Published on Jun. 22, 2026
Spine care is shifting toward a more comprehensive, patient-centered model. At MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute, specialists across disciplines collaborate to guide patients through every stage of care— from diagnosis to recovery—connecting patients to the right treatment at the right time, whether through conservative care or if needed, advanced surgical solutions.
For many patients, care begins with a thorough evaluation to identify the source of pain and determine the most effective treatment plan. Patients benefit from a triage-based approach, where specialists assess the exact cause of symptoms early in the process, helping guide them to the most appropriate care pathway. Physical therapy is often the first line of treatment, helping patients rebuild strength, improve mobility and return safely to daily activities.
“Physical therapy plays a critical role in identifying movement limitations and addressing the root causes of pain, not just the symptoms. With a targeted, personalized approach, patients can improve function earlier and, in many cases, avoid more invasive treatments.”
- Guy Fukushima, PT, director, Rehabilitation Services, MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center
When physical therapy alone does not provide sufficient relief, MemorialCare offers non-surgical spine care through its Back & Neck Health Centers in Long Beach and Fountain Valley. These programs emphasize advanced diagnostics, image-guided injections and targeted pain management to treat pain at its source while minimizing reliance on medication. With a largely opioid-free approach, patients have access to effective, conservative treatments designed to relieve pain and restore function.
“Specialized, non-surgical spine care allows us to more precisely diagnose the source of pain and tailor treatment accordingly,” said Jason Koh, D.O., triage physician, MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute, Orange Coast Medical Center. “By identifying the exact level or structure causing symptoms, we can guide more effective treatment—and, if surgery is needed, help ensure it is as focused and minimally invasive as possible.”
For patients who do not find sufficient relief through conservative care, specialists can determine when surgical intervention is appropriate. When surgery is necessary, advances in technology are helping improve precision and consistency in spine procedures. Tools such as ExcelsiusGPS® robotic navigation and Q Guidance with CoPilot support more accurate surgical planning and execution.
“Advances in spine navigation technology allow for more precise planning and execution of procedures,” said Amandeep Bhalla, M.D., medical director, Spine Health Center, MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute, Long Beach Medical Center. “We always look at surgery as the last resort, but if it’s needed today’s advances with computer assisted surgery, including AI, make spinal surgery miles ahead of spine surgery even five years ago. This level of precision helps minimize disruption to surrounding tissue and supports improved patient outcomes at our Long Beach, Fountain Valley and Laguna Hills locations.”
Post surgical rehab is an important component to get motion and movement back as soon as possible.
This coordinated model brings together specialists across disciplines, allowing patients to access comprehensive spine care within one connected program. By integrating early evaluation, conservative treatment, advanced technology, rehabilitation and surgical expertise, MemorialCare Orthopedic & Spine Institute helps ensure each patient receives care aligned to their individual needs and goals.
