11 Best Spine Institutes and Centers in San Francisco
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
According to research, over 50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. If you're suffering from chronic back and neck pain, deciding on a suitable treatment option can be overwhelming.
If you live in San Francisco and you're looking for the best spine institute in San Francisco, this article contains a list of the best spine institutes in the state and everything you need to know about the spine institutes, including their surgeons' qualifications and specialty.
World Leader In Laser Spine Surgery
Although this post contains a list of the best spine institute in San Francisco, the first we'll look at is Deuk Spine Institute. This spine institute is the best in the nation, and patients from all across the country travel here to get treated.
Deuk Spine Institute
Deuk Spine Institute has performed many operations, including thousands of minimally invasive spine procedures, and obtained a 95 percent pain relief success rate using the latest and most cutting-edge technology with world-class physicians on staff.
There’s a reason people travel from all over the country to get treated at Deuk Spine Institute. The services offered in this institute are not offered anywhere else in the world, and their treatments are curative–not palliative.
On top of that, the founder of Deuk Spine Institute, Dr. Deukmedjian, is personally invested in the well-being of each and every patient and has spared no expense to guarantee the best possible outcomes. Deuk Spine Institute offers the best treatment when it comes to the elimination of pain.
About the surgeon:
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian, also known as Dr. Deuk to his patients and colleagues, is a renowned neuro-spine surgeon and a true pioneer in minimally invasive, laser, and endoscopic back, neck, and thoracic pain treatment.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian, who grew up in Southern California, now practices at the Deuk Spine Institute in Florida. He developed a laser procedure called Deuk Laser Disc Repair, which is the most advanced laser spine surgery in the world. This revolutionary procedure is an alternative to dangerous invasive surgeries like total disc replacement or spinal fusion.
Dr. Deuk has treated over 1,000 herniated or degenerated lumbar discs, performed over 2,000 cervical decompressive discectomies, and performed more than 1,300 laser spine surgeries to date with no complications.
Deuk Laser Disc Repair has had a 95% success rate with no complications in any patient, which is higher than any other surgery available today.
Dr. Ara Deukmedjian is also a member of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), Surgery Department Chair, Parrish Medical Center, and Brevard County Medical Society (President, Board of Governors). He has also been awarded the “Patients Choice Award” for consecutive years.
Best Spine Institute in San Francisco
1. Pacific Heights Spine Center
Pacific Heights Spine Center was founded in 2011. They specialize in Orthopedic Surgery and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Pacific Heights Spine Center offers all aspects of orthopedic surgery, including spinal surgery and physical medicine rehabilitation therapy services.
About the Surgeon
Dr. Ray Oshtray, M.D. M.B.A. obtained a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from M.I.T., where he began his academic career. He received his M.D. and M.B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles, before going to Stanford University to study orthopedic surgery. He finished his spine surgery residency at Stanford University Medical Center and St. Mary's Hospital. He also worked at Stanford as a clinical educator.
Minimally invasive surgery, cervical spine surgery, spinal deformity surgery, and biomedical device technologies are among Dr. Oshtory's special interests.
Address: 2100 Webster Street, San Francisco, California
2. San Francisco Spine Center
San Francisco Spine Surgeons is a spine clinic in San Francisco. The hospital was founded in 1963 through the contributions of Dr. Lloyd W. Taylor. They treat patients with spine disorders and cover all areas of the human spine.
The spine hospital provides care for their patients through physical therapy and personalized attention at every level. They also perform spine surgeries when necessary.
About the Surgeon
Dr. Jim Zucherman specializes in the surgical treatment of degenerative conditions of the spine. He is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He graduated with honors from the University of Southern California in 1970. He received his medical degree from the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, in 1974.
Following that, he completed his internship at Los Angeles County – U.S.C. General Hospital in 1975 and a General Surgery residency at Mt. Zion Medical Center in 1977. Subsequently, he completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the San Francisco Orthopedic Residency Program in 1981 and a pediatric/orthopedic spine surgery fellowship at the Duchess of Kent Children's Orthopaedic Hospital of the University of Hong Kong in 1982.
His main interests are interspinous process decompression, mobility preservation in the cervical/lumbar spine, and total disk arthroplasty.
Address: 1199 Hyde Street, San Francisco, California
3. Spine Resources
Spine Resource is a spine institute that treats bone spur, disc degeneration, failed back surgery syndrome, and other spine problems.
They have been treating people in San Francisco for several years. Their medical team includes board-certified orthopedic surgeons and pain management specialists specializing in spinal trauma, fractures, arthritis, and degenerative conditions.
About the Surgeon
Dr. Fred Naraghi got his first degree in Physiology at UC Berkeley, CA. Also, he attended New York Medical College MD in 1990. His residency was at the University of New Mexico, Department of Orthopedic Surgery Albuquerque. In 1999, He completed his fellowship in Spine Surgery at Spine Care Medical Group/San Francisco Spine Institute, Daly City, CA.
Dr. Fred Naraghi is board certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and the American Board of Spine Surgery. He practices orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery and specializes in minimally invasive Cervical and Lumbar Disc Surgery, which improves neck and arm discomfort, lower back pain, and sciatica in his patients.
Address: San Francisco, California,
4. Golden Gate Spine
Golden Gate Spine is a spine care provider that offers individualized treatments and personalized attention to their patients. They offer treatment for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and other related conditions.
At Golden Gate Spine, they offer surgical and non-surgical treatment options to their patients.
About the Surgeon
Dr. Youjeong Kim studied Neuroscience at M.I.T. and obtained her medical degree from the University of Texas at Houston. She then completed an orthopedic residency at the University of California, San Francisco. She completed a fellowship in spine surgery and was the first woman to do so at the Emory Spine Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Youjeong’s main interest lies in minimally invasive herniated disc surgery, motion preservation surgery, total disc arthroplasty, and complex cervical spine surgery.
Address: 1236 Sutter Street, San Francisco, California
5. SF Spine Pain Relief Center
S.F. Spine Pain Relief Center is a San Francisco spine institute that uses cold laser treatments, fast release technologies, and exercise to address spine disorders. They specialize in treating chronic pain caused by muscular spasms and providing relief to patients who have undergone surgery or have been injured.
About the Surgeon
Dr. Lonna Denny earned her bachelor's degree in biology from Mills College and graduated from Life Chiropractic College West with a Summa Cum Laude. She has received the L.C.C.W. Clinic Honors Award and the Excellence in Care Award.
She specializes in sports injuries, automobile accidents, and chiropractic care.
Address: 569 Geary, San Francisco, CA
6. Sierra Regional Spine Institute
Sierra Regional Spine Institute, established in 1991, adopts non-surgical and surgical methods to treat back and neck problems. They focus on herniated disc, scoliosis, neurological injury, spinal fractures, and degeneration.
Their team of physicians treats patients from all over the world. They adopt a personalized approach when caring for their patients.
About the Surgeon
Dr. James Rappaport is a Reno-based orthopedist linked with several local institutions, including Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital and Banner Churchill Community Hospital. He graduated from the University of California (San Francisco) School of Medicine with a medical degree and practiced for over 20 years.
He focuses on muscle, bone, and joint disorders and sports injuries, degenerative illnesses, cancers, infections, and birth deformities.
7. Presidio Surgery Center
Presidio Surgery Center is a San Francisco-based surgery center that provides high-quality care to patients. They offer Orthopedic, Spine, Hand, and other general surgical services. P.S.C. has been in operation since 1989, emphasizing patient safety and excellent outcomes through surgical procedures.
About the Surgeon
Dr. Brian T. Andrews M.D. is a neurosurgeon in San Francisco, California, and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Mills-Peninsula Health Services-Burlingame and California Pacific Medical Center-St. Luke's Campus. He is the leading spine surgeon at Presidio Surgery Center.
He received his medical degree from the University of California (San Francisco) School of Medicine and has practiced for more than 20 years. He specializes in neurosurgery and spine treatment.
Address: 1635 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA
8. California Orthopedic and Spine
California Orthopedic and Spine is a medical facility that provides comprehensive care for patients' spine, hip, and sports medicine needs in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Established in 1993, they are committed to providing their patients with unparalleled service and expertise across all areas of orthopedics.
About the Surgeon
Dr. Brian Su is a Board Certified Spine Surgeon. Dr. Su earned his bachelor's degree in engineering from Duke University and his medical degree from Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Dr. Su finished his orthopedic surgery residency at Columbia University's New York-Presbyterian Hospital, where he was Administrative Chief Resident and one of the New York Yankees' stadium physicians. He then completed an orthopedic and neurosurgery spine surgery residency at the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital's Rothman Institute.
Address: 7100 Redwood Blvd, Suite 100 Novato, CA
9. California Spine Care
Dr. Santi Rao founded California Spine Care in 1994 to provide orthopedic care to the general people. They provide diagnostic services and treatment options such as joint injections, minimally invasive surgery, and standard surgery. The hospital will make every effort to get you back on your feet as soon as possible.
Back and neck pain and other disorders like compression fractures and fibromyalgia are their specialties.
About the Surgeon
Dr. Santi Rao, MD, is an orthopedic surgeon in Concord, California. Dr. Rao did his residency at the Health Science Center of the State University of New York in Brooklyn. In 1981 and 1982, he received fellowships at the University of South California and City Hospital in Germany.
He studied medicine at the Armed Forces Medical College and the University of Pune. Dr. Santi Rao is a low back pain, back pain, and radiculopathy specialist.
Address: 909 Hyde Street San Francisco, CA
10. Bay Area Spine Care
Bay Area Spine Care is a specialty practice that focuses on the spine and its related conditions. They offer patients with neck pain, spinal deformities, or back pain a comprehensive range of conservative treatment options to help them recover from their injuries.
Bay Area Spine Care was established in 1999 by Dr. Michael Cluck and has been operating for over 20 years. They strive to provide excellent health care services while maintaining an affordable rate structure that meets all budgets without sacrificing quality service.
About the Surgeon
Dr. Cluck got his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a double major in Physiology and Cell Biology. He subsequently went on to Creighton University School of Medicine to get his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology while also pursuing his medical degree.
He finished his residency at the University of Southern California and went on to Case Western Reserve University for a fellowship in complicated spine surgery after graduation.
Address: 225 North Jackson Avenue San Jose, CA
11. City Spine Center
City Spine Center provides non-surgical and drug-free treatment for spine problems. They specialize in the neck, back, shoulder, and spine. City Spine Center looks to provide a safe alternative for many people living with chronic spine problems.
They use their methods to work with patients suffering from these injuries without resorting to surgical methods. They specialize in sports injuries, auto accident injuries, spinal decompression, work injuries, and chiropractic.
About the Surgeon
Dr. Anthony Chau, D.C., is a graduate of Life Chiropractic College West, and he received his Doctorate in Chiropractic in 1999. Dr. Anthony Chau is an active member of the California Chiropractic Association and Life West Alumni Association.
He specializes in an exclusive non-surgical protocol that combines spinal decompression (DRX-9000), deep tissue laser therapy, spinal adjustments, physiotherapy, and exercise rehabilitation.
Address: 5822 Geary Boulevard San Francisco, CA
Things to consider when selecting the best spine institutes and centers in San Francisco
There are many spine institute in San Francisco to choose from. So, how do you decide which one is best for you? The following are some things to consider:
How experienced are the surgeons in the spine institute?
When it comes to spine surgery, experience is critical. While many newly qualified surgeons can perform sophisticated spine operations, you'll be a lot more comfortable choosing an experienced one.
According to a recent study, patients who have high-risk surgery suffer higher rates of complications when the surgeon has limited or no prior experience. To avoid or minimize problems, pick a surgeon with expertise.
An experienced spine surgeon is someone who has done a spine operation at least 30 times or has done it for five years or more, with the following outcomes:
- Rapid recovery
- Little to no complications
It is critical that you inquire about the surgeon's experience and complication rates before selecting a spine doctor.
Are the surgeons in the spine institute board-certified?
After medical school, surgeons must complete an internship, residency, and fellowship. However, many surgeons choose to be board-certified. Board certification requires extensive and rigorous training. Many surgeons get board-certified to demonstrate that they are up to date on the newest advancements in their field.
When a surgeon is said to be board certified, it means:
- They commit themselves to attending trainings and taking assessments beyond what is required from their peers.
- They work to continually improve themselves and the care they deliver.
Surgeons who devote time, energy, and other resources to achieving board certification are simply demonstrating their commitment to being the finest. Board certification is not a legal requirement for surgeons to practice; nevertheless, those who spend their time, effort, and other assets to obtain board certification are demonstrating their dedication to excellence.
While it isn't a legal requirement to practice, if you're looking for a spine surgeon, you should choose one that is board-certified. Because it indicates, they've put in more effort into achieving excellence.
What is the surgeon's specialty?
Spine surgeons have specific areas of expertise. Some focus on pediatric spine problems, while others specialize in treating spinal trauma. Spinal surgery entails a variety of operations, ranging from spinal fusions to treating herniated discs and other types of spine disorders and anomalies.
The first step is to select the kind of surgeon you require. Do you need a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon? A neurosurgeon and an orthopedic surgeon are both qualified to treat chronic back or neck pain. The only distinction is that a neurosurgeon is trained to treat the brain and spine. In addition, an orthopedic surgeon specializes in bone and joint problems such as spinal disorders.
If you want to receive the best care possible, it's important to find surgeons who specialize in the type of operation you require. If you're suffering from disc herniation, you'll need a surgeon who specializes in treating herniated and bulging discs using minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Are you comfortable?
For many individuals, the notion of surgery may be frightening. Many people are confused about what to expect. This is why you should always go with a spine institute that you feel safe and at ease with.
When choosing a spine institute in San Francisco for your chronic back or neck pain, you need to look for an institute where your questions are answered in the simplest way possible.
Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you determine whether you're comfortable.
- Do you have the surgeon's complete attention?
- Do you have a good relationship with the surgeon?
- Is the surgeon able to explain things in the simplest terms possible?
- Is the surgeon willing to provide you with research to support their treatment recommendations?
- Do you believe the surgeon puts forth their best effort to identify the best treatment for your specific case?
- Does the surgeon assist you in understanding all of your alternatives and the benefits and risks of each surgery?
- Do you think your surgeon is on board with your choices?
What type of reviews does the spine institute have?
Before choosing a doctor, dentist, or other medical services, 74.6 percent of patients conduct research on the internet. This makes online patient reviews one of the greatest methods to assess the capabilities of a spine institute.
To check out genuine and authentic reviews about the spine institute in San Francisco, use platforms like Reddit and Quora. You can also do a search on Youtube.
Here's what a patient testimonial/review looks like:
Get a consultation
After you've narrowed down your list of surgeons, the next stage is consultation. Consultations are essential since they allow you to ask all the necessary questions and understand the problem, the treatment alternatives, and future actions.
Surgery, especially spine surgery, may be frightening. You probably have a million questions, and deserve to be well-informed. So if a surgeon refuses to schedule a consultation–look for someone new. Surgeons who are concerned about your health will take the time to examine you thoroughly. Many surgeons rely too much on MRI scans, which may result in the patient not receiving the best care possible.
These are the things you should anticipate during your consultation in a spine institute in San Francisco:
- A detailed review of your medical history
- Physical examination
- An explanation of the operation and their expectation
- Discussing the next steps
During the consultation, be sure to ask as many questions as you can about the problem, treatment option, and possible alternatives.
And always a second opinion
It's critical to obtain a second opinion because it allows you to make an informed decision about the best course of treatment for your condition. It may assist you in evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of surgery relative to other choices.
Most health insurance will require a second opinion for non-emergency treatments. Medicare may pay the cost of obtaining a second opinion. Even if your health plan does not demand a second opinion, you can ask for one.
The only exception is emergency surgeries, which should be performed as quickly as possible.
Also, you should always consider the value of obtaining a second opinion against the urgency of your medical problem.
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