Proudly Serving: Orange County

Board Certified Orange County Herniated Disc Specialist

Disc pain can interrupt sleep, work, and daily routines. Dr. Kushagra Verma evaluates herniated discs with detailed exams and advanced imaging.

He starts with conservative care and recommends minimally invasive surgery only when symptoms persist.

15+

Years of Orthopedic Experience

50+

Peer-Reviewed Publications

5

Star Patient Rating Across 300+ Reviews

Diagnosis that confirms the disc level involved

Minimally invasive disc procedures with motion preservation

Conservative care first, surgery when pain persists

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Russell Allsbrook profile picture
Russell Allsbrook
19 March 2026
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+3
I wish words could begin to describe the immense amount of gratitude I’m feeling. Ever since departing the military in 2014 I struggled with back pain. It was often dismissed at the VA medical center as “I’m too young to be experiencing this level of pain” after years of physical therapy, fixing imbalances, strengthening underdeveloped muscle groups, acupuncture, chiropractors. These things provided temporary relief and as the years kept going the pain only increased in frequency and duration. There were times I thought I would have been better off dead than dealing with the pain. I questioned my own ability to protect my wife. To say I was losing hope puts it lightly. It’s day 3 post surgery (disc replacement) and I’m practically pain free. Mild soreness post op of course, but the burning nerve pain, it’s gone it’s finally gone!!! Thank you Dr. Verma!!! And if anyone is reading this review you deserve to be healed, you deserve to be pain-free. You deserve Dr. Verma!
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Haiki
18 March 2026
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+0
Great Doctor, my knee would not be where it is without their program.
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Jaidan Salisbury profile picture
Jaidan Salisbury
15 March 2026
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+0
I stumbled across Dr. Didinger after struggling with persistent knee issues. From the start, she provided care like no other provider. Her bedside manner is exceptional. She is patient, professional, compassionate, and attentive. Hands down, she's the best California has to offer. I am now 6 months post-op and I no longer have patellar instability. For any other athlete looking to get back to the sport they love, she is truly the go-to person. Highly recommend!!
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Janet Delude
30 January 2026
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+0
Two years ago my husband had back surgery from Dr Verma. I will be having back surgery next month. I trust Dr Verma 100%. I couldn’t ask for a more caring doctor. He spends time with his patients explaining exactly what he will be doing. His office staff are also the best. Janet After a year I had a visit with Dr.Verma today I’m doing well. I would recommend this awesome doctor to anyone who needs help with their back. He takes time talking with you explaining what needs to be done. If Dr. Verma and you decide to do surgery and he tells you to drink 3 protein drinks a day, he means 3 drinks no less. Love you Dr.Verma Janet Delude
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Katharine Blanchard
23 November 2025
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+2
Not only did Dr. Kushagra Verma give me hope, he gave me results! Dr. Verma performed a lumbar fusion surgery, and laminectomy surgery within a few months of each other, improving my quality of life beyond measure. Pain free!! Verma listened to my concerns patiently, answering my questions in detail, making me feel comfortable before and after my surgeries. I felt valued as a patient. Dr. Verma’s entire staff has been an amazing support team! This professional and caring group of people at Advanced Spine Care were there for not only me, but my family through every step. I feel so blessed and thankful for the medical care that I received from Dr Verma and his Advanced Spine Care team.
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Nadia Khawaja profile picture
Nadia Khawaja
18 November 2025
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+0
Dr. Verma is an amazing orthopedic surgeon. My FIL first met him in seattle during his fellowship when he performed his surgery and everything went soo smoothly and he received the best care from him. After he moved to CA and so did we, he was able to do a follow-up with Dr. verma and he still remembered him so many years later! His clinic is so friendly and you just feel like you’re in good hands with his whole team. We highly recommend him for any orthopedic needs in Orange County area.
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Marshall Tippit
3 October 2025
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+2
Direct and straight to the point of healthcare management. Has good bedside manner in how he treats patients. Very competent and takes the time to communicate and have clarity.
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Martel Powers
15 September 2025
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+0
He is very warm and caring doctor. I enjoyed meeting with him
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Richard Anthony Cesena
15 March 2025
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+0
“Simply the best, better than all the rest…” Dr. Verma and his staff are simply the best. He performed a laminectomy on me 11/12/24 and I was back to work 2 months later. He and the staff were so thorough and empathetic. Always a joy going into the office which is impeccably decorated, clean, and comfortable. Staff always smiles and that’s always comforting. Highly recommend Dr. Verma. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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Joe Arismendez
8 August 2024
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+0
Dr. Verma is a great doctor and human being. He and his team listen to every concern you might have and address all of them. The entire process was very professional and complete. Always the nicest person in the room.
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Sonia Medina
31 May 2024
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+0
If possible I would give Verma Spine 10 Stars! Dr. Verma performed my Spinal Fusion Surgery & immediately after coming out of anesthesia I could feel the problem in my Spine was resolved! I have made great progress on my recovery & I'm confident that I will be back to my previous fitness level/activities soon. I am so grateful to Dr. Verma & can't thank him enough for saving me from a life of permanent impairment. It's been 2 years and will be having a 2nd procedure to a different area in my Spine - I trust Dr. Verma and his amazing team, they make the process easy from beginning to end and very accessible. I am confident that I will have an Awesome outcome once again.
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Tina Higashi
26 May 2024
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+0
As this is my first major surgery, Dr. Verma has always made me feel I am in good hands. His assurance leaves me no doubt that I will be looking forward to a great recovery. Why? Because he also performed on my husband's lumber surgery not long ago, and my husband is now in excellent shape...bone structure wise. My husband has been so thankful and still is lost for words in expressing his appreciation for having Dr. Verma as his surgeon. Additionally, Dr. Verma makes sure that you're surrounded by a top notch team of doctors and nurses in the operating room as well as assisted by a caring staff after the surgery. I highly recommend Dr Verma.
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Cathy Gardner profile picture
Cathy Gardner
10 May 2024
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+0
I was recommended to Dr. Verma by my pain management Dr, 17yrs of severe muscle spasms, diff med’s, PT, on disability off and on last several years, etc. I’m a new patient and I’m hoping for hope that Dr. Verma can find the cause and i can get a full life back. So far i can say the office is welcoming & professional, staff warm, caring and friendly. Dr. Verma entered the office bringing his nurses flowers for “Nurse Day”! Impressed immediately! He came in vibrant, happy, warm & caring, honest, straight forward and immediately ordering tests that my other Dr’s never did in and for pain area, which i always wondered “why would you not?” I researched him as thorough as i could, i feel i am in good hands now! Side note: My fav pizza is ham, pineapple , and so is his!, Sooo I’m locked in now!!!!
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Anita Robles
11 May 2023
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+0
Dr. Verma has miraculously fix my back after 16 yrs. In a wheelchair, & in chronic nerve pain.. I call him my miracle thank you Doctor..
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Lindsey Kops Mundy profile picture
Lindsey Kops Mundy
14 November 2019
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+0
Verma Review Dr. Verma isn’t just your surgeon for a day, he is your partner in the long haul of this entire process. My husband, Jason came to him with a herniated disc between C6/C7 with a lot of pain and numbness down his arm and into his fingers, and weakening of the arm muscles by the day. Dr Verma first worked with Jason to find solutions before opting for surgery; that spoke volumes to us. Once surgery was in fact determined, he worked with us through the options of fusion vs disc replacement, talked through surgical location options to make us feel most comfortable, and worked diligently with our insurance up until the day before the procedure. When the insurance company gave us issues, Dr Verma immediately got them on the line to work it out. He was our advocate and our champion, and we felt like we had a true partner. Day of the disc replacement, Dr Verma was highly available, communicative, and reassuring. We saw him multiple times prior to the procedure to go through the process and ask him absolutely any questions we still had. As the spouse, I spent a good amount of time in the waiting room. While The Los Alamitos Center had a really great color-coding system to notify you of their process (pre-op, in surgery, post-op, etc.) Dr Verma himself came out well before the system was updated to tell me of the procedure’s success. I was in the waiting room for hours with many different families, and I was the only one to get a personal update from the doctor. Everyone else just got calls from the nurse station. Dr Verma came out multiple times to update and reassure me. He was personal and open, and I felt I truly had a compassionate partner in the process. He even gave me his cell phone and encouraged me to call for anything. All this, and my husband truly had a “routine” and successful surgery. Dr Verma is incredibly skilled and knowledgeable, but also truly knows how to work with a patient and their family. I don’t know many doctors that succeed at both. I would trust Dr. Verma again, and absolutely recommend him as a surgeon.
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Top “Top Cat” Cat
26 August 2026
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I had a great experience meeting Dr Verma. He reviewed my medical history and records for my back problem and explained the MRI in great detail. He also gave a detailed description of what’s going to be done during surgery and my expected recovery time. His staff was also very friendly and made the whole experience pleasant. The Los Alamitos location is very convenient Freeway access is good and parking is a breeze. I would recommend Dr Verma to anyone who needs expert care. He really takes a personal approach to care for his patients. Curt Bowers Rancho Palos Verdes
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Alice Sandoval profile picture
Alice Sandoval
14 August 2026
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Super efficient, detailed and knowledgeable. Would always recommend this to any anybody with any kind of body pain.
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George Rios profile picture
George Rios
13 August 2026
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I want to thank ur care team for ur assistance I would not hesitate to recommend ur services to family members and friends may u continue to prosper God Bless the Spine care specialists 😍👌
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arthur2124
9 July 2026
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Very caring and checked all my symptoms out. I will definitely be going back.
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Jeff Wennerstrom profile picture
Jeff Wennerstrom
25 June 2026
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Doctor Verma was great listening to your issue and creating a plan for your care.I am a new patient and believe that Doctor Verma with his experience will help you thru your recovery.
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Linda Davis profile picture
Linda Davis
11 June 2026
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Goodness gracious, I have had the best experience… the staff, P.A. and the doctor are all kind, patient about my questions and extremely helpful. I feel fortunate to be in their care.
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Rosemarie profile picture
Rosemarie
4 June 2026
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This is my first visit to Dr Verma’s office.The office’s staffs were welcoming and patient friendly, and no long waiting period.The office is very clean and spacious.Calvin PA and Dr Verma explained the result of my MRI on the big screen and the plan of treatment thoroughly.
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Beth Hacia profile picture
Beth Hacia
3 June 2026
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Dr. Verma is very thorough in his explanation on what your health problem is and what is the solution. He does not rush you. He gives good solution.
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Lisa Caton profile picture
Lisa Caton
27 May 2026
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Had my first visit at the practice. Very professional and knowledgable. Liked dr Verma and his staff. Would def recommend. Parking is easy, waiting room is large and comfortable and the staff is friendly. All huge pluses for me.
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Judy Fickling profile picture
Judy Fickling
25 May 2026
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I just saw Dr Verma and after 6 years he greeted me warmly and remembered my name and the details of my back surgery. He is a wonderful and skilled surgeon. He just the best
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Brett Duewell profile picture
Brett Duewell
15 May 2026
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Dr. Verma and his team have all been very attentive to my wife. Explaining the diagnosis and surgical fix along the way. No pressure.
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Iris Medina profile picture
Iris Medina
7 May 2026
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Let me preface this review with I came in having done a lot of research beforehand on what a discectomy surgery is, and after trying multiple conservative treatments, I knew this was a realistic next step for me. I was given Dr. Verma as a recommendation and after looking at reviews I decided to call his office for a consult. I was able to get an appointment the same week, which I really appreciated. From the first visit, the staff was organized, efficient, and did a great job getting new imaging ordered and setting up a follow-up just two weeks later. Communication from the office was consistently clear and responsive, which made the whole process feel much more manageable during a stressful time. At my initial consult and follow-up, Dr. Verma came across as very kind, knowledgeable, and reassuring. At my follow-up appointment, the team also really advocated for me and worked hard to move my surgery date up because my sciatic nerve pain was unbearable. I essentially had very little quality of life. I could not even sit without being in terrible pain. I went from consult on April 1st to surgery on April 21st, which I’m very grateful for given how difficult things were at that point. The only area that felt a bit less smooth was some disconnect between insurance coordination and insurance practices, which at times felt a little unclear from the patient side. It wasn’t a major issue in the overall care, but it did add some confusion along the way. Also, my surgery time did run late, and while I’m not sure what caused the delay. Now being two weeks out from surgery, I’m already feeling significantly better. I’m definitely not 100% yet, which is expected this early in recovery, but I’m very grateful to have had the procedure done and for everyone involved in getting me to this point. Overall, I really appreciate the care, effort, and support from the entire team during a very challenging time. I’m hopeful my recovery continues to go well from here, and this experience has definitely made me take my spine health much more seriously moving forward. Hopefully I won’t have to come back anytime soon… although I guess that’s probably the goal for every spine patient!
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cynthia miranda
1 May 2026
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Dr Verma is a kind and caring professional. I’m just starting the process for back surgery. I can tell you Dr Verma has made me feel comfortable and has been very informative. He even gave me a couple of his patients phone numbers that just had the same surgery I’m going to undergo. I’m very please with Dr Verma and his Los Alamitos staff.
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Kurt Cruger profile picture
Kurt Cruger
30 April 2026
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Dr. Verma's surgical expertise allows me to walk again! His entire team provides friendly compassionate care and explain the procedure simply! Dr. Verma is also a real humanitarian providing free surgical care to afflicted people in Africa. Thanks for everything Doc you're an example for everyone!
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Carol Fowler profile picture
Carol Fowler
30 April 2026
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Dr Verma and his staff are very efficient with the level of care they provide while under their care. Everyone is courteous and goes above and beyond to make sure all your questions and concerns are addressed.
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Kee Tolson
23 April 2026
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Helped an athlete of mine not only get back to recovery but gain their confidence back and even inspired them to get into the medical field. Great surgeon but also great mentor!! 10/10!!
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Beth Hacia profile picture
Beth Hacia
23 April 2026
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Dr. Verma explained well what he will do to fix my back pain. He also explained my MRI results from almost 2 years ago which my neurologist did not do. So now, i understand what is going on.
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Jeff Darling profile picture
Jeff Darling
17 April 2026
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Dr. VERMA is the most knowledgeable surgeon I’ve ever talked to. I really trust that he knows what he’s doing and will take the best care of me getting surgery on your back is scary, but he explained every step of the way.
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Louella Puanglarplai profile picture
Louella Puanglarplai
16 April 2026
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From the Front desk to the back were you see the doctor everyone is kind and caring and always answers your questions. Excellent service and Dr. Verma is a wonderful doctor and takes great care of his patients.
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KCei Williams profile picture
KCei Williams
12 April 2026
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i was referred to dr Didinger by a friend and i am happy i went with her recommendation of seeing her. she went above and beyond and took the time to listen to me and helped me get down to the bottom of my pain and recommended physical therapy before jumping to surgery. good physician.
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Jourdan Jones
12 April 2026
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dr d is amazing in sports medicine. she really understands athletes and wants what’s best for me. i can see why so many people recommend her
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Sanai Terri
12 April 2026
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Dr. Didinger is not only highly skilled but she is kind and patient and knows how to speak about medical information in a way the average person can understand. i felt heard, supported, and cared for from her
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Mataar Moskowitz profile picture
Mataar Moskowitz
12 April 2026
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really impressed with the level of care i received. She was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about getting me back to full performance. She didn’t rush anything and answered all my questions thoroughly. i would absolutely trust her again in the future
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melanie cacia
12 April 2026
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had a great experience with this doctor after being referred to her , would definitely recommend!!!
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MINA MOLINA
2 April 2026
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Dr verma is very nice ,friendly ,helpful and office girls are friendly and always knowledge you when you are present their customer service is outstanding
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Juan.Cervantes1
1 April 2026
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thank you Dr Didinger for being so thorough and attentive
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Jade Cristales
30 March 2026
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Great experience with this sports medicine doctor. She was very attentive, explained everything clearly, and made me feel heard. My recovery has been going really well thanks to their care—highly recommend!
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Thalia Colon
29 March 2026
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Very good doctor. Super helpful and kind. Great experience.
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T
29 March 2026
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Everything you could ask for in an ortho surgeon! 💪🏼💪🏼💯
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Kat Dunn profile picture
Kat Dunn
28 March 2026
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Dr. Verma is incredible. He founded Advanced Spine Care, a premier practice, and does a phenomenal job on advanced minimally invasive procedures. After severe Psiatic pain I had L3L4L5 Laminectomy, and I woke up from surgery with no pain…only surgery pain. I healed fast. Dr. Verma is Pro-active, informative, knowledgeable and kind. I feel completely safe in his hands. 🙏🏼I may need a future fusion in my back and possible disc replacement in my neck C3C5 stenosis….but trust him with my future care.
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Roman Miranda
26 March 2026
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Dr Verma is awesome! He and his wonderful staff answered all my questions. They took care of my disability paperwork and I’m already receiving my money. Dr Verma replaced 2 disks in my neck area and fused another. I’m at home recovering and feeling good about pain I will no longer have.
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Alejandro Alvarez
24 March 2026
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I have sent all of my Nike athletes to her, and she has been amazing in there recovery and helping them get back to there sports. Thank you Dr. D 🫡
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Ricardo Martinez
24 March 2026
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Dr Didinger is the number one sports medicine specialist you will find. I cannot recommend her enough. 10/10 I am very satisfied with her level of care. I will be returning
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Gedy Jorrin
23 March 2026
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Awesome physician. Very thorough with her approach.
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Chelsi Johnson
22 March 2026
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Amazing! Tracy is a great mentor and helped a friend recover!!!!
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What Is a Herniated Disc?

Spinal discs sit between vertebrae and absorb shock during bending and rotation. Each disc contains a gel-like center with a firm outer ring. 

A herniated disc develops when the outer ring tears or weakens and the inner material pushes outward.

Herniated discs often appear between the ages of 35 and 55, though they can affect children, teens, and older adults.

Herniated Disc Conditions Treated

Dr. Verma evaluates the spine to determine whether symptoms originate from disc damage, nerve compression, or instability linked to a herniated disc.

Conditions include:

Cervical disc herniation

Lumbar disc herniation

Thoracic disc herniation

Herniated disc with nerve compression

Disc-related sciatica

Recurrent disc herniation after prior surgery

Disc degeneration with nerve irritation

How Dr. Verma Identifies the Source of Disc Pain

Dr. Verma isolates the disc level responsible for symptoms through a focused exam and targeted testing. He reviews symptom patterns, checks nerve function, and confirms findings with imaging.

Imaging studies may include X-rays, MRI, and CT scans. Additional testing may include electromyography and nerve conduction study.

He reviews imaging findings with you and explains how each result connects to symptoms.

Treatment Options for Herniated Disc Relief

Each patient experiences disc pain differently. Dr. Verma begins with conservative treatment and advances to surgery when nerve symptoms persist, worsen, or limit daily function.

Non-Surgical Care

Conservative care may include physical therapy focused on spine mechanics. Your plan may also include positions that calm nerve irritation.

Dr. Verma may recommend image-guided injections to reduce nerve inflammation. Heat and cold packs can also help during flare-ups.

Minimally Invasive Surgeries and Procedures

If conservative options don’t relieve symptoms, Dr. Verma offers minimally invasive spine surgery for herniated discs. He uses real-time imaging and computer-assisted navigation to improve surgical accuracy.

Discectomy

Removes the portion of the disc pressing on a nerve to relieve arm or leg pain.

Complete Discectomy With Artificial Disc Replacement

Removes the entire damaged disc and places an artificial disc in selected patients to preserve motion.

Revision Spine Surgery

Treats recurrent disc symptoms or persistent nerve compression after prior spine surgery.

Signs of Disc-Related Nerve Pain

Herniated disc symptoms may present as:

Chronic back pain

Ongoing discomfort in the low back that doesn’t fully settle.

Neck pain

Pain or stiffness in the cervical spine.

Arm pain

Pain that travels into the shoulder, arm, or hand.

Leg discomfort

Pain that travels into the buttock, thigh, or calf.

Muscle weakness

Reduced strength in the arm or leg on the affected side.

Numbness

Decreased sensation in the arm, hand, leg, or foot.

Tingling

Pins and needles in the limbs.

Electric shock-like pain

Sudden jolts linked to nerve irritation.

Spinal instability

  • A feeling that the back can’t hold a position comfortably.

When to See an Orange County Herniated Disc Doctor

Schedule an evaluation with an Orange County herniated disc doctor when pain persists despite physical therapy, injections, or home care. 

If symptoms last longer than six weeks or worsen, a herniated disc specialist can confirm the diagnosis and target the affected disc.

What Patients Value About Advanced Spine Care

Clinical excellence and credentials

Board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with advanced fellowship training and extensive research publication history. 

Focused expertise

Specialized training in complex spinal deformity correction for children and adults.

Advanced technology

Real-time CT guidance and computer-assisted navigation support precise surgical work.

Personalized, patient-first visits

Dr. Verma reviews imaging with patients and explains each finding during the consultation.

Care for all ages

Treatment is available for patients ages four and older, including children and teens.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do herniated discs always require surgery?

No. Many patients improve with physical therapy, injections, heat and cold packs, and activity changes

Many cases improve within weeks to a couple of months. Persistent symptoms beyond six weeks need evaluation.

Discectomy removes the disc portion compressing a nerve. Disc replacement removes the entire disc and places an artificial disc in selected patients.

Yes. Dr. Verma treats recurrent disc problems with revision spine surgery.

Get Evaluated by an Orange County Herniated Disc Specialist

If you’re looking for an Orange County herniated disc specialist, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Kushagra Verma at Advanced Spine Care. 

He diagnoses disc injuries with careful testing and treats them with conservative care first, then minimally invasive, motion preserving surgery when needed.