- best Herniated Disc Doctor in Los Angeles
Herniated Disc Surgery
Expert herniated disc surgery with Dr. Albert P. Wong at Wong Spine. Minimally invasive procedures relieve pain, restore spine function, and provide fast recovery in Los Angeles & Beverly Hills , and nearby areas.
- Understanding Your Condition
What Is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc happens when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through the tough outer layer. This material can press on nearby nerves or the spinal cord. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.
A herniated disc is also called a slipped disc, ruptured disc, or bulging disc. These words all describe problems with the discs that cushion the bones in your spine.
Herniated discs happen most often in the lower back. They usually affect the discs between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae (L4–L5) or between the 5th lumbar and 1st sacral vertebrae (L5–S1). They can also happen in the neck, causing pain that travels into the arms and hands.
Seeing Dr. Albert P. Wong early helps get the right diagnosis and treatment plan. Treatment may include conservative care or minimally invasive herniated disc surgery.
99%+
Screw Placement Accuracy
- Why Minimally Invasive Matters
Benefits of Herniated Disc Surgery
90–95% Success Rate for Sciatica Relief
Microdiscectomy relieves leg pain in 90–95% of patients. Most people experience significant improvement immediately after surgery
Ultra-Small Incisions
Minimally invasive microdiscectomy uses incisions as small as 15–20 mm. Endoscopic techniques use even smaller 8 mm cuts. Muscles and soft tissue are preserved.
Faster Recovery
Most patients go home the same day. Many return to desk work in 1–2 weeks. Full recovery usually takes 4–6 weeks, much faster than traditional open surgery.
Minimal Blood Loss
These procedures cause very little blood loss, usually less than 25 mL
Low Complication Rate
Modern microdiscectomy is very safe. Fewer than 2% of patients have complications. Advanced tools and imaging make the surgery precise.
Preserved Disc Structure
Only the herniated part of the disc is removed. Most of the healthy disc stays intact. This keeps the spine stable and reduces the need for fusion.
- Our Step-by-Step
The Herniated Disc Surgery Process
From accurate diagnosis to same-day recovery, this minimally invasive procedure removes nerve pain at its source.
3×
Faster Recovery
Diagnostic Imaging & Evaluation
High-resolution MRI shows exactly which disc is herniated, how big it is, and which nerve is pressed. CT scans or nerve tests may be added for more complicated cases.
Targeted Surgical Access
Using X-ray or endoscope guidance, the surgeon makes a small cut (8–20 mm) and gently moves tissue aside to reach the herniated disc. Muscles are not cut. Tubular retractors hold the fibers apart.
Fragment Removal & Nerve Decompression
With a microscope or endoscope, the surgeon finds and removes the herniated disc piece. The pressed nerve is carefully freed. Any extra loose disc material is cleaned to prevent it from coming back.
Closure & Same-Day Recovery
The small cut is closed with a few stitches or surgical tape. Most patients walk within 1–2 hours and go home the same day. Physical therapy starts right away to help full recovery.
- Conditions We Treat
Common Spinal Disc Problems We Treat
Herniated disc surgery is effective for a range of disc-related conditions causing nerve compression and radiating pain.
Lumbar Disc Herniation
A herniated disc in the lower back can cause leg pain, numbness, or weakness. It often causes sciatica, a sharp pain down one or both legs.
Cervical Disc Herniation
A herniated disc in the neck can press on nerves and cause pain in the arm or shoulder. It can also cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands or fingers.
Sciatica
Sharp, shooting pain that runs from the lower back down the leg. It happens when a herniated disc presses on the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body.
Radiculopathy
When a nerve root is pressed by a disc, it can cause pain, numbness, or weakness along the nerve in the arms or legs.
Cauda Equina Syndrome
A serious condition where a large disc presses on nerves at the base of the spine. It needs emergency surgery to relieve pressure.
Recurrent Disc Herniation
A disc can herniate again at a spot that was treated before. Surgery can fix it.
Sequestered Disc Fragment
A piece of disc that has broken off and moved inside the spine. Surgery is often needed to remove it and ease nerve pressure.
Disc Extrusion
A severe herniation where disc material pushes out but stays connected. Minimally invasive surgery can remove it and provide quick relief.
- Your Surgeon
best Herniated Disc Doctor in Los Angeles, CA
Meet the best robotic spine surgeon Beverly Hills – Albert P. Wong. Dual fellowship-trained neurosurgeon offering advanced robotic spine surgery in Los Angeles.
About Dr. Albert P. Wong
Meet Dr. Albert P. Wong, MD
Board-Certified Neurosurgeon & Spine Specialist in Los Angeles, CA
At Wong Spine patients receive expert care for herniated disc conditions from Dr. Albert P. Wong. He is a board-certified dual fellowship-trained neurosurgeon specializing in cervical and lumbar herniated discs. Trained at Stanford and Northwestern, Dr. Wong focuses on pain relief, motion preservation, and returning patients to active, pain-free lifestyles. He is recognized for treating complex spinal conditions, including herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and revision cases after prior surgery.
As a best herniated disc surgeon in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Dr. Wong, tailors treatment using advanced minimally invasive methods: robotic navigation endoscopic spine surgery and artificial disc replacement (motion-preserving option instead of fusion). If you need a top herniated disc doctor in Los Angeles who provides personalized cutting-edge neurosurgical care, Dr. Albert P. Wong offers exceptional expertise and results.
Board-Certified
Neurosurgeon
Dual Fellowship
Stanford & Northwestern
60+
Publications
20+
Years Experience
Education & Training
Fellowship
Stanford Health Care-Sponsored Stanford University
Neurosurgical Spine Surgery, 2014-2015
Residency
McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University
McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University
Residency
McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University
Neurosurgical Spine Surgery, 2012-2013
Medical Degree
Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
Internship
McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University
Transitional Year, 2007-2008
Core Specialties
Hospital Affiliations
> DOCS Surgical Hospital – Los Angeles, CA
> Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital – Santa Rosa, CA
> Cedars-Sinai Medical Center – Los Angeles, CA
> UC Irvine Medical Center – Orange, CA
Book a Consultation
> (310) 746-5918
> Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 5 PM
> 8436 W. 3rd St., Suite 800
Los Angeles, CA 90048
- Patient Testimonial
What our patients says
- Area We Serve
Serving Patients Across Greater Los Angeles
Dr. Wong's office is located at 8436 W. 3rd St, Suite 800, Los Angeles, CA 90048. Patients visit from across Southern California and beyond.
Beverly Hills
West Hollywood
Santa Monica
Brentwood
Westwood
Century City
Pacific Palisades
Bel Air
Hollywood
Downtown LA
Pasadena
Glendale
Culver City
Manhattan Beach
Malibu
Encino
Sherman Oaks
Sherman Oaks
- Visit Our Beverly Hills Clinic
Herniated Disc Surgery Clinic in Los Angeles
Dr. Albert P. Wong, MD
8436 W. 3rd St, Suite 800
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone
(310) 746-5918
info@dralbertpwong.com
Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed
- Faqs
Herniated Disc Surgery FAQs
Have questions about herniated disc surgery? Here are answers to the most common questions patients ask Dr. Wong.
A standard microdiscectomy typically takes 45–90 minutes. ACDF or artificial disc replacement may take 1–2 hours. More complex revision surgeries can take longer. Dr. Wong will provide a specific time estimate during your consultation.
No. Herniated disc surgery is performed under general anesthesia. You will be completely asleep and will not feel anything during the procedure. A board-certified anesthesiologist monitors you throughout.
A microdiscectomy removes only the herniated fragment of the disc that is compressing the nerve — not the entire disc. This preserves the remaining healthy disc tissue and maintains spinal stability without the need for fusion in most cases.
Dr. Wong offers several surgical approaches tailored to the location, severity, and type of herniation. His preference for minimally invasive techniques allows for smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and faster recovery.
Microdiscectomy:
Most common surgery for lumbar herniated discs
Small incision (typically 1–1.5 inches) using an operating microscope
Removes only the herniated portion pressing on the nerve
Performed as an outpatient procedure; most patients go home the same day
Success rate: 90–95% for leg pain relief
Recovery: Return to light activities in 2–4 weeks
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF):
Small incision made in the front of the neck
Removes the damaged disc and relieves nerve compression
A spacer and plate stabilize the spine and promote fusion
Highly effective for arm pain, numbness, and weakness
Hospital stay: Typically 1–2 nights
Recovery: Return to desk work in 2–4 weeks
Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement:
Replaces the damaged disc with an artificial implant that preserves neck motion
Ideal for single-level cervical herniations in active patients
Reduces the risk of adjacent-level disc degeneration compared to fusion
Dr. Wong has performed many artificial disc replacements with excellent outcomes
Recovery: Similar timeline to ACDF
Some patients report dramatic improvements in pain and mobility after surgery
Endoscopic Discectomy:
Uses a small endoscope through a 7–8 mm incision
Real-time camera visualization of the herniated disc and nerve
Minimal muscle and tissue disruption
Performed under local anesthesia or light sedation in select cases
Often provides the fastest recovery among surgical options
Best suited for contained or lateral disc herniations
Laminectomy / Laminotomy:
Removes a small portion of the lamina (bone) to access and decompress the nerve
Used when the herniation is central or associated with spinal stenosis
May be combined with microdiscectomy for full nerve decompression
Effective for patients with narrowing of the spinal canal
Can be performed using minimally invasive techniques with tubular retractors
Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within 4–6 weeks
Surgery involves removing the portion of the disc that is pressing on nerves or the spinal cord. Minimally invasive techniques use small incisions and specialized instruments for faster recovery and less tissue disruption.
Recovery varies by procedure and patient health, but most patients return to light activities within a few days and resume normal activities over several weeks, with full recovery typically in 6–12 weeks.
Discomfort is usually minimal due to minimally invasive techniques. Pain is managed with medication, and most patients experience significant relief from the symptoms caused by the herniated disc.
Dr. Wong takes a conservative approach and recommends surgery only when non-surgical treatments have failed or when there is progressive neurological deficit. During your consultation, he will review your imaging, discuss your symptoms, and present all options — including continuing conservative care if appropriate.
Spinal fusion permanently joins two vertebrae together, eliminating motion at that level. Artificial disc replacement replaces the damaged disc with a prosthetic that preserves motion. Dr. Wong discusses which option is best based on your specific herniation, activity level, and goals.
Recurrence rates with modern microsurgical techniques are approximately 5% over five years. Dr. Wong uses meticulous techniques and provides post-operative guidance to minimize this risk, including physical therapy and ergonomic recommendations.