Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in San Diego, CA  

Precision Care with Faster Recovery 

When spine pain or nerve problems make daily life difficult, surgery can feel overwhelming. Advances in technology have made spine surgery safer, faster, and less invasive than ever before. 
Dr. Sanjay Ghosh, a board-certified neurosurgeon and leading MISS spine surgeon in San Diego, offers minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) designed to reduce pain, minimize recovery time, and help patients return to the activities they love. 

With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Ghosh combines precision, innovation, and compassionate care to restore mobility and confidence. 

Call (619) 810-1010 to schedule a consultation and learn whether minimally invasive spine surgery is right for you. 

What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery? 

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) uses small incisions and specialized instruments to treat spine conditions with less tissue disruption than traditional open surgery. This modern approach reduces pain, blood loss, and recovery time, allowing patients to resume normal activity sooner. 

As a trusted expert in minimally invasive neurosurgery and spine care in San Diego, Dr. Ghosh performs advanced procedures using image-guided navigation systems for accuracy and safety. 

Who Can Benefit from MISS? 

Dr. Ghosh carefully evaluates each patient to determine if a minimally invasive procedure is appropriate. It can help people with: 

  • Herniated or bulging discs 
  • Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) 
  • Degenerative disc disease 
  • Spondylolisthesis (vertebral slippage) 
  • Sciatica and nerve compression 
  • Chronic back or neck pain caused by disc problems 

Patients seeking less invasive spine surgery in San Diego County often experience faster recovery and less postoperative pain compared to traditional surgery. 

How Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Works 

Dr. Ghosh performs MISS using small incisions and specialized instruments to access the spine through minimal disruption of muscles and tissues. 

Steps of the procedure: 

  1. A small incision is made near the affected area. 
  1. Tubular retractors are used to gently separate muscles instead of cutting them. 
  1. Real-time imaging and navigation systems guide precise surgical correction. 
  1. The incision is closed with minimal scarring and tissue impact. 

This targeted approach leads to faster healing, less discomfort, and lower complication risk. Most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, and many patients return home the same day. 

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery 

Minimally invasive techniques are redefining spine care with proven benefits such as: 

  • Smaller incisions and reduced scarring 
  • Less pain during recovery 
  • Shorter hospital stays 
  • Lower infection risk and blood loss 
  • Faster return to daily activities 
  • Preservation of spinal strength and stability 

These advantages make minimally invasive spine surgery in San Diego an excellent choice for patients who want lasting relief with a shorter recovery. 

Ready to explore your options? Request an appointment with Dr. Ghosh to discuss the best treatment for your spine condition. 

Recovery and Postoperative Care 

Many MISS patients can walk the same day as their procedure and resume light activities within a few days. Recovery times vary, but most patients return to normal routines within a few weeks. 

Dr. Ghosh and his team provide individualized postoperative care from his Mission Valley clinic, ensuring every patient receives detailed recovery instructions, follow-up appointments, and physical therapy recommendations as needed. 

Why Choose Dr. Sanjay Ghosh 

  • Board-Certified Neurosurgeon with 20+ years of experience 
  • Specialist in minimally invasive and complex spine procedures 
  • Performs surgery at Scripps Memorial Hospital La JollaUniversity Ambulatory Surgery Center, and Outpatient Surgery Center of La Jolla 
  • Known for precise surgical technique, excellent outcomes, and compassionate care 

Patients throughout San Diego County trust Dr. Ghosh for expert, less invasive spine surgery that prioritizes safety, mobility, and long-term relief. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can minimally invasive spine surgery help with a herniated disc or pinched nerve?

Yes. MISS can relieve pressure on nerves caused by herniated or bulging discs through small incisions, often with less pain and faster recovery. 

Surgery is considered only after non-surgical care, like therapy or injections, fails. Dr. Ghosh evaluates each case carefully before recommending a procedure. 

No. MISS uses advanced tools and imaging, not lasers, to repair the spine safely and effectively. 

Most patients go home the same day or after a short stay, depending on the procedure and recovery progress. 

Light activity usually resumes within days, and most patients return to normal routines in four to six weeks. 

Yes. MISS techniques treat both cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) spine conditions using small incisions and precise tools. 

Explore Related Spine Treatments 

Looking for other options to relieve back or neck pain? Learn more about Dr. Ghosh’s advanced spine procedures below: 

Microdiscectomy 
Removes small portions of a damaged disc to ease nerve pressure and leg pain. 

Laminectomy 
Creates more space in the spinal canal to relieve compression from stenosis. 

Spinal Fusion Surgery 
Stabilizes the spine using bone grafts and instrumentation after injury or degeneration. 

Artificial Disc Replacement 
Replaces a worn or herniated disc while preserving natural spinal movement. 

Robotic Radiosurgery (CyberKnife) 
Delivers precise, non-invasive radiation treatment for spinal and brain tumors. 

Trusted Spine Care Across San Diego County 

Dr. Sanjay Ghosh welcomes patients from throughout San Diego County, including: 
Carlsbad, Carmel Valley, Chula Vista, Clairemont, Coronado, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, Hillcrest / Bankers Hill, La Jolla, La Mesa, Mira Mesa, Mission Valley, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, Santee, Scripps Ranch, Solana Beach, and University City / UTC. 

Patients across the region trust Dr. Ghosh’s Mission Valley clinic for advanced, compassionate care in minimally invasive spine surgery and neurosurgical treatments. 

Wherever you live in the county, you can access world-class, minimally invasive spine care from a trusted MISS spine surgeon in San Diego. 

Take the First Step Toward Relief 

If spine or nerve pain limits your life, minimally invasive spine surgery can help you regain strength and mobility with less downtime. 
Dr. Sanjay Ghosh and his team combine advanced technology with compassionate care to deliver safe, effective results. 

Call (619) 810-1010 or request a consultation online to learn how minimally invasive spine surgery in San Diego can help you move freely again. 

Real Lives Transformed

Patients who regained strength and independence through precise, compassionate care.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’ve been diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma or are experiencing symptoms such as hearing loss or dizziness, contact Dr. Ghosh to discuss the best treatment options for you. Our team provides compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each patient’s unique condition and lifestyle.

Meet Elisha
Elisha G.
Practice Relations Liaison

Proudly partnering with Elisha Green – Practice Relations Liaison.

Meet Lauren
Lauren G.
Assistant Office Manager

Lauren was born and raised in San Diego, California. She attended San Diego State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication in 2013. She began her professional journey in the hospitality field where she discovered her passion for helping others and building relationships. This eventually inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare, joining Sharp Healthcare in 2016 where she found great fulfillment in learning and growing within the medical field. Lauren began working with Senta Neurosurgery in 2017 supporting Dr. Sanjay Ghosh.

When not at work, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family, being an Auntie, traveling, and being outdoors.

Dr. Ghosh, I just wanted to take a moment & thank you again for all you have done for my husband, Benton (Rick) Coulter. June 26th he was brought by ambulance to Grossmont Hospital. That was the beginning of the scariest days of our lives. When we were told he needed brain surgery we were stunned, confused & not sure what to do. We asked for a second opinion by you. Within 30 minutes you were at Rick’s bedside. You were friendly, caring & confident. After examining him you told us he would need two surgeries instead of one. You even called me at home to answer our many questions. Thank you for treating us with such respect. You were available & patient as we tried to make a decision. Once we decided you were the right Dr. we had continuous confirmations that we had chosen the right one. We will be forever grateful to you! You saved my husband’s life and his sight. God used you in a mighty way & He answered our prayers. Thank you for all the work it took to be a Brain Surgeon & to help others like us. You are not only skilled but you are also caring. We appreciate you so much.
Sincerely, Karen Coulter
So far I have been taken great care of by Dr. Ghosh and his staff. Dr. G has spent quality time with me reviewing my symptoms and MRI’s etc that are a result of a day at a water park turn into one of the worst injuries I have ever had. What I appreciated the most was our efforts as a team to exhaust all options of pain management and PT before coming to the decision that no relief is in sight without surgery. I had already been referred to Dr. G’s office by other friends and patients so I’m very comfortable moving forward with Dr. Ghosh and his team.
Former Patient
I was referred to Dr. Ghosh by my corporate physician. She had heard good things about Dr. Ghosh. I went to several other neurosurgeons. They were all excellent but I just liked Dr. Ghosh’s confidence and frank manner. My surgery was quick and the result was excellent. My recovery time was minimal. The incision, with a little more time will be minimal and not noticeable. The pain I have felt for a long time is gone. I’ve noticed that others feel that Dr. Ghosh and Amanda did not spend enough quality time with them. My time with them was brief. I don’t need alot of hugs and hand holding. I just needed them to provide me with the information I needed to make decisions, which they did to my satisfaction. They are seeing alot of patients. I don’t think it would be fair to others if Dr. Ghosh and Amanda had to spend several hours caring for my psychological needs when all they really needed to do is fix my neck. Amanda is truly capable. I had an issue late on a holiday night. I called. They transferred me to her even though she was at a social event. I explained to her my concerns. She told me what to expect and under what circumstances to come back to the office.For those who felt abandoned and that they didn’t get enough time, you might find other surgeons even more unavailable. Dr. Ghosh stated he was starting to take less patients to try and spend a little more time with each patient. I hope he doesn’t. It won’t be fair to the people who won’t benefit from his talents. A special thank you to Dr. Ghosh and his team.
Former Patient
Meet Edith
Edith Smith
Director of Operations

Edith was born in Budapest, Hungary and immigrated to Los Angeles, CA as a small child.  She later received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, San Diego in 1996. From 1997 to 2002, she worked as a Program Manager at Qualcomm, during which time she also obtained a Certificate in Project Management from the University of San Diego. Edith took some time off to start her family but remained active in her volunteer efforts supporting Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, where she co-chaired nine large fundraising events and served on the Board of Directors for 5 years. During her time at Rady Children’s, Edith became passionate about healthcare and neurosurgery in particular when her daughter became a neurosurgical patient at Radys. Edith joined Senta Neurosurgery’s team supporting Dr. Sanjay Ghosh’s practice in 2019. Given her personal experiences, Edith knows that getting a referral to neurosurgery is a stressful, life altering event, so she truly appreciates being part of the patient care process for Dr. Ghosh’s patients.

When not at work, Edith enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, cooking, and entertaining.

Meet Melissa
Melissa Padilla
Surgery Coordinator

Melissa has an Associate of Science Degree in Medical Office Administration. She has worked in healthcare for over 25 years. She started out working in a radiology department processing film and scheduling exams. Melissa joined Dr. Ghosh’s team in 2003 and uses her skills and experience to schedule Dr. Ghosh’s patients for surgery.  She is a fierce advocate for our patients throughout the entire prior authorization and scheduling process, and her goal is to make the scheduling of our patients’ surgeries organized and stress free so that our patients can focus on healing.

Meet Deborah
Deborah Updike
M.M.S, M.S., PA-C

Deborah is a California native. She attended American University in Washington, DC graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science and Environmental Studies. She was a college athlete, playing NCAA D1 volleyball all four years. She then attended California State University, Long Beach where she received a Masters of Marine Science in Shark Reproductive Physiology. During her first masters degree, she began transitioning into medicine and went on to receive her Master of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant studies at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL. Deborah served as class Vice President. She graduated in 2017 and has been working at Senta Neurosurgery ever since. Deborah is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Meet Edith
Edith Smith
Director of Operations

Edith was born in Budapest, Hungary and immigrated to Los Angeles, CA as a small child.  She later received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, San Diego in 1996. From 1997 to 2002, she worked as a Program Manager at Qualcomm, during which time she also obtained a Certificate in Project Management from the University of San Diego. Edith took some time off to start her family but remained active in her volunteer efforts supporting Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, where she co-chaired nine large fundraising events and served on the Board of Directors for 5 years. During her time at Rady Children’s, Edith became passionate about healthcare and neurosurgery in particular when her daughter became a neurosurgical patient at Radys. Edith joined Senta Neurosurgery’s team supporting Dr. Sanjay Ghosh’s practice in 2019. Given her personal experiences, Edith knows that getting a referral to neurosurgery is a stressful, life altering event, so she truly appreciates being part of the patient care process for Dr. Ghosh’s patients.

When not at work, Edith enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, cooking, and entertaining.

Meet Felix
Felix Regala
MPAP, PA-C

Felix was born and raised in Abilene, Texas where he graduated from Abilene High School in 2001. He was honored with the Chuck and Doris Moser Scholarship for his accomplishments as a varsity athlete in baseball and his excellence in academics and community service. He then attended Baylor University where he graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. Felix then spent a couple of years working in the laboratory at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and Johnson & Johnson. He then went on to the Keck School of Medicine at University of Southern California to obtain his Master of Physician Assistant Practice degree. Felix graduated from physician assistant school in 2010. While pursuing his PA degree at USC, Felix served as class president and spent time training in neurosurgery and orthopedic spine.  Felix has been a PA with Dr. Ghosh since May 2011.

Felix enjoys being active, including playing basketball, surfing, snowboarding, golfing, and exercising. Felix is also a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the California Academy of Physician Assistants.

Meet Amanda
Amanda W. Gumbert
M.M.S, PA-C

Amanda received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology at San Diego State University in 2002. She worked as an Exercise Physiologist at the Cardiac Treatment Center at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla before going to PA School. Amanda graduated from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona with a Master of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant studies in 2005. She began working for Dr. Ghosh in January 2006 working as the senior Physician Assistant and manager of the PAs.   Amanda has spoken at the national level at the AAPA conference on various neurosurgical topics. She is highly committed to the future Physician Assistants and frequently has students shadow her and acts as a PA student preceptor. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Association of Neurosurgical Physician Assistants, and The San Diego Society of Physician Assistants.  Amanda is honored to be a finalist for San Diego Magazine’s Woman of the Year— 2025 Healthcare Pioneer.

When not working, Amanda enjoys hiking, mountain biking, stand up paddle boarding, snowboarding, playing with her dogs and spending time with her family.

San Diego Magazine’s Celebrating Women
2025 Healthcare Pioneer Finalist