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Disc Herniation Treatment in San Diego, CA | Dr. Sanjay Ghosh 

Relief for Back, Neck, Arm & Leg Pain Caused by Herniated Discs 

A herniated disc can cause sharp pain, numbness, or weakness that disrupts everything from sleep to daily movement. If symptoms are worsening or not improving with rest, expert evaluation can help you understand the cause and find relief. 

Dr. Sanjay Ghosh, a board-certified neurosurgeon in San Diego, specializes in diagnosing and treating herniated discs using advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques that restore comfort and mobility. 

Call (619) 810-1010 to schedule your disc evaluation. 

What Is a Herniated Disc? 

A herniated disc occurs when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer and irritates nearby nerves. This can happen in the neck (cervical spine), upper back (thoracic spine), or lower back (lumbar spine). 

When a nerve becomes compressed, symptoms can spread into the arms, hands, legs, or feet, depending on the disc’s location. 

Common causes include: 

  • Natural age-related wear 
  • Sudden lifting or twisting 
  • Repetitive strain 
  • Disc degeneration 
  • Previous spine conditions or instability 

Herniated discs are among the most common spinal issues and among the most treatable. 

Symptoms of a Disc Herniation 

Your symptoms will depend on where the disc is located: 

Cervical (Neck) Herniation 

  • Neck pain 
  • Pain radiating to the shoulder or arm 
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands 
  • Weak grip or difficulty lifting items 

Lumbar (Lower Back) Herniation 

  • Lower back pain 
  • Shooting leg pain (sciatica) 
  • Tingling or numbness down one leg 
  • Weakness in the foot or leg 
  • Pain that worsens when sitting or bending 

If you feel sudden electric-like pain, difficulty walking, or increasing weakness, evaluation should not be delayed. 

How Dr. Ghosh Diagnoses a Herniated Disc 

Your visit includes: 

  • Review of symptoms 
  • Neurological exam 
  • MRI or CT scan review 
  • Assessment of nerve function 
  • Clear explanation of the exact level and severity of the disc herniation 

Every plan starts with the question: What’s the least invasive way to relieve your pain? 

Non-Surgical Treatment Options 

Most herniated discs improve without surgery. 
Dr. Ghosh may recommend: 

  • Targeted physical therapy 
  • Posture and activity modification 
  • Image-guided epidural injections 
  • Short-term medications 
  • Core strengthening and stabilization 
  • Gentle stretching and nerve gliding exercises 

Many patients find significant improvement with a guided conservative plan. 

When Surgery Becomes an Option 

Surgery is considered when: 

  • Pain persists despite conservative care 
  • Weakness develops in the arm or leg 
  • Numbness is progressing 
  • The disc continues compressing the nerve 
  • Daily activities become limited 
  • Walking or standing becomes difficult 

Dr. Ghosh discusses all options clearly so you understand when surgery may help—and when it’s not needed. 

Surgical Treatments for Disc Herniation 

Microdiscectomy (For Lumbar Herniation) 

A minimally invasive procedure that removes a small portion of the disc pressing on the nerve. Often ideal for sciatica or leg pain. 

Cervical Disc Surgery 

For neck-based herniations, Dr. Ghosh may recommend: 

  • Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) 
    Removes the disc and stabilizes the spine. 
  • Artificial Disc Replacement 
    Removes the disc and preserves motion. 

Endoscopic or Minimally Invasive Techniques 

Smaller incisions, less disruption, and faster recovery when appropriate. 

Dr. Ghosh selects the safest and most effective approach based on your anatomy and goals. 

Benefits of Herniated Disc Surgery 

  • Relief of arm or leg pain 
  • Improved strength and mobility 
  • Reduced nerve irritation 
  • Faster return to normal activities 
  • High success rates with minimally invasive techniques 

Most patients experience significant symptom improvement soon after nerve decompression. 

Why Patients Trust Dr. Ghosh 

  • Board-certified neurosurgeon 
  • 20+ years of experience treating cervical and lumbar disc herniations 
  • Specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery 
  • Trusted for both primary and complex revision cases 
  • Detailed imaging review and clear communication 
  • Surgical care provided at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla and outpatient centers 

Patients appreciate his calm, thorough approach and realistic guidance. 

Explore More Spine Conditions 

Disc issues can overlap with other spinal conditions. If you’re unsure what’s causing your symptoms, these guides may help: 

  • Sciatica – Leg pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve 
  • Spinal Stenosis – Narrowing around nerves leading to weakness or numbness 
  • Cervical Radiculopathy – Pinched nerve in the neck affecting the arm 
  • Degenerative Disc Disease – Age-related disc wear causing chronic back or neck pain 

These pages offer clear explanations and can help you better understand your symptoms before your visit. 

Serving Patients Across San Diego County 

Dr. Ghosh cares for patients from Carlsbad, La Jolla, Encinitas, Mission Valley, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Mira Mesa, Hillcrest / Bankers Hill, Clairemont, Chula Vista, Coronado, Del Mar, Scripps Ranch, University City / UTC, and nearby communities throughout San Diego County. His Mission Valley clinic is easy to access from all directions. 

Find Relief from Disc Herniation Pain 

If neck or back pain is radiating into your arms or legs, or if weakness or numbness is getting worse, expert evaluation can make all the difference. 

Call (619) 810-1010 or request your consultation online to meet with Dr. Sanjay Ghosh, a trusted neurosurgeon in San Diego. 

Real Lives Transformed

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

Thank you to a man who comes to this church, who’s one of the great surgeons. He did something that’s pretty much impossible. His name is Sanjay Ghosh.
 Everybody wants to know who did Donna’s surgery — I’m just going to tell you straight out: it’s him. You do what you want to do with that, but that’s true. And he’s amazing, and we’re so grateful. He was a gift of God to us at this particular time.

Dr. David Jeremiah
Shadow Mountain Community Church 
Dr. David Jeremiah
Shadow Mountain Community Church 

For the most of my life, I have trained and presented wildlife in public conservation education programs and the media. My work is often very physically demanding and I have used the Senta Clinic and Dr. Sanjay Ghosh to treat my spinal issues and keep me able to continue my work and manage my pain.

Joan Embery
Wildlife Expert, and TV Personality
Dr. David Jeremiah
Shadow Mountain Community Church 
The greatest thing about the Dr. Ghosh is his empathy and compassion along with being a great surgeon. His professionalism speaks for itself as soon as you walk in his office. Today I am pain free both walking and running 5 miles a day and it has been more than 2 years.
Dr. Alicia Gwynn
Dr. David Jeremiah
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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.

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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