Marina Spine Center

A World Leader

The Marina Spine Center is a multidisciplinary center offering comprehensive spine services, from evaluation and diagnosis to surgery and rehabilitation.

Beverly R.

Beyond a chance to express my gratitude for Dr. Melamed.

Henry T.

Our patient had a back procedure performed by Dr. Robert Watkins IV.

Jodi C.

No more pain in Jodi's lower back thanks to Dr. Watkins Jr.

John D.

"Zero pain after a triple laminectomy with Dr. Robert Watkins III."

Jonathan Q.

I had my herniated disc procedure performed by Dr. Watkins.

Rob N.

Successful spine surgery performed by Dr. Watkins Jr.

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Our World Renowned Surgeons

Patients have direct access to a full range of treatments, including conservative non-surgical approaches and pain management techniques, minimally invasive procedures that ease pain and expedite recovery, and advanced surgical techniques that can restore function when pain or injury is severe or debilitating. With a staff of experts including renowned spinal surgeon Dr. Robert Watkins of the Athletes Spine Center, the Marina Spine Center is a worldwide leader in treating back pain and spinal injuries.

Robert Watkins IV, M.D.
Co-Medical Director
Robert Watkins III, M.D.
Co-Medical Director
David Chang, M.D.
Director of Surgical Resources and Technology

Cutting Edge Spine Surgery

Our program combines the proven experience of the nation’s leading spine surgeons performing the newest, most advanced surgical solutions

Microscopic Discectomy

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The Future of Spine Surgery

Means getting back in the game sooner

Professional athletes from the NBA, NFL, NHL, USGA, and MLB have all chosen Marina Spine Center for essential procedures due to the:

Center's unmatched expertise,
State-of-the-art technology,
Close working relationships with physical therapists and athletic trainers all over the country.

The same consideration and attention used when treating these professional athletes is given to every single patient.

We Play an Active Role in Our Community

Through general lectures and events for patients and residents, seminars for therapists, and meetings with doctors and staff. Register for a seminar or join us for a special event at Marina Del Rey Hospital.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will numbness in my legs go away after microdiscectomy?

In some cases it may take weeks or months, perhaps even a year for post-surgical numbness to disappear. If you still experience this numbness after a year, it is probably permanent. This is a subject you may want to discuss further with your physician.

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My physician wants me to have fusion surgery. After surgery, will I be able to use the stairs?

Usually, walking up and down the stairs after surgery is not a problem. Your surgeon will probably want you to limit your bending, lifting and twisting, however, to allow the fusion to heal properly. You will be given additional instructions and guidelines before and after your spine surgery to ensure a good recovery.

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When can I go back to work after minimally invasive back surgery?

For patients that have sedentary jobs, a minimally invasive back surgery would allow the patient to begin working part-time in 1-2 weeks. For a bigger surgery such as fusion, it may take up to 6 weeks.

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What is the difference between a herniated disc and a bulging disc?

A herniated disc is “non-contained” which means that a tear or break is present and a section of the gel-like nucleus pulposus has slipped into the spinal canal while a bulging disc is "contained", meaning that the outer layer of the disc does not have any tears or ruptures, and no portion of the nucleus has leaked out of the disc.

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When should I consider back surgery?

Surgery for back pain is only considered as a viable option after conservative treatments have shown no improvement in reducing pain and other symptoms associated with back pain over the course of several months. If there is no identifiable anatomic cause of a patient's back pain that can be observed on an MRI scan, CT scan, myelogram or others, then back surgery is not an option.

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20 Spine Physicians

20 Spine Physicians

Robert Watkins III

M.D.

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Robert S. Bray

M.D.

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David Chang

M.D.

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Robert Watkins IV

M.D.

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Hooman Melamed

M.D.

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Christopher Wolf

M.D.

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Sanjay Khurana

M.D.

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Eli Baron

M.D.

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Fardad Mobin

M.D.

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Jae Chon

M.D.

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Amir Vokshoor

M.D.

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Edward Nomoto

M.D.

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Neel Anand

M.D.

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William Dillin

M.D.

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Rojeh Melikian

M.D.

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Brian Gantwerker

M.D.

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David Rogers

M.D.

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Sam Bakshian

M.D.

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Michael Schiffman

M.D.

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Albert Wong

M.D.

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Marina Del Rey Hospital is an affiliate of Cedars-Sinai Health System, 133-bed acute care Joint Commission accredited hospital offering general acute medical services and 24/7 emergency care.

This page was last updated on 11/02/2018 7:52 PM PST