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Newport Orthopedic Institute Newport Orthopedic Institute

From the First Consult to Final Recovery

No one should have to plan their life around back or neck pain. For more than 30 years, Newport Orthopedic Institute has cared for the spines of coastal Orange County, and the Spine Center brings that work under one program: fellowship-trained spine surgeons, board-certified non-operative specialists, and a conservative-first approach that treats surgery as the right answer only when it truly is.

From the first evaluation through recovery, our team coordinates every step of your care, whether that means physical therapy, pain management, or surgery. One team means a clearer path for patients: fewer phone calls, faster scheduling, and specialists who coordinate directly on your care.

Same-day and next-day appointments are often available.

Book an Appointment Call for a Second Opinion

Spine Team

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Treatment Options for Back & Neck Conditions

At Newport Orthopedic Institute, spine care is a team effort, and no two treatment plans look the same. For most patients, we start with conservative, non-surgical care to relieve pain and restore movement. When surgery is the right answer, our fellowship-trained surgeons use the most advanced techniques available. See the full range of conservative and surgical options below.

How do I know if spine surgery is right for me?

When conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, injections, and exercise no longer relieve your back or neck pain, it may be time to consider surgery. That decision depends on several factors: how much pain you're in, how much it limits your daily life, how extensive the surgery would be, and whether delaying it risks further harm, such as nerve damage or foot drop.

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  • “I was under Dr. Eng's care for surgery following an accident, and I couldn't be more pleased with his professionalism.”
    - Anup G.
  • “My mom had gone to two other back surgeons who told her she would need at least two surgeries and would never walk properly again. We consulted with Dr. Lee and he told her he'd have her up and dancing again with one surgery. Sure enough, the day after surgery, she was up and dancing. He reflects whatever energy you put out, and we found him warm and kind.”
    - Victoria R.
  • “Dr. Richard Lee gave me my life back. I went from not being able to walk for weeks to walking out of the hospital after surgery on my own feet.”
    - Jennie K.
  • “I walked in with severe pain, met with an amazing surgeon, and weeks later I'm completely pain-free and on the road to a full recovery. The whole process—from consultation to post-op—has been seamless.”
    - L. Cass
  • “Dr. Charlu is very receptive and compassionate to the pain I endure. Very professional and precise with every procedure.”
    - Jon T.
  • “I recently had a very complicated spine surgery. Dr. Lee explained the situation, the procedure, and the anticipated outcome and was there for me every step of the way. My outcome was better than expected. Dr. Lee is my hero.”
    - Wendy Z.
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FAQ's

  • The Spine Center offers care across all four NOI locations: Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Irvine, and San Clemente.

  • Recovery varies based on the procedure and the patient. Minimally invasive, endoscopic, and robotic-assisted techniques typically allow for faster recovery and less time away from work and family than traditional approaches. Your surgeon will walk you through a personalized recovery timeline before any procedure.

  • Yes. Second opinions are a core part of what the Spine Center does. We'll review your imaging, examine you in person, and walk you through every reasonable option, including the option of no surgery at all.

    Call (949) 722-5088 for a second opinion consultation.

  • Your first visit includes a focused conversation about your pain history, a physical exam, and a review of any imaging you've already had. If additional imaging is needed, we offer on-site digital X-ray and high-definition MRI at our Newport Beach campus, read by musculoskeletal-fellowship-trained radiologists. You'll leave with a clear understanding of what's going on and a recommended care plan.

  • We accept most major commercial and Medicare plans. To see if your plan is in-network, visit our Insurance & Billing page or call the Spine Center directly. Self-pay options are also available.

  • Most insurance plans do not require a referral to see a Spine Center specialist, but some HMO plans do. Call (949) 722-5088 and we'll help you confirm what your plan requires.

  • If back or neck pain has lasted more than a few weeks, is interfering with daily activities, or is paired with numbness, weakness, or radiating pain down an arm or leg, it's worth getting evaluated. Most spine concerns can be managed without surgery. Our team will help you understand what's going on and what your real options are.

Locations

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Ready to Talk to Our Spine Team?

If you're dealing with back or neck pain, we're here to help. Reach the Spine Center directly at (949) 722-5088, or book below. Our team will get you scheduled and answer any questions along the way.