Spine and back reviews

Once upon a time, in the not-so-fairy-tale land of Chronic Painville, lived an adventurous soul (that's me!), who, following an automotive misadventure that would make even a stunt driver wince, ended up with a neck and back more twisted than a mystery novel plot - think C6/7 and L5/S1 playing the lead villains in this spine-tingling saga. Picture this: a disc replacement at C-6 and 7 became my immediate quest, as I was in such excruciating pain that moving my neck felt like I was auditioning for the role of a non-flexible robot. Now, disc replacement surgery at the time was the new kid on the block in the US, strutting down the medical runway with its shiny new potential. Lumbar spine, though? Not so much on the VIP list yet. And fusion? Oh, I'd heard the tales of woe and stiffness - a motley crew of friends still in agony or moving like vintage robots post-fusion had me saying, "Thanks, but no thanks." So, there I was, waiting in the wings, pain as my constant companion, for years, dreaming of the day when lumbar disc replacement would hit the mainstream. And let me tell you, the idea of doctors rummaging around the front of my torso gave me the heebie-jeebies - like, serious "Are you sure you don't need a map?" vibes. But then, as the pain crescendoed to a level of unbearable that had me contemplating a career as a human pretzel, I embarked on a quest to find the Merlin of spine surgery. Enter Dr. Khurana - a wizard, a magician, a veritable rock star of the OR. Initially, he was like, "Hmm, your disc has left the building, and we're talking bone-on-bone - wanna see the MRI to prove it? Might have to go the fusion route, but let's give it a whirl." D-Day arrived, and guess what? Dr. Khurana pulled off the impossible with the panache of a maestro conducting a symphony - no fusion, just pure, unadulterated surgical genius. His team? Angels in scrubs, each more caring and considerate than the last. And Dr. Khurana? A man so passionate about his craft, he could probably perform surgery with his eyes closed (not that he did, mind you - just saying, he's that good). Sure, a year later and I'm still on nodding terms with some residual pain, but it's nothing - a mere whisper compared to the cacophony of agony I endured for years. So here's to Dr. Khurana and his crew - the rock stars of the medical world, who gave me back a semblance of normalcy and taught me that, sometimes, the best fairy tales don't involve princes or dragons, but gifted surgeons with the power to change lives.

Yelp^®

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 was friendly, actively listened and answered my questions. He was honest and empathetic. He is an excellent surgeon and has a wonderful bedside manner. He explains everything in as much detail as one needs/wants and is open to spending time with the patient until all questions have been answered. He is not only the best spine surgeon in LA but the world as well.

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Received excellent service from entire staff, from intake to all the time needed with Dr. KHURANA to answer all questions and address my concerns. I'm considering the choice to have spinal fusion, and the KHURANA team made this critical decision much easier to contemplate!

Sanjay Khurana, MD

I appreciated the in-depth explanation of what my back problems could have been. I followed through with Dr. Bhalla's referral and so far so good!

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

An exceptional Orthopedic Surgeon, caring extremely professional with knowledge of state of the art devices such as robotics, and vey sophisticated of new surgery procedures. Because of his extremely excellent skills I gained many New Years of quality life. I am unboundedly thankful for such a exceptional surgeon. I highly recommend Dr. Bhalla for being so lucid and clear in all his explanations, followed with a big smile 😊. My recommendation to any person with orthopedic issues, being neck, spine, etc. IS: see Dr. Bhalla for the best advice and recommendation you can ever get from a professional Dr. with the utmost knowledge, expertise, and warm heart that leads to a deep feeling of trust. He is a Dr.’s Dr., yes he is a “Magician”‼️‼️👏👏

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

Dr. Bhalla was patient and thoughtful about where he believed my discomfort was coming from and how we might fix it. Everything was detailed and explored in depth. He sought counsel of colleagues to consider the best options for my treatment plan. All attributes you want in any doctor particularly one that deals with spine and back issues. I have no hesitation in referring him and am delighted to do so.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

One year after spinal fusion, I am back to hiking 6-8 miles on a Saturday, and martial arts on Sunday. Thank you!

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

From the moment I met D. Bhalla I knew that I would have a successful surgery. He was amazing and my spine surgery was life changing.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I'm very happy with my back surgery & follow-up treatment with Dr. Bhalla. The surgery was scheduled very promptly, it went well & I had remarkably little pain. Dr. Bhalla & his PA are responsive, informative & calm. I highly recommend him.

Amandeep Bhalla, MD

I met Dr. Khurana for the first time to treat back pain. My friend recommended him to me. His staff were so professional and made everything so easy for me. Dr. Khurana was terrific!, so knowledgeable, answered all my questions and concerns.

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr. Khurana is one of the best doctors I have ever been to. He's extremely knowledgeable, confident with compassion, thorough and reassuring. The Spine Institute that he has created is a rare clinic. From top to bottom the staff are capable, caring, efficient. It's spacious and clean. I had my fusion surgery there and it was by far the best surgery experience I have ever had.

Sanjay Khurana, 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

Dr. Khurana was able to provide me with a clear explanation of my back injury, the procedure to fix it, and the recovery process. Effective communication and a thorough understanding of my medical situation are crucial for my comfort and confidence in the treatment plan.

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr. Millstein is very caring, patient and knowledgeable. A true expert in his field. He explained in detail the source of my knee pain that was coming from my hip. He gave me an injection and delivered treatment options with clarity. I highly recommend him to anyone who suffers with knee, hip and back pain.

Eric S. Millstein, MD

Dr. Estess gives you her full attention and doesn't rush you through the appointment. She also helped me tremendously in fixing a long chronic back issue. Can't give her a high enough recommendation.

Allyson Estess, MD

Dr Khurana did an amazing job with my XLIF fusion on L4-5. I am at least 1/2 taller.and feels like I have a new back! The fusion is probably solid after only 3 & 1/2 months from surgery. I don't really need PT anymore, can bend without pain and I'm good to go with all activities...yoga, tennis, etc. I highly recommend Dr Khurana to anyone needing back surgery.

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Dr Khurana is an excellent physician. He cares deeply about his patients. My surgery could not have gone better. I am so pleased I was referred to him and would recommend him to anyone in need of spinal surgery.

Sanjay Khurana, MD

I have had numerous spine issues and Dr. Khurana has operated on my spine every time. Dr. Khurana and his staff are really excellent in the care they have given me. A special shout-out to his Surgical Coordinator Jessica Gomez who always answers her phone and thoroughly answers my many questions. Dr. Khurana is an excellent surgeon that really cares, I highly recommend him and his top notch team. As a side note, at both my 3 month and 6 month follow up appointments there is no pain at all. Recent August 2023 edit: Also, it’s been a year now without pain and I feel terrific. So no more appointments are scheduled. Dr. Khurana said to call for an appointment only if needed. Truly a great caring surgeon.

Sanjay Khurana, MD

I have a few medical issues that I’m trying to work through. Seeing the related doctors as scheduled and spending enough time with him or her is crucial to convey my problem. Couple of times I spent my visit with the PA only. One of them was with a spine surgeon at UCLA health. He didn’t bother to stop by so I had to settle with a young doctor want to be with my complicated spine problem. He was vey nice and nothing personal, but I quit going to see this spine surgeon since he didn’t value to see me even if there was nothing he could do. I like doctor Khurana for his personal engagement in details, and conservative approach rather than jumping for surgery! I have heard nothin but him being a trustworthy doctor. Thanks Karim

Sanjay Khurana, MD

i can't express how thankful I am to have been under the care of Dr. Sanjay Khurana, a nationally ranked spine surgeon. His expertise and precision in handling my spine condition were truly remarkable. He left no stone unturned in ensuring the best possible treatment for me. What touched me the most was his compassion and kindness throughout the entire journey. Dr. Khurana genuinely cares about his patients and their well-being. He listened to my concerns, answered ALL my questions, and supported me every step of the way. I feel blessed to have had such an incredible surgeon by my side. If you're seeking top-notch spine care, I highly recommend Dr. Sankay Khurana. You won't be disappointed! #GratefulPatient #TopSurgeon #CompassionateCare

Sanjay Khurana, MD

Very impressed at my first visit with the doctors understanding of my pain and my spine and how he wishes to treat both.

Sanjay Khurana, MD