Alexander Taghva, MD

949-388-7190

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Alexander Taghva, MD

949-388-7190

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT
  • Home
  • Services
    • Neurosurgical Conditions
      • Treatment for Neurosurgical Conditions
    • Neurosurgical Procedures
      • Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
      • Cervical Disc Replacement
      • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
      • Microdiscectomy
      • Minimally Invasive Laminotomy
      • Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
      • Revision Spine Surgery
      • Spinal Cord Stimulation
      • Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement
      • Spine Surgery
  • Meet Dr. Taghva
  • Reviews
  • For Patients
    • Education
    • Forms
    • Blog
  • Office Location
    • Mission Viejo Office, CA
Home » Neurosurgery » Spine Surgery

Spine Surgery Mission Viejo, CA (Orange County)

Dr. Taghva, M.D., F.A.A.N.S., a board-certified neurosurgeon, offers a wide range of options for back surgery to address several different spinal health concerns in Mission Viejo, CA. For more information, please call now to schedule your appointment:
949-388-7190

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT

Chronic pain or other back and spine issues?

Patients in Orange County who suffer from chronic pain or other back and spine issues may need to eventually seek relief through spine surgery in Mission Viejo, CA. Dr. Alexander Taghva, M.D., F.A.A.N.S., a board-certified neurosurgeon, offers a wide range of options for back surgery to address several different spinal health concerns.

Table of Contents
  1. Chronic pain or other back and spine issues?
  2. Spine Surgery Procedure
  3. Benefits of Back Surgery in Mission Viejo, CA
  4. The Ideal Candidate for Spinal Surgery
  5. Reasons to have a Back Surgery
  6. Spine Surgery Consultation with Dr. Taghva
  7. Preparing for Back Surgery in Mission Viejo, CA
  8. Types of Back Surgery
  9. Spine Surgery Recovery
  10. Possible Risks and Potential Complications of Spine Surgery
  11. Spine Surgery FAQs

Spine Surgery Procedure

The spine is made up of bones and discs that support the body and protect the spinal cord. The spinal cord delivers information from the brain to the body. These bones and discs may develop improperly during normal growth, develop many problems over time, or become injured, causing pain and other issues.

For the most part, spine surgery is typically performed to correct a structural issue or injury in the back that will not resolve with other therapies. When less invasive treatment options do not correct a patient’s health concerns, surgical treatment is an effective tool for treating a wide range of spinal issues.

There are many different types of spine surgery, depending on the patient’s specific needs. Below are a few of the conditions that can be addressed with back surgery in Mission Viejo with Dr. Taghva:

  • back problems like a herniated or ruptured disc
  • spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal column)
  • Scoliosis
  • fractures caused by osteoporosis
  • bulging discs
  • chronic pain
Back surgery - Orange county.
Spine surgery is performed to correct a structural issue or injury in the back that will not resolve with other therapies.

Benefits of Back Surgery in Mission Viejo, CA

Patients are often nervous about undergoing spinal surgery. While any surgical procedure can be scary, the benefits of back surgery typically far outweigh the risks. Most patients who undergo spine surgery in Orange County experience significant improvement in their overall quality of life.

Some benefits of back surgery, depending on the procedure, include reduced pain, better mobility, as well as improved spinal stability. Patients often find it life-changing as it can empower them to once again enjoy activities pain-free. The surgery allows them to achieve long-term pain management while reducing the need for prescription pain medications.

Dr. Taghva offers his patients cutting-edge techniques, such as minimally invasive spine surgery mission viejo, to create excellent results while reducing blood loss and encouraging a faster recovery process. He is the only spine surgery expert in Mission Viejo offering endoscopic spine surgery, a technique that uses a small camera for visibility during surgery and requires only a small incision. Because of this, patients can gain all the benefits of back surgery with a less invasive procedure and typically go home soon after surgery.

The Ideal Candidate for Spinal Surgery

Above all, good candidates for Spine surgery in Mission Viejo, CA, are men, women, and children suffering from certain spine conditions that have not responded to non-surgical treatments. Many candidates for spine surgery suffer from chronic back as well as neck pain. For this reason, Patients should consult with their primary care physician and speak with a board-certified neurosurgeon about the different treatment options available. Each surgical procedure has its specific requirements.

Reasons to have a Back Surgery

It’s recommended to try other treatment methods first before trying neurosurgery unless you’ve suffered from a serious spinal cord injury.

That said, there are also a variety of reasons why your doctor may recommend you undergo neurosurgery for your back pain. For instance, here are just some of the reasons why your doctor might suggest surgery as your best option:

  • You have a dislocated or broken bone in your back
  • You’re suffering from a spinal infection
  • You have a degenerative spinal condition
  • You’ve suffered a slipped disc and it isn’t getting better with other treatment options
  • Bone spurs are putting pressure on your spine
  • You’re suffering from weakness or numbness in your arms and legs
  • You have difficulty using your hands or walking
  • Problems with the nerves in your back are causing you to lose bladder or bowel control
  • You have a tumor located in your spinal cord

Spine Surgery Consultation with Dr. Taghva

If you think you might be able to benefit from spine surgery at Dr. Taghva’s South Orange County practice, you should be to talk to your healthcare providers and to set up a consultation at our office.

During your back surgery consultation in Mission Viejo with Dr. Taghva, you will discuss the pros and cons of surgery. Dr. Taghva will go over your medical history, ask about your symptoms and past treatments, and then, he will perform an exam.

He may order imaging and other tests before recommending a treatment plan. In case you are a good candidate for spinal surgery, Dr. Taghva will provide you with specific information about the procedure, both the necessary preparation steps, and the recovery.

You are encouraged to ask questions during your consultation. Remember that choosing spine surgery is a major decision, and it’s important to have everything you need to make an informed treatment decision.

Preparing for Back Surgery in Mission Viejo, CA

When you schedule your back surgery, Dr. Taghva’s office will give you a detailed list of preparation instructions. You may also need to get certain tests and talk to your doctor about changing some of your medications in preparation for surgery. Some over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs and prescription medications can increase risks during surgery and must be put on hold for several weeks before and after spinal surgery.

Patients preparing for spine surgery at our Mission Viejo facility will need to stop smoking well in advance of the procedure. Depending on the treatment option you choose, you may need general anesthesia. Also, you will need to avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight on the day of the surgery. Make sure you have a ride to and from your appointment, even if it’s just an outpatient procedure.

Types of Back Surgery

The type of surgery a patient will need depends on the type and severity of their spinal health concerns. Dr. Taghva offers several spinal surgery types to help each patient find relief from conditions affecting the spine. He uses minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. Some of the surgical treatments he offers include:

Minimally invasive laminotomy

A lumbar decompression procedure that addresses lumbar spinal stenosis and provides relief for patients with back pain and sciatica caused by nerve root compression.

Anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF)

A spinal fusion surgery addressing the lumbar spine (lower spine) that involves using bone grafts to treat issues like degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis (disc slipping).

Minimally invasive discectomy 

Removal of a portion of a damaged disc to reduce pressure on the spinal cord.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)

A surgery that removes damaged discs from the neck area of the spine and fuses the bones together with a bone graft. This surgery is done to relieve pain caused by pinched nerves.

Minimally invasive foraminotomy

Relieving pressure on compressed spinal nerves by removing blockages and enlarging openings around affected bones in the spine.

Posterior lumbar fusion (PLIF)

Also known as transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), this procedure fuses lumbar spine bones to increase stability. It is often performed alongside lumbar decompression.

Minimally invasive lateral fusion (XLIF)

A spinal fusion surgery performed through the side of the body that can treat spinal column problems such as recurring herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and degenerative scoliosis.

Total disc replacement

Surgically replaces a damaged disc with an artificial disc.

Revision spine surgery

Correction of issues left by a prior surgical procedure.

Call today to schedule your consultation

949-388-7190

Spine Surgery Recovery

After spine surgery in Mission Viejo surgery center, is most important for patients to follow Dr. Taghva’s recovery instructions carefully so that proper healing is ensured and to reduce the risk of spinal surgery complications occurring.

Back surgery recovery time varies considerably. Many patients’ incisions heal quickly, but the final healing of the spinal column may take several months. Dr. Taghva will provide you with information on activity restrictions, what to expect, and how to set yourself up for optimal results. He also educates patients on proper spine care to help prevent problems in the future.

How long does it take to recover from spine surgery? 

How long it takes to recover from spine surgery will depend on the type of surgery you underwent and how well you adhere to pre and post-surgery instructions. After that, some of the other factors that play a role in your recovery time include your age, lifestyle, and any underlying health conditions.

For the most part, the average recovery time can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. If you undergo spinal fusion, it could take up to a year before the graft fuses with the surrounding bone, but you should be able to resume most of your normal activities within a month or two.

For other surgeries, such as spinal laminectomies, decompression, or foraminotomies, it may only take a few weeks to recover.

You’ve suffered from pain long enough, and you should be able to get back to enjoying life as soon as possible. You will eventually get there, but you’ll need to be patient, focused, and follow all pre and post-surgery instructions.

Possible Risks and Potential Complications of Spine Surgery

First thing to remember, all surgical procedures involve some risk, including spine surgery in Orange County. Risks and potential complications vary from procedure to procedure and will be discussed during your consultation. For this reason, choosing a respected, board-certified spine surgeon who offers M.I.S.S. is the best way to reduce the risks associated with back surgery.

Spine Surgery FAQs

Are there any good back surgery alternatives?

Surgical treatment for spine conditions is typically a last resort. Physical therapy at an orthopedic institute, pain management with neuromodulation, and other less invasive treatments are preferred initially. If the patient’s symptoms do not respond to these treatments, surgery may be the best option.

How much does spine surgery cost?

Different surgical procedures have different associated costs. The total back surgery cost will include surgical fees, anesthesia, facility fees, and other costs. Patients should check with their health insurance providers to determine possible coverage.

How can I ensure that my spine surgery recovery goes smoothly?

The best way to improve your results and reduce risks for complications following spine surgery is to follow Dr. Taghva’s pre and post-op instructions to the letter. If you follow these instructions closely, you will set yourself up for a quick and successful recovery.

Do children ever need spine surgery?

Some children and young adults develop spine problems due to genetics, injury, and other factors. Most spine problems, however, are associated with older individuals. Spine surgery for scoliosis is one of the most common spine procedures in children and teens.

What Spine Surgery office is near me?

If you live near Mission Viejo, CA, Dr. Taghva offers Spine Surgery among its services, and is conveniently located at 26732 Crown Valley Pkwy Suite 541, Mission Viejo, CA 92691

Can back surgery benefit me?

If you suffer from chronic back pain and nothing seems to be helping, then you might want to consider spine surgery in Mission Viejo, CA. Call 949-388-7190 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alexander Taghva at our Orange County facility.

Why Choose Dr. Alexander Taghva

Dr. Alexander Taghva is a leading board-certified neurosurgeon, specializing in brain surgery, endoscopic spine surgery, as well as spine disorders. Also, he is the only spine surgeon in Orange County and southern California who offers endoscopic laminotomy surgery. Dr. Taghva:

  • Graduated from John Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of California
  • Completed a prestigious fellowship at The Ohio State University in Neuromodulation and Functional Neurosurgery
  • Specializes in minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery, spinal stenosis, artificial disc replacement, spinal disorders, spinal surgery revision, and other spinal conditions.
  • Specializes in brain surgery to treat trigeminal neuralgia, brain tumors, pituitary tumors, and Parkinson’s disease.
  • A highly-respected neurosurgeon with many years of experience, including treating chronic pain via stimulation of the spinal cord and brain
  • Actively involved in medical research and the lead investigator for clinical trials on spinal cord stimulation

Last Modified December 13, 2022 by Dr. Taghva

Reviews

Since I have no formal medical training, I would like to provide you with my layman’s point of view of my case and the incredible journey I undertook.

In early January of 2015 I developed a serious problem in…

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  • Deloris C. , Ladera Ranch, California

Doctors McFarland, Sieglen, Massoudi, and Madara,

I am writing this letter today to thank each of you individually and your organizations for allowing me the opportunity to have met a man of such as Alexander Taghva MD.

I am the son of poor Scottish immigrants, an Ex Army Paratrooper, Ex…

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  • James G.

I have suffered for years with excruciating hip pain, More recently, I began needing ambulatory assistance, for without a cane, it became impossible to get from the bed to the bathroom. So, I saw another hip specialist and he deduced that the problem was in my back. He scheduled a MRI, and this…

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  • Joseph R.

5 years ago I was sent to Dr. Taghva by my pain management specialist. He had very thorough tests done. He told me that it was his opinion that I had RSD aka CRPS. After much discussion with my pain specialist, I had a spinal cord stimulator implanted. I loved the relief it gave me.

A few years…

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  • Susan H.

Dr. Taghva is my hero. I had a herniated disc and spinal stenosis with pressure on the upper spine area. After 3 hours of surgery I was up and walking pain free right away. My recovery in just 2-3 weeks had me walking without any walker or back brace and I am feeling terrific.

Thank you so much…

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  • Real patient

I had a trial stimulator put in two weeks ago since I have scoliosis and spinal stenosis and helped with my pain 100%. Yesterday he inserted permanent stimulator inside me. I am so happy and love Dr Tagvha. I highly recommend him and has a wonderful bedside manner. Best neurosurgeon. Dr. Alexander…

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  • Christina C.

I recently had major surgery on my cervical spine. Work was done from C3 to T1. I was suffering from severe stenosis and losing the ability to use my left arm and hand.

Dr. Taghva performed the surgery and was assisted by his nurse practitioner Vanessa Stroessner. It’s been a few months since…

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  • Pat B.

In September 2018, my ENT doctor sent me to see Dr. Taghva; as a result of the MRI taken after my ears were tested for possible hearing loss. It turned out that I had a brain tumor the size of a golf ball that needed to be removed; which most likely was the cause of some hearing loss. Both doctors…

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  • Jeannette P.

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949-388-7190

26732 Crown Valley Pkwy Suite 541
Mission Viejo, CA 92691.

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