As an Orange County pediatric spine specialist, Dr. Verma cares for children and teenagers experiencing back pain, spinal curvature, and spine injuries.
His UCSF fellowship focused on complex spinal deformity in young patients, and he recommends non-operative care before discussing surgical options.
Years of Orthopedic Experience
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Star Patient Rating Across 300+ Reviews
Pediatric spine services from evaluation to recovery
Minimally invasive procedures that reduce tissue trauma
Non-surgical treatments are considered before surgery
About one in five children experiences back pain. That pain often signals an underlying disease, spinal deformity, or injury that requires evaluation.
Children aren’t miniature adults. Their bones are still forming, and their spines respond differently to treatment than adult spines.
A pediatric spine doctor considers these differences carefully. Dr. Verma offers pediatric spine care that protects your child’s growing spine.
Dr. Verma diagnoses and treats a wide range of spinal concerns in children and teenagers. Common conditions include:
Dr. Verma begins with a thorough evaluation to understand your child’s condition and determine the next steps.
He reviews your child’s medical history and symptoms first, then completes a physical examination to assess posture, range of motion, and neurological function.
Diagnostic testing may include X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to measure the extent of any spinal abnormalities.
Dr. Verma explains findings and discusses every available option before recommending treatment.
Dr. Verma offers a complete range of pediatric spine treatments, from observation to surgical correction.
Treatment starts with non-surgical options like bracing, therapy, activity modification, and targeted pain relief to manage symptoms and limit progression.
Spinal fusion stabilizes severe or progressive curves by joining vertebrae with rods and bone grafts.
Growing rods treat severe scoliosis in young children while allowing continued spinal growth over time.
Vertebral column resection removes vertebrae to correct rigid deformities when standard fusion cannot achieve correction.
Pedicle subtraction osteotomy restores alignment by removing posterior spinal bone in fixed sagittal deformities.
Dr. Verma performs advanced reconstruction for severe, multi-planar, or previously treated spinal deformities.
Spinal decompression relieves pressure on the spinal cord or nerves caused by stenosis or disc herniation.
Revision spine surgery addresses persistent symptoms or complications after prior spinal procedures.
Pediatric spine conditions don’t always cause obvious symptoms. Parents should watch for:
Pain lasting more than a few days or recurring regularly.
One side sits higher than the other.
One blade sticks out more than the other.
One hip appears elevated or tilted.
The spine appears to curve sideways when viewed from behind.
Leaning to one side or hunching forward.
Trouble maintaining upright posture.
Symptoms in the arms or legs that suggest nerve involvement.
Discomfort that worsens with sports, bending, or lifting.
Parents should schedule an evaluation with an Orange County pediatric spine doctor if a school screening identifies spinal curvature.
Uneven posture or back and neck pain that lasts more than a few days also warrants attention.
Pain that interferes with daily activities or sports should not be ignored. Symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness also require evaluation.
The sooner a spinal condition is identified, the more treatment possibilities remain available.
Board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with NYU training and UCSF fellowship in spinal deformity.
Specialized training in complex spinal deformity correction for children and adults.
Computer navigation and intraoperative imaging for millimeter-level precision.
Surgery is suggested only when conservative measures prove insufficient.
Extended appointments, thorough communication, and a team that recognizes every family.
Review outcomes from children and teenagers who received spine treatment from Dr. Verma.
“This patient found me in Southern California after 8 years. I treated him in Seattle when I was a professor at UWMC. At that time he was in a wheelchair and unable to walk. We performed a small surgery on him and he was able to walk again. He was so happy, in fact, that he insisted on speaking to my parents and thanked them as well. When he moved to Southern California, he looked me up and found me once again. I love this story and the pictures. Welcome back to our practice!”
“This lovely patient is 7 years postop from a minimally invasive fusion performed in 2018. In fact, he was my first minimally invasive fusion that I performed in Los Angeles. He has done really well with minimal back or leg pain up to this point. I m always thrilled to see my postop patients many years later. This allows surgeons to see how their interventions hold up over time. In our practice most simple pathology is managed with minimally invasive surgery and often with disc replacement rather than fusion. In either surgery, the procedures involve small incisions and are mostly done outside the hospital setting.”
“Wonderful day of clinic. This lovely patient, 7 years postop dropped by to tell me how well she has done. She reminded me and my staff that I took her to surgery on a weekend with severe pain and weakness. She couldn t even walk at that time. I had totally forgotten the circumstances of her surgery and I was so grateful that she dropped by to give me a hug and make my day. This job is very unique and I am always so grateful for my patients.”
Dr. Verma welcomes pediatric patients starting at age 4.
Most children don’t require surgery. Bracing, physical therapy, and observation address the majority of pediatric spine conditions.
Spine problems in children stem from various sources, including genetics, injuries, heavy lifting, diseases, and developmental abnormalities.
Pediatric spine surgery accounts for ongoing growth and skeletal development. Dr. Verma uses techniques that protect growth plates and support normal healing.
Your child’s visit will include a review of medical history, a physical exam, and an imaging evaluation. Dr. Verma explains the findings and discusses next steps.
Schedule an appointment with a pediatric spine specialist who takes time to understand your child’s condition.
Dr. Verma creates treatment recommendations based on your child’s specific diagnosis, age, and skeletal development.
At Advanced Spine Care, every family receives attentive service from a team that values family-friendly service.
