had stenosis in my L3-L5 region. All told me I would need fusion. I went through this over a 6 year period. I refused fusion since It would debilitate me for life. One of the earlier Dr's began to perform newer, minimally invasive procedures when a friend who happens to be a anesthesiologist told me to go see Dr Bae. I saw Dr Bae in Nov of 2016. I was more than impressed when he told me I did not need fusion. A Lumbar Laminectomy was his prognosis. I saw Dr Bae again in Jan of 2017. Surgery was scheduled for May 2017. Over the 4 month waiting period things changed and the procedure was changed. Still a Laminectomy but now 2 - 6" Carbon Fiber Rods and a titanium spring would also be implanted. May 15 2017 I went in at 1:30 pm for Surgery. I was in my hospital room at 6:30pm. At 6:30am the next morning I was walking up and down the hallways. I was released 2 days later. 3 weeks later I was back doing light work. Recovery was amazing. I was able to walk 1/4 mile at first, then 1/2 mile and finally a full mile. My only mistake was not going to PT when I was told to. A few issues but 4 weeks later I was a champ again. Dec 2017 I did a 2 mile walk/hike through the desert. I continued to improve. longer walks. less fear about having to park too far away to a store entrance. Sept 2018 I did a 8.5 mile hike through Malibu creek in 3 hours. I could not remember when I was able to go a distance like that with no pain. Dr Bae can be cold. However he was the warmest and patient man when it came to explaining everything to my wife. Before the surgery he made all the time needed. Lisa can be short. But they do care. The whole office staff cares. Amazing surgeon.

Hyun Bae, MD

Although nobody ever wants to have surgery, especially on their neck. I had a 2 level fusion C5-C7 in October of 2018. I could not be more happier than I am today. Dr. Bhalla, is truly the best spine surgeon around!!! His knowledge of the spine, skills, bedside manner, respect, and concern for his patients is above and beyond! I would recommend him to ANYBODY!!! Thank you Dr. Bhalla for everything!

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Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Dr. Bhalla is awesome!! I have several issues with my back, my left arm, and shoulder where bothering me in a serious way. I went in to get my shoulder looked at, Dr Thai referred me to Dr. Bhalla. My symptoms showed I had some type of neck injury. Less than a week after my MRI Dr. Bhalla discovered I had several damaged discs in my neck which created pressure on the nerves causing some paralysis in my left arm and hand. Dr. Bhalla replaced three discs in my neck and fused 4 vetebrae together with a cage. The surgery was done late afternoon evening, I was walking the next day at 8:00 am. I was home by 9/10 in the morning. 7 months later I am doing Great with this part of my spinal injuries. Jason and all the other physical therapists are also awesome! I have been to countless facilities over the years for my injuries this is best place you are going to find as far as I’m concerned to get fixed. Donald Demoray

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I had to have back surgery and I was referred to Dr Bae for a disc replacement. This surgery changed my life. I went from pure agony from the bone on bone damage to not feeling pain in my back anymore. I can’t wait to be fully healed and get my life back 100%. I can’t thank Dr. Bae enough for this amazing procedure. - Estella Sumaoang

Hyun Bae, MD

I first met Dr. Bhalla in September 2018 he did x-rays on me. Called me the next day at 9:30 in the morning and told me that I needed to be admitted into the hospital and I would be there for six weeks.I was in the most excruciating and unbearable pain that I have ever endured.He talked to me with respect and the way he carried himself, with such confidence.I really wasn’t even thinking about the procedure I was more concerned about the way my body would react to this whole ordeal. I had three operations on my back.Now I am in therapy with no back pain. When I see him these days he has this huge smile on his face, like I’m a walking miracle and he makes feel me so good. I think about how lucky I am to be here.Meeting him has change my whole life.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I just want to say my experience with Dr. Bhalla has been nothing but positive. From the first time I met him I definitely felt his concern. I came in with pain to my lower back. After looking at my X-rays, he found that I had no cartilage in my L4 and L5. This was causing numbness in my toes and tingling of my feet when I stood up and walked after sitting for awhile. He referred me to do physical therapy. This option I felt did not help. Then Dr. Bhalla suggested I get an epidural. During the procedure I felt Dr. Bhalla really wanted to help relieve the discomfort I was feeling. After receiving the epidural, it helped relieve some of the discomfort but I was still feeling pain. So I opted to get the surgery. Dr. Bhalla did a L4/5 and L5/S1 anterior lumbar interbody fusion with insertion of biomechanical cages, allograft, fluoroscopy L5 partial corpectomy. Stage 2 L4-S1 posterior spinal percutaneous instrumented fusion. This procedure pretty much relieved all pain and numbness. I'm still recovering but I am back to exercising. Dr. Bhalla is an awesome doctor. I definitely would recommend him to anyone who is having back issues. Thank you Dr. Bhalla for curing my back and giving me my active lifestyle back!!

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Amandeep Bhalla, 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

I had a fantastic result from C3-4 disc replacement surgery. I feel so fortunate to have found Dr Bae ( was referred by two separate physicians as the surgeon they would go to for cervical surgery). As a busy surgical dentist I was very alarmed to feel slight numbness in my fingers and as a competitive tennis player I lost the ability to run. I returned to dentistry in 2 weeks and jumped into a full schedule with no difficulties. My tennis game came back after 2 months. Thank you Dr Bae, Lisa and team. Jim Mellert DDS.

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Hyun Bae, MD

I had a fantastic result from C3-4 disc replacement surgery. I feel so fortunate to have found Dr Bae ( was referred by two separate physicians as the surgeon they would go to for cervical surgery). As a busy surgical dentist I was very alarmed to feel slight numbness in my fingers and as a competitive tennis player I lost the ability to run. I returned to dentistry in 2 weeks and jumped into a full schedule with no difficulties. My tennis game came back after 2 months. Thank you Dr Bae, Lisa and team. Jim Mellert DDS.

Hyun Bae, MD

I don't even know where to start. From the first appointment to the end of surgery and post-op care, Dr. Bhalla and his entire staff where wonderful. Dr. Bhalla is an amazing surgeon. My Lumbar stabilization and Fusion was done so beautifully that I could tell that the pain was gone immediately after the surgery. I had total support throughout my recovery. The doctor and his staff where all compassionate and gave me the time I needed for questions. I was treated with respect throughout the entire process. The Spinal Section at Memorial Hospital in Long Beach was also great. I am deeply grateful for my care and the successful result.

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Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I don't even know where to start. From the first appointment, to the end of surgery and post-op care, Dr. Bhalla and his entire staff where wonderful. Dr. Bhalla is an amazing surgeon. My Lumbar stabilization and Fusion was done so beautifully that I could tell that the pain was gone immediately after the surgery. I had total support throughout my recovery. The doctor and his staff were all compassionate and gave me the time I needed for questions. I was treated with respect throughout the entire process. The Spinal Section at Memorial Hospital in Long Beach was also great. I am deeply grateful for my care and the successful result.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Dr. Bae and Lisa Cano were two of the most caring and wonderful people I've ever met in my life. Dr. Bae performed a very complicated procedure on my lower spine that was both anterior and posterior. I was in surgery for 6 hours. He and his team had to virtually rebuild my lower spine. I would be in a wheelchair if it was not for him. Lisa was by his side and mine through the entire ordeal. God bless them and their staff for their dedication to their practice!

Hyun Bae, MD

Dr. Sanjay Khurana is my hero! I'm 71 years old and have had back problems all my life with 7 curvatures in my cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine leading to pain, pinched nerves, numbness, etc. I've relied on chiropractic adjustments to alleviate my discomfort for many years, but my condition had been getting worse the last 2-3 years. My back pain was now expanding down both legs and was accompanied by numbness as well. I was now walking like Quasi Moto, hunched over and to the right to relieve some of the pressure on the nerves. In May 2018, I saw an orthopedic doctor who took x-rays and sent me for an MRI. Upon reviewing the MRI, he referred me to an orthopedic spine surgeon in his office who informed me that I was precariously close to becoming incontinent (best case scenario) or paralyzed (worst case scenario) due to the severe stenosis I had from L2 to S1 (4 levels) as well as anterolisthesis at L5 on S1. I was scheduled for surgery early July 2018 for decompression at 4 levels and "some" fusion. I was told I would have a scar about 10" long on my back and be on a walker for 4 months. I got all the instructions regarding no bending, lifting (5 lb. max.) or twisting, driving and travel restrictions, etc. This was really depressing since I'm so accustomed to being independent and not relying on others to do things for me. I wanted a second opinion so I asked my chiropractor for a recommendation. I showed him the report of my MRI and he referred me to Dr. Khurana, telling me the outcome would be critically dependent upon the surgeon I chose. I called Dr. Khurana's Torrance office at Beach Cities Orthopedic that day and got an appointment for the very next day (he's only at the Torrance office on Wednesdays and I live in the South Bay). Dr. Khurana concurred that I needed surgery and described the technique (microsurgery) he employs in detail for the decompression L2-S1 (4 levels), as well as the anterior approach he preferred for fusion of L4-L5 & L5-S1. This would leave me with about a 4 inch scar on my back. He works with a vascular surgeon to perform the ALIF (Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion) and his preferred vascular surgeon was Dr. Rao, whose first available date was July 10, 2018 at Providence St. John's Hosp. in Santa Monica, so that's what I signed up for. That vertical abdominal scar is about 3 inches long from the navel down. The next part of my story is the best part. I did remarkably well post-op. I never used a walker once after I returned home. Sure I had to wear a back brace whenever I wasn't sitting or lying down, but what a huge relief. I stopped all pain killers and muscle relaxants after 2 weeks. I have no more leg pain or numbness at all. I still feel a little ache in my low back but I assume I will until the fusion is completely healed. I started walking in the neighborhood 10-20 minutes a day and worked up to 1 hour walks in week 4 post-op. I'm almost 3 months post-op now and I only wear the brace when I walk. I do that daily and while walking I think about how I couldn't walk even 5 minutes without pain and numbness before the surgery. I thank God for my blessings every day... and Dr. Khurana.

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Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr. Hyun Bae performed lumbar fusion surgery May 15, 2018 at St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, CA. My diagnosis was extreme lumbar stenosis, spondylolisthesus, and scoliosis. My legs were giving out from under me and I couldn't walk from the car to the front door even tho' I am athletic and in great shape for 70. Long and short of it, I am extremely happy with the results and grateful we found Dr. Bae. We interviewed several surgeons but found Dr. Bae to be the most informed about my condition and treatment option. His professional attitude was confidence-inspiring, answering all my questions and providing me a sense of security. Back surgery is generally the last therapeutic resolution to extreme back problems and I did everything to prevent having to have it so I am happy but surprised with the results. His staff and his assistant Lisa, were caring, efficient and available throughout the process. That's important if you want your doctor to focus on you! -Guy M.

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Hyun Bae, MD