Dr. Alexander has performed two different complex Laminectomies on me in the past. I'm extremely grateful to him for his kindness, extraordinary professionalism and excellent care. With sincere gratitude, Carolyn Zalta read more

r Taghva did L4/L5 PLIF Surgery on me 7/25. I had numbness in feet , ankles , calfs and pain running down my leg. Could not walk 200 yards without sitting and taking a rest it was brutal. I saw four specialist all Neurosurgeons. They all spoke down to me in technical jargon. Dr Taghva was the last Dr I saw. He made it simple. He looked at my MRI checked me out said you have about 3 options. He told me what they were. I said where do I sign up. I made my surgery date two days later. He's an athlete which I consider myself one and feel the other drs were not. In my opinion if u sit on a couch you won't have any idea where I coming from. Dr Taghva still plays tennis and knows the importance of being active . He's in great shape himself which the other Drs were not. His bed side manner is epic. Now it's march of 2026. No numbness , no pain it's a miracle I cannot believe it. I'm so grateful to Dr Taghva! Also , Brian Coons his PA is very attentive and compassionate.I emphatically recommend Dr Taghva , Brian and the hospital spine surgery center. Additionally, the surgery center they use has never had sepsis . This was important to me as I almost died of sepsis after knee replacement surgery, so to say I was a bit concerned , would be a gross understatement. read more

I have been to multiple neurosurgeons & he was the first to simply look at an x-ray, (not even my MRI's I brought in) or even examine me & said "we should schedule your surgery ASAP"! Like I would trust this surgeon! read more

I'm new to the area and tried to make an appointment. My pain mgmt. doctor had just analyzed my scans and recommended that I should see a spinal surgeon. The patient coordinator for Dr. Tagvah said she'd have to order my prior images for screening by the doctor prior to making an appointment. That was over 5 weeks ago and I've never heard anything since. Every time I call the office, nobody's available and I have to leave voice messages...which are never returned. Although the doctor is highly rated, I give his office staff a ZERO. read more

My husband just had total disk replacement on his neck. I was so nervous about it all a long. When we met him, he explained and listened us very well. We just felt very comfortable with Dr. Taghva to operate on my husband. Pre op was arranged by his coordinator Gabrielle and she was very helpful for getting all information they need to prepare. She made us feel easy about going through surgery. The day of operation, he was taken in on time and Dr. called me when he finished operating on my husband personally. Dr. Taghva and his PA Brian took care of him at the surgery center very well. Thank you very much for taking care of him and keep monitoring his condition. read more

Dr. Taghva a is nothing short of amazing. I highly recommend him. He resolved my spinal issue very quickly and with thoughtful care and compassion. His ability to describe my problem and possible solutions was detailed, yet easy to understand. Prior to seeing Dr. Taghva, I had been under the care of an orthopedic doctor for two years with zero resolution (including ineffective epidural and ablation.) The result was a slow and steady loss of mobility. I simply could not stand or walk beyond a distance of 20 steps. Dr. Taghva immediately diagnosed the cause, a need of a spinal fusion to resolve the issue. The surgery was successful beyond my wildest expectations. Recovery has been equally good. Literally, I feel better than I have in the past 15 years. I can walk any distance and have successfully returned to all normal activities including working out at the gym. I've had multiple major surgeries over the last several years; and this experience has been the best of the bunch. Thank you again Dr. Taghva, you and the team are the best! read more

Had appt. as a new patient with Dr.Taghva. Upon evaluating the MRI previously done by another surgeon Dr.Taghva referred me back to him for clarification and possible treatment. I would not hesitate to be Dr.Taghva's Patient in the future. read more

I just had a first appointment with Dr Taghva for neck and back pain and was totally impressed! He is definitely an excellent doctor. He spent quite a bit of time with me, reviewed all of the MRI's and showed me the issues, answered all of my questions, and explained everything in terms that were easy to understand. I highly recommend him. read more

Dr Taghva is a very detailed and highly competent surgeon. I am so grateful that I was able to have such an amazing doctor to perform my double cervical disk replacement in April 2023. This can be very stressful to find a doctor that you trust, but I would highly recommend contacting their office in Mission Viejo if you are in need of a consultation or have a neurological medical condition. His assistant Brian is amazing too. Very easy going, knowledgeable and extremely kind, you may even have your first consult with him. If you are tirelessly looking for a doctor you can trust, please look into Dr. Taghva. Thank you for giving me back my life free of the pain I had experienced before my surgery read more

Both appointments Doctor was substantially late. I took work off for these appointments. When we asked the receptionist if he was in she said oh I don't know let me go ask. She followed up with I'm not in charge of the doctor I have no control over his schedule. My appointment was for a follow up of imaging when I asked for a virtual appointment they said he won't do a virtual. I am finally in the dr office 40 minutes past my appointment uncomfortable with the whole experience. Staff is catty. I won't be back. Jillian counter girl extra rude and unhelpful. read more

Vibes were absolutely not it here. Pretty dismissive of my pain. Went elsewhere and found out I have a bulging disc, was taken seriously elsewhere! read more

I am highly recommended Dr Alexander Taghva to my families and friends. Staff are professional and very helpful, wonderful with care. I had ADR procedure two years ago and I knew that I was in good hand. I am Thankful so much for Dr. Taghva to give me a free of worry! read more

My husband had a pinched nerve between lumber vertebrae 4 & 5 and was in constant pain for years. I researched a lot to find excellent surgeons. Dr Taghva was the 3rd neurosurgeon we visited (the first just retired and the second wouldn't perform the surgery), and he performed the surgery. My husband has polycythemia Vera, diabetes, and some other health issues, and is 56 years old. While in surgery, Dr Taghva found a cyst pushing on the nerve in addition to the nerve being pinched by the vertebrae. It's been 4 1/2 weeks since the surgery and my husband is so thankful. His lower back is feeling great and no more pinched nerve or numbness in his leg. He's working in the backyard as I'm typing this now. He's sleeping through the night. I'm so thankful for Dr Tavhga. read more

Alexander Taghva, MD - Spine Surgeons Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

After getting an MRI, I was diagnosed with a spinal nerve tumor in November of 2018. My symptoms were lower back pain. I met with 1 neuro surgeon prior to Taghva but once I met Taghva I chose him the day I met him. I knew he was my guy - I quickly felt in good hands. I was told my diagnoses can be either a shwannoma benign tumor or malignant empendymoma tumor. Essentially I wouldn't know until operated on. Lastly I was also diagnosed with L4 herniated disc. It's scary to hear all this at 30 years old especially with the possibility of "cancer" looming but Taghva has a stone cold confidence that is comforting. He knows what he's doing and I was quickly able to see and strongly feel that which helped dissipate any fears. When it came to surgery day in February of 2019, Taghva and his team were amazing and so kind. Taghva asked me a few questions prior to the surgery. He asked me about my pain and if it got better since I saw him last. Since my pain did improve, he suggested not doing the herniated disc operation and to just move forward solely on the priority operation: getting the tumor out of my spinal cord... WHICH I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR. You put your life and trust into the hands of a doctor....so when they genuinely look out for you and make a last minute game-time suggestion like that, it is truly significant. Looking back on what I went through, I can't imagine doing both of those operations at the same time. It would've been very tough. So we moved forward with just the intradural tumor resection. They took me into the operation room. It was a 4 hour operation. After all was said and done, it was a SUCCESSFUL surgery. No complications. When it comes to a spinal nerve tumor like mine, doctors can't tell what the exact tumor is from an MRI. It requires a biopsy on the actual tumor which can only happen in POST OPERATION. So prior to the surgery, I really thought my tumor was benign and something called a shwannoma but after we got the tumor out and passed it though pathology it turns out the tumor was in fact an empendymoma, the scary one we didn't want BUT Taghva, being the amazing neuro surgeon he is, fortunately approached the resection aggressively in that operating room. When he opened me up and actually saw my tumor he quickly realized it was something more serious looking, not the benign tumor we were hoping for. So he made a game time decision to aggressively remove the entire tumor. So huge. This could've been the difference in outcome if let's say I chose another surgeon who didn't decide to act aggressively and left parts of the tumor in me increasing odds of the tumor to come back and requiring me to get radiation post surgery. When you fully remove a tumor like mine you don't necessarily need to do radiation which is massive. Radiation can have side affects detrimental to my health so it's best to avoid at all costs. It also dramatically reduces chances of the tumor coming back when fully resected. This is a complicated surgery and the margin for error is scary. It's a highly meticulous operation populated with nerves connected to all areas of my body and brain which could have potentially caused harm or life alternating outcomes to either my life or quality of life but for Taghva this operation was a walk in the park for him. He essentially saved my life and I thank god for him and his team. I love this guy and trusted him with my life and thank god for him. I can't stop bragging about him to people. My recovery has been great and each day i get stronger and stronger. The team is around making sure I'm taken care of. Vanessa, the NP, is a true professional, a kind hearted human being who went the above and beyond as well. Overall their team is unremarkable. Everyone one of them I thank. They cared for me like I was apart of their own family. Words can not express the feeling and gratitude I have towards this magnificent doctor and team. read more

Alexander Taghva, MD - Spine Surgeons Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

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Please tell me your an honest person ..... I will never believe you . I was not in a chair for 3 years prior . I worked since I was 14 years old . But it came to a GRINDING holt after my surgery. read more

After being told by her now former podiatrist she needed multiple surgeries on her foot, we got a second opinion from Doctor Taghva. He saw immediately that the problem was her neck, not her feet. After being bedridden for three months she was able to walk into his office for the follow up visit the next day. He literally saved her from a lifetime of paralysis. I can't recommend him enough, and will be making an appointment with him soon to look at my ailing back! read more

Great surgeon. Wonderful staff. Had two cervical discs replaced. Recovery was quick. I feel great! Thank you!

Dr. Taghva is definitely worthy of his "Top Doctor" distinction. I have only positive things to say about him. When I needed an emergency ACDF surgery, Dr. Taghva was available to step in & I really appreciate that. Not being a neurosurgeon myself, I'm not sure what the intricacies of spine surgery are, but I do know I felt comfortable putting my life and/or my ability to escape paralysis--in his hands, trusting that he fully knows what those intricacies as, as is evident when he goes over x-rays and MRIs with me. He has a very kind and compassionate manner, takes his time during my visits and doesn't come across as haughty in the slightest bit. He answers all my questions, no matter what they are, and never seems to be hurrying me out of the door. For my next two surgeries, I chose him and trusted him. With the extent of spine damage I have, he never promised me I'd feel completely restored, but he gave me some calculated hope and encouraged me to be patient. Dr. Taghva definitely fixed what was wrong and now I have a fighting chance to be normal again. I'm certain no one else could have done a better job. AND as a bonus, I have no evident scars even after a 6-level posterior laminectomy that originally looked like a long zipper down the back from my upper neck to below my shoulders (ha ha). Oh, and also, his assistant Gabrielle is very competent amid all her multitasking--and responds to emails immediately (!) and the front desk staff are friendly and lovely to deal with. read more

Last May I needed spinal surgery to stabilize my spine after a bicycle accident. Dr. Taghva fused 8 vertebrae with minimal pain after the surgery. I just came back from a 3 day ski trip to Mammoth. I was able to ski with no pain or any other symptoms from my operation. I definitely recommend Dr. Taghva to resolve any spinal issues you might have. read more

Where do I start DrTaghva is an amazing doctor he saved my life on 3 September 2016 I was on a road ride with my husband and we both got hit in the bike lane .I was first and was dragged 900 feet. I was a mess broken ribs , hands fractured, internal decapitation, skull fracture and many more injuries. This doctor is a miracle worker . He put me back together and I am walking talking and living life I would not be here to day only for him . I have a long road to go but I am here and I can walk all because of the amazing doctor . read more

In 2014, I was referred to Dr. Taghva by my pain management specialist, Dr. Scott Martin, who said, "I am only going to send you to the best...". I had been undergoing epidural injections for over one year due to severe spinal stenosis and reverse curvature of the cervical spine. I also had several herniated discs. Dr. Taghva beautifully performed spinal fusion with no complications and I was home quickly. I place my completed trust in Dr. Taghva; he is both talented and well educated. In addition, he explains your diagnosis, prognosis and procedures in language that the layman can understand. I have other physical issues that I need addressed and Dr. Taghva is the only surgeon that I will consider! read more

Dr. Taghva is an excellent surgeon, offering complete clinical skills in both office visits and surgical care. He is a clear and thorough communicator, an active listener of both patient and family, so we all understood the complex need of my wife (patient) and his surgical care recommendations. Dr. Taghva's staff members, both business, and clinical staff are all patient centric oriented, professional, place urgency in actions for patients, and very efficient. We highly recommend Dr. Taghva. read more

I broke my neck in August of 2020. It was an emergency situation as I was transported to Mission hospital by ambulance. I was so fortunate that Dr Taghva was the on call neurosurgeon that day as he did an outstanding job putting me back together. He even managed to staple my tattoo back together perfectly. I am now 2 years post op and I have had zero pain or issues with my neck. I would highly recommend Dr Taghva! Yes, he is young, but don't let that dissuade you. He is absolutely the BEST out there ! read more

I am 57 and have had back and neck issues for several years now and have done PT and steroid shots as well as many various drugs with no relief, I couldn't even tell where the pain was radiating from anymore. I went to the first surgeon and they told me I had to pick either the neck or the lumbar spine to be seen for, wouldn't it make sense to look at the spine as a whole? I did not feel comfortable with that response so I went to see Dr. Taghva for a second opinion. I initially went for my lower back but mentioned that I had stenosis in my neck as well so he immediately studied both cervical and lumbar MRI's and determined that the neck was actually much worse than the lumbar. I had 2 cervical fusions done and that relieved SO much of my pain, now I can feel exactly where the lumbar stenosis hurts. I had planned to go back to Dr. Taghva for my lumber stenosis but I was laid off after two months back to work so I am now trying to obtain an insurance that he accepts because I trust him and his staff explicitely. Vanessa and Gabrielle are awesome and I will be heartbroken if I can not continue my treatment with them. Also, the recovery was super easy, they know what they are doing and they made sure I was comfortable during my recovery. LOVE this Dr. and his staff. read more

I truly have to say that after my Lumbar surgery on June 25,2015 Dr. Taghva corrected the curve in my Lumbar Spine and corrected a disc from a prior surgery that I had in 1983. I truly believe Dr. Taghva is the best Nuerosurgeron around Orange County these days, I have recommended Dr. Alexander Taghva to a number of my friends and family members, with the confidence they to will have the best surgeron working on them . read more

Alexander Taghva, MD - Spine Surgeons Near Me - Mission Viejo, California

Dr Taghva is the best in his field although rather young he far surpasses other neurosurgeons in the area in more ways then one. His admin is also the best in the business. Highly recommend unless you are having complex spine surgery then I'd wait a few years and he will out do the Palmer brothers. read more

My pain keeps getting worse and he says "physical therapy." My physical therapists say "the doctor needs to find what's wrong." I've had two other surgeons say what could be it but one is far away and doesn't take insurance and the closer one offered fusion only. Dr Taghva could barely even look at me. I was too disappointed to even argue. He didn't ask any questions about functionality or history of pain. And that was it. read more

So Yelp says that 5 stars is a Woohoo and as good as it gets! And that's the truth when it comes to Dr. Taghva and his staff. I had an L4-L5 fusion and laminectomy. Not an easy diagnosis to hear and not a surgery to take lightly or recover from, but I knew I was in great hands. I trust, respect and just plain like Dr. Taghva and he has made an exceptional choice bringing Vanessa on staff this year. When other practitioners ask who did my surgery, and I say Dr. Taghva, they have nothing but endearing praise for his talent and reputation. That says so much! read more

Dr Taghva is a life saver in my opinion. Being a 30 year sufferer of back issues, multiple back surgeries in 20 years, numerous epidurals, numerous visits to PT, I am no stranger to back misery. My recent episode lasted 5 months. Constant burning and stinging down my left side. Pain so intense I would get nauseous. I finally saw Dr Taghva and within a week after surgery I was completely free of pain meds and was feeling unbelievable. I would let Dr Taghva operate on me anytime. The thing I liked the most is he spent lots of time during each visit explaining my condition, the options and what to expect. He did not rush through any of my appointments. To anyone suffering with back and nerve pain, please see Dr Taghva. read more

Dr Taghva is a top notch Neurosurgeon. I had cervical spine surgery in December. I cannot stress enough how professional the entire staff is. I came through the surgery very well and am still healing. The pain I had prior to surgery is virtually gone. I traveled from Lake Havasu, Arizona to see him and I do not regret it. Jennifer and Gabrielle are also a great asset to the office. I highly recommend him for any spine surgery you Might need. I also want to mention, Vanessa, Dr. Taghva's P.A. She really takes her time with patients and listens to any concerns. She is very knowledgeable and has a sweet personality. Cannot say one negative about the whole experience. read more

Hello!! This is my second review for Dr. Taghva. I am still in the process of doing research on my neck for going on two years now..... Another MRI - epidural possibilities- speaking with lots of people about their experiences, etc....... This entire time I have been going to see Dr. Taghva. I have to say- this man has the most amazing calmness and patience about him that I have ever encountered in a doctor. I am currently so nervous to do neck surgery- and although it looks like this is the only solution remaining..... Dr. Taghva continues to listen to all of my whining and "What ifs?" and frankly just babbling on!! And yet I have Never felt even the slightest hint of being pushed or swayed in any direction. To me this shows how utterly confident Dr. Taghva is concerning his professional abilities.....and I for one feel that because of this innate quality that he possesses; in the end- I am destined to make the perfect choice for the favored outcome that God has in mind for me:-) Thank you Dr. Taghva for being such a blessing to not only myself; but I'm sure to countless others..... Cynthia Cullen:-) read more

There are no words to describe how grateful I am to Dr. Taghva and his entire team. At 27, I was completely blindsided by a hidden degenerative disc that by the time my symptoms started I was left with struggling to perform basic activities and would still be functioning with a low quality of life had it not been for his skill and attentiveness to my situation. Within the span of a week I had gone from urgent care to a neurologist to Dr. Taghva scheduling surgery within days of seeing my MRI results. He is always thorough, willing to answer any questions and his level of expertise is unmatched to any physician I have ever seen. The cervical disc replacement was a complete success and my pain was significantly reduced immediately following the surgery. Vanessa his NP is also a rockstar - she stitched me up like a pro and was there every step of the way. Gabrielle and the other office staff go above and beyond in dealing with insurance, scheduling and everything that goes into the process. I cannot imagine where I would be today if it weren't for Dr. Taghva and the staff, so all I can say is thank you! read more

I had life changing surgery performed by Dr. Taghva in Nov. 2019. It's now 5 months post-op and I'm completely healed. I had a spinal fusion at L5-S1 to relieve debilitating sciatic nerve pain. I'm a 37 year old finish carpenter, who has put his body through a lot over the years. I had my first MRI's and serious discussion with a neurosurgeon when I was 28. Doctor's refused to advise anything beyond bed rest and a complete change of lifestyle/occupation. That wasn't an option for me. Throughout that time I did my part to alleviate the pain through physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, weight loss, and on and on.... Finally I had, had enough and met with a neurosurgeon who suggested surgery. While I was relieved to get that answer, I was underwhelmed by that surgeon and his approach to dealing with me as a patient. That's when Dr. Taghva was recommended to me, and the rest is history. He is caring, easy to talk to, and took the time to go over all of my images (CT scan, MRI, & x-ray) during my initial visit. I knew I could trust him, and scheduled my surgery within a week of meeting him. His staff, including Vanessa, his PA, are tremendous, as is Mission Hospital. It's an intimidating process to go through, but with there professionalism and care, it made it the best decision I have made for myself. I was back to work in a limited capacity 3 weeks post-op, and am now better than ever. The chronic pain had led to lack of sleep, and my mental/physical outlook on the future was bleak. This surgery changed everything . I cannot recommend Dr. Taghva and his staff enough! If you have lost hope because of back pain, go see the best around. read more

Had my procedure done by Dr Taghva almost two months ago (minimally invasion , lower back). After 4 years of pain, I am finally pain free and doing some serious physical therapy to Strengthen core for starting golf again. Everything went perfect .. AND his assistant, Vanessa was the perfect follow up aide ,,,ever. Thanks to all. read more

Excellent bedside manner, well educated, and not pushing surgery on those who don't need it. I appreciate all the time he took with me to review my MRI and clearly explain things (better than previous doctors). He didn't just read an MRI report; he actually looked at the MRI picture with me and educated me as to the findings. I was also very pleased that when I had questions AFTER my appointment, I could email his assistant who would then email Dr. Taghva's answer back to me (usually within 24 hours). Dr. Taghva is honest and doesn't make false promises. read more

I am grateful Dr Alexander Taghva performed my lower back fusion. The disc was rotated, shredded, and pressing against my spinal cord. I was in 24/7 pain. Everyone told me, "Don't have an operation. You will be stiff the rest of your life." When I awoke following the procedure, my pain was completely relieved. I couldn't believe it. I haven't experienced any pain or difficulties since my operation. I highly recommend Dr Taghva. He is very professional and on the cutting edge of technology. Furthermore, Dr Taghva has become my favorite USC Trojan. Russ Greiner San Clemente, CA read more

I love Dr. Taghva, he found a fracture in my spine that other doctors didn't find. He injected my spine with a cement substance and I am much better. read more

Two weeks ago I had spine surgery to remove a large tumor at L5/S1. Because the tumor had caused deformation of the bone, Dr Taghva also had to fuse the S1 joint. The day after the surgery I was doing laps with my walker of the 3rd floor at Mission Hospital. Post op pain was limited to the incision site and staples and was easily tolerated compared to the pre-op pain that was incessant and debilitating. Dr. Taghva's pre-operative disclosures were complete, detailed and frank. My RN (ex-scrub nurse) wife was in the recovery room when Dr. T explained in detail what he encountered; that he removed the entire tumor. He made sure that we both understood his comments and asked I we had additional questions. Cudos are also deserving of his office staff who are friendly, courteous, and really efficient, unlike the other neurosurgeons I dealt with just trying to get an appointment. The office functions at a very high level of competence. Dr. Taghva's assistant Vanessa is an outstanding PA and cheerfully assisted, explained and answered my many questions. And she's a lovely person to boot. Gabrielle, the lady who assisted me in facilitating an "earlier" surgery date got things done "yesterday," and did so with a sense of humor. I hope I do not need any other neurosurgical procedures, but if I do, there is only one game in town as far as I'm concerned. I would immediately call Dr Taghva. You will be fortunate to have him as your surgeon. Five Stars isn't enough. Mike H read more

I've been a patient of Dr. Taghva's on/off since 2015. In that time, he's performed 3 procedures on me (to include a fusion). From day one, I immediately knew that I was in the best possible hands; when it became necessary for me to have additional procedures, Dr. Taghva was the clear choice. His knowledge and expertise in his field are incomparable, and I feel that I am getting the best care possible. If you're in need of a Neurosurgeon, contact Dr. Taghva! read more