Dr. Spayde is an excellent doctor and surgeon, as well as one of the nicest people you will ever meet. He has gathered around himself a staff of similarly nice and professional staff. All my experiences with Dr. Spayde and his staff are the absolute model of how a medical office should be run: with care, kindness, efficiency and medical excellence read more

Best Surgeon Ever . Honest, kind,whole staff Friendly. Always explains everything my appointment shave always been on time.

So disappointed, had an appointment for today, NYE. Passed on a fun little trip with my wife in order to keep the appointment. They emailed me 15 PAGES to fill out pror to the appointment, which I painstakingly filled out. I called with a question regarding the appointment, and was told that they had no record of an appointment for me (then why send the 15 pages for me to fill out). It would have been nice to be offered some time today to squeeze me in. I agree with the reviews critiquing the front staff. I'll be going elsewhere. read more

The old hen at the front desk with the large glasses, she's got the worst attitude, put her not front facing she has zero people skills. Between the dirty looks and inability to handle a simple task I'm unsure why your practice even keeps her. The PA does all the work, Dr. Spayde isn't that interested unless you're involved in a lawsuit Lein. Asking him basic questions seems to garner confused looks and run around answers. He has a wall covered in surgical awards but his medical acumen is questionable at best. He doesn't do anything in network and requires you to pay a large fee for him to sit in front of you and say "pain hurts, I'm sorry, see ya next time." You would get better results from a veterinarian or perhaps even a dentist. read more

Amazing doctor and staff! This was my 3rd spinal surgeon consultation and he was the only one who did X-rays and found out the severity of my condition. Everyone was very kind, patient, friendly, compassionate, caring, and took the time to listen and offer advice that I felt comfortable with. So glad I found this great doctor and office. Kennedy in the front office is really lovely too! read more

The worst across the board. Nightmare what he did to my back! I need 85 more comments to meet the requirements to post my message.Hope this is enough, because I've already said all I have to say. Watch out for your back is my advice from first hand experience. One other thing I just remembered they book 2 patients for appointments for the same time! Never seen that anywhere, And of unfortunately, I think I've seen enough doctors not proud of To be an expert on This never heard of policy. By the way, never once did I ever get to see him because I would be a year older by the time I got in. Best of luck. Be careful. read more

Dr. Spayde is great! He performed my lumbar fusion last year (ALIF) and it has been a complete success. Ever since my very first appointment, he always spent as much time with me as I needed and answered all of my questions. This is true even when he wasn't recommending surgery. As my back got worse, I kept seeing him for follow ups and we agreed that the time had come. Before the surgery, I would need a cane or walker several times a year after doing routine things like yard work. Now I'm back to doing everything that I want to do and no longer worry about being in pain for the weeks to follow. A lot of people are scared of spine surgery and it can be very intimidating. I put off surgery for as long as I possibly could. The surgery and recovery was difficult. The pain was pretty bad the first week and then got better over the months to follow. Being a year out from surgery now, I can easily say that I am much better off and I'm very grateful for everything Dr. Spayde has done. read more

Dr. Spayde, I wrote you months ago but you never replied. Or maybe someone intercepted my letter. I came to you with sciatica. Your bilateral fusion crippled me; I could no longer stand up straight or walk normally. My mobility was 70% disabled. I could barely walk and no longer work. I was 73, at 23 comitted to a vegetarian life of health and fitness. I was perfectly healthy and athletic, surfing, rock climbing. I was getting treatment from Dr. Dirkx, seeing Jonathan Rice, but not you, you missed 3 appointments with me. Maybe all of you knew the problem but pretended everything was fine. I lost a new $30,000 Toyota RAV that was almost paid for, and a custom $30,000 Harley Davidson motorcycle. Two custom $7000 acoustic guitars, my $1,000 surfboard, my $2,000 mountain bike, my backpacking equipment, my daughter Sarah who stopped talking to me because she was afraid I was going to ask her for help. I lost or had to sell everything to pay my rent, my $1400 SSI and VA pension was not enough. Every day I was terrified of being homeless. I fell into deep depression and hopelessness. I wasn't physically recovering. Finally, I went to Dr. Thomas Jones who told me the problem was the bilateral fusion. He said, "it's not what I would have done", that it was permanent and irreversible. I was completely devastated. I went to Ram Alluri, MD Assistant Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery at USC and Luke Macyszyn, MD, FAANS, FACS at UCLA and they also told me the same thing. Your surgery was flawed and the cause of me being permanently crippled for life. Then last October Dr. Todd Alamin at Stanford looked at my x-rays and said, "The problem is Dr. Spayde did it wrong. The hardware is angled 40 degrees forward and totally misaligned with your sacrum. But I can fix you. I'll need to remove that hardware and install new hardware angled 30 degrees back. You will be able to stand up straight and walk again". When he said that I cried with relief and gratitude. The surgery was November 8th, 8 hours and 10- days of rehab. Thank God I can stand up and walk again. It's going to take me a long time to put my life back together. I'll never recover my health, the years I lost, my unlived life, all the things I lost. But I am persistent. And besides all the glowing reports you control I want people to know the truth. James S. 10/17/23 read more

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Dr. Spayde is a wonderful doctor. He listens, communicates well and is kind to his patients and his staff. He leaves no stone unturned to be sure your treatment is the very best that can be offered. I just had my spine surgery. The whole experience, beginning with his delightful and caring office staff and culminating in my surgery, was just excellent. Everyone made me feel secure, and that I was/ an in the best of hands. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr Spayde and his remarkable staff! read more

I had heard fantastic things from the owner of my physical therapy group about both Dr. Spayde and Jonathan. She said her patients raved about them both in terms of surgical outcomes as well as overall experience. So in looking for a spinal surgeon, I immediately thought of Dr. Spayde. Having surgery or dealing with pain is obviously very difficult. So having a doctor you can trust to keep your best interest at heart and provide excellent surgical outcomes is imperative. My experience with Dr. Spayde and Jonathan has been overwhelmingly positive. They are compassionate, smart and 100% care about their patients. Often times I am hesitant to see a PA but I am perfectly happy to take an appointment with Jonathan. They both have exceptional bedside manner, are focused listeners and put you at ease. Dr. Spayde's Medical Assistant, Tony always greets you with a smile, is polite and professional. Also, Deanna in billing has always been super helpful! read more

Today is exactly 6 months post surgery on my back. Sheer perfection. No restrictions at all. Thank you St Charles Spine Institute for EVERYTHING...from the front office staff (Kennedy is amazing) to Morgen, Jonathan and of course the magnificent Dr. Spayde! I'm a new person, loving life. -- at St Charles Spine Institute. read more

Erik C Spayde, MD - exactly 6 months post XLIF fusion, artificial disc, 2 bone spur removals and a host of other fun things. - Spine Surgeons Near Me - Thousand Oaks, California

Ive known Dr. Spayde and Jonathon Rice going back about 10 years having worked with them as a surgical tech on hundreds of spine surgeries. Even though I live a healthy, active lifestyle, this past February I found myself in the shoes of being a patient with a severe case of foot drop. I knew immediately it was a dire situation. I made a call to St Charles Spine and was promptly seen and diagnosed by Dr. Spayde and Jonathon Rice. Within just a few weeks I was in surgery having a L4-L5 microdiscectomy and laminectomy. I was extremely worried and nervous becoming the patient but was reassured and calmed by Dr Spayde and Jonathon and I felt comfortable and confident that I would be back to normal soon enough. The following weeks I recovered quite quickly and felt close to normal. I had several follow up appts with both Jonathon and Dr Spayde. This experience has never made me more confident then now to recommend Dr Spayde for their back pain. The team over at St. Charles Spine Institute was so wonderful and so prompt and caring. I highly recommend seeing him and his office. read more

Dr. spayde is a nice man with great knowledge and good bed side manner. However he has a receptionist in his office that is consistently rude! I believe her name is Carly. She is dark skinned (which has nothing to do w my review- I'm Just trying to identify her) She truly is a detriment to this office. And many other people feel the same way. I don't even want to go back there if she is still there read more

I'd recommend Southern California Orthopedic Institute over Dr. Spayde's office. You're likely to get trapped in a billing spider web with Dr. Spayde and unfortunately his staff doesn't do a thorough job communicating with their patients, especially with enough advance notice of receiving care, and to me, it's clear that money is more important than his patients care and well being. You won't be treated like you matter, you'll only be looked at as $$$. Go elsewhere. read more

Thought I was done with these clowns 2 years age. Spade rescheduled my Friday appointment (prior to a Monday holiday.) When he did see me, he was dismissive. A couple months later, I called the office again during a bout with extreme back pain and the RECEPTIONIST told me I wasn't a surgical candidate, and the doctor would not see me. I had not had a cross word with anyone in the practice prior. I did see another clinician; I did need a procedure that went very well and am now fine. I had a total of 3 office visits and the office staff was either rude or belligerent each time. Now two years hence, I have received a bill from the practice for their alleged treatment. It's worth the money to hopefully be done with this circus. Maybe he's a good surgeon, he has a fancy degree... I'll never find out. read more

If you Want to visit a doctors office where the accounting department insults you, if you want to see a doctors office where's it's almost impossible to reach someone with questions, if you want a doctors office that spends five minutes with you and then pushes you in different directions, and if you want to talk to his office.....when you don't get cured and simply apply Band-Aids, then this is the doctors office for you. read more

Dr. Spayde and his PA Jonathan Rice are not only caring people unlike some cold Dr's with no bedside manner, they did an incredible job doing a fusion on my back. Still healing after 9 months but I feel really good. I've only know Dr. Spayde since last December but I have always thought the staff was great. I do believe that most of their staff is new so do not pass up on this incredible surgeon because of what your heard about his staff. These guys spent a lot of time with me helping with my neuropathy. Not much they can do but they cared enough to talk to me about my options. read more

I don't normally leave reviews (although Id never make an appointment or purchase anything without first reading reviews). But I discovered something yesterday very upsetting after reviewing all the medical claims submitted to Medicare & my supplement insurance...how many fraudulent claims paid out by Medicare in just the past year. It's easily close to $100,000.00!! From my primary's office, the pharmacy's and especially the eye surgeon who preformed cataract surgery. But NOT one over charge from Dr. Eric Spayde & Dr. Ben Dirkx both associated with St. Charles Spine Institute in Thousand Oaks Ca. In fact with all the tests & procedures performed at there institute all the costs were relatively reasonable! Aside from their honesty...their organization is very professional, each person I came in contact with was very thought & respectful (become more & more rare these days). As for Dr Spayde & Dr Dirx and both their medical assistants they were all wonderful! Very understanding, they listened to everything I said...even when I rambled on somewhat (I've always had a tremendous fear of doctors & being wheeled into an operating room). But not here, not with them or their wonderful staff. Thank you! read more

In 2014 my husband was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic lung cancer. He was quickly loosing his ability to walk, as the cancer spread to his spine. I was directed to Dr. Spayde's office seeking pain management for my husband. Dr. Spayde wanted to do surgery on my husband, which included the insertion of a metal rod in his back. To this day I will never understand why he would even suggest such a thing on a man with only weeks to live. read more

Dr Spayde was wonderful. However I found out from his MRI and nerve test that the issue is with my left hip. I have advanced arthritis. Now I need to find a hip specialist. read more

Dr. Spayde is an excellent doctor. He is very knowledgeable and listens carefully to what you have to say. I trust him Completely with my health care and feel well taken care of. He also performed surgery on my husband and did a flawless job. read more

I have been a patient at the St. Charles Spine Institute for almost 6 years. Dr Erik Spayde performed a successful spine surgery on my lower back in May 2022. In my opinion, he is one of the best at what he does. Sometimes, being the best has its disadvantages such as overconfidence, excessive pride and hubris. It's not the case with this young and skilled surgeon; while being the best, he hasn't forgotten his humanity, he put himself at the same levels with his patients, never above. Most importantly, he listens carefully and explains conditions and procedures in simple language. If and when he finds a surgery necessary, he puts everything, every little detail, in favor of a successful operation. The skilled and professional front desk and everyone else working at his office is courteous and accommodating. I feel a good vibe and chemistry between the doctors and the staff which is the core of a successful team helping patients. read more

My experience with Dr Spayde and the office was amazing. I had a compressed and bulging disc with nerve damage affecting my right arm. I needed to have a 2 level artificial disc replacement which was to give my nerves room and not affect my range of motion like a fusion would. From the time I came home I've had literally no pain or tingling at all. It's now been 13 weeks and I'm back on my mountain bike and exercising fully again. Since I had some nerve damage from the disc issue I am now working hard to gain that strength back. Quite a bit of improvement so far and doing physical therapy everyday at home and 2 times a week at Body Logic. I'm confident that this was the right thing to do and the surgery went extremely well. Within a couple days I was taking long walks and within 2 weeks I was hiking 4 miles 3 times a week. So awesome. Now I'm back on my mountain bike being careful and can't wait for ski season in January. Thank you! read more

Dr. Spade has operated on me my wife and our oldest son. All turned out well. He has a caring staff and his Assistant Jonathan is excellent at explaining the x rays and MRI'S. read more

Rudest and most abrupt office staff in the county. Most likely, you will notice this the first time you call their office. The caveat is...the medical care is pretty good. read more

After I got scolded by a rude office receptionist for not being 20 minutes early (hey stupid then give me my appointment 20 minutes earlier) I got there on time. After 20 min wait I was called in the office where I waited in pain an unable to seat down for another 50 minutes. Finally after saying I was leaving he came with no apology or remorse. Rushed me with questions I repetedly answered in several forms I was made to fill prior to going. Dr Spayde couldn't come up with a solution for my problem. And thats OK he isn't God. I left his office but I forgot to ask two questions. Within 5 minutes I called his office and asked if he couldd please call me (anytime he is free, at the end of the day or anytime) to answer these two questions, but the idiot who answered the phone told me that I needed to make an appointment in two weeks on zoom for $125. WTF? I insisted I left the office 5 min ago and my questions was related to the conversation I just had. She was rude, even mean and certainly inconsiderate. I asked to please give the message to the doctor and bluntly said she wouldn't do it. Suddenly she puts me on hold. A recording to leave a message for the office manager answers. I left a message requesting the doctor to call me or someone from the office. Never heard from them. read more

Thank goodness for this dynamic trio!! I wouldn't be walking if it wasn't for all their help and support from Dr.Spayed and Jonathan. Tony their medical assistant has been such a great part in making it easy to talk too and ask a million questions... THANK YOU!! Very comforting to know Tony is there for back up in any situation. I recommend everyone see this group for back issues. again I can't thank you enough! read more

As a new patient coming in for the very first time, I was disconcerted by the abrasive, argumentative, and audacious attitude his receptionist comfortably conducted herself with me regarding one of my concerns. Her insensitivity extended beyond professional boundaries as follows: she insisted I sit while I wait. Mind you, I am there due to my nerve pain running down my leg and standing is what best suits the alleviation of my nerve pain; my conversation with my husband was between us yet she felt compel to tell me to go sit by him instead of standing; and lastly her intrusive nature revealed itself while another staff member was politely addressing my concern this impolite receptionist/ front desk clerk simultaneously started talking while I am attempting to listen to her colleague. Her verbal bombardment was not only unprofessionally ignorant and brutish but absolutely unacceptable. I was offended, appalled, and perturbed by the entire negatively unpleasant experience and insensitivity that I repudiated any further services from this office. A patient needs to be valued and treated kindly. If you do not take care of your patients some other doctor and doctor's office will. read more

I want to write a review for Dr. Spayde and Dr. Dirkx because I want them to know how much they have helped me this year. At the beginning of the year my neck started to hurt a little and then a few months later I found myself in a tremendous about of pain. So much so that I couldn't even lay in bed without the pain just killing me. When I went to go see them I found out I had a herniated disc. They told me that the last thing they would want to do is surgery and suggested to perform an epidural with hope that my body will heal itself over time. Right away they got all my insurance squared away and scheduled me right in. The epidural procedure only took a few minutes and completely changed my life. I was in so much pain that it took a few weeks for me to feel the relief but it wasn't 100% gone. When I went back for my checkup we decided to go ahead a perform a second epidural to try and make it to 100% relief without surgery. So I went in again and got my second epidural and this time we made it to 100% relief! It has been a 5 months now and I am back to work as if nothing ever happened. I can't believe how much that pain disrupted my life to a halt and now I am pain free. I can't thank you Dr. Spayde and Dr. Durkx enough for giving me my life back and I couldn't recommend a higher compliment to them both! read more

At 74 years of age I had no right getting on a ladder, fell and required a X-rays and MRI. Being Reffered to Dr ERIC Spayed by two of my other Dr's. I made an appointment and consulted with him and his very accomplished P. A. Johnathan Rice. I felt comfortable with them as well as the amazing and caring staff, including their x-ray and MRI techs. Dr Spayed 1 did a operation called kyphoplasty procedure on my damaged L-1 at his office surgery center. Several weeks later after an MRI he set up another operation of a fusion on my L-3 & L-4 which required a hospital stay. After the operation the after care supported by his assistant and P.A. Jon Rice and Dr Ghodsian were suburb. The comfort I found with the care and professional way of treatment and explanation or procedures and follow up treatment was outstanding. I have and will refer Dr Spayed to anyone who requires a spinal or neck orthopedic consultation. Mickey R Newbury Park CA. read more

Dr. Erik Spayde is an amazing spine surgeon. I hurt my neck 3 years ago and was afraid to have surgery. I had tons of physical therapy and epidural shots but nothing seemed to work. When the pain started going down my left arm and there was tingling and weakness in my hand, I knew that I had to see a surgeon. I interviewed 6 spine surgeon from Los Angeles to Ventura and I chose Dr. Spayde to do my surgery. He has some of the best credentials and experience in Artificial Disc Replacement in the country. His office staff was efficient and kind. After my surgery, the followup was excellent. I used the surgery center which was incredibly modern. Now Im so happy!!! I have no more arm symptoms! 100% recovered. I m back to mountain biking and Yoga. Thanks to Dr. Spayde and his PA Jonathan. read more

Do not even think about going anywhere else for your back issues. Professional throughout and one of the last doctors to actually care how you are doing! Don't do a lot of research. Dr Spayde is the man!!!! read more

Update 12/13/2020: on advise of our local neurologist, I took my wife to Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. We saw a first class neurosurgeon; she was intimately familiar with my wife's condition. Surgery was performed in November, 2018 and met all our expectations. I've not altered my assessment of Dr. Spade. read more

I had lower back surgery with Dr. Spayde in October 2015 and it was completely successful. I'm so happy with my decision to go with Dr. Spayde. He's really the best. read more

I was referred to doctor Spayde by a pain management doctor in west hills. I've been extremely nervous & apprehensive about getting the type of surgery that I need to repair 2 herniated disks in my neck because a doctor in Santa Monica told me not to get surgery. He basically scared me into not wanting to do it even though my condition is really bad & could leave me paralyzed if it gets worse. I've been grappling with what to do and not do, I'm literally afraid but want to make sure I can live a long healthy life especially since I just had a baby girl & im still young... So far doctor Spayde and his staff have been nothing short of amazing, even helping to look into insurance costs. I was referred to follow up with a neurologist just to make sure I am ok to go under anesthesia for the amount of time I may be having the surgery. After I do that I hope I get an ok, I'm nervous and want to get better at the same time... read more

Dr. Spayde performed my L5-S1 spinal fusion in 2012 and he was wonderful. He was professional, kind, and compassionate. I was a teenager at the time and felt reassured that having the surgery was the right call. It was! I haven't had any back problems since and my pain has resolved. I am healthier and more active than ever. There is nobody else I would trust more. Additionally, his PA at the time (Jonathan), was incredible. Highly recommend. read more

Dr. Spayde is the best!! After a cheerleading accident, he preformed my L4-L5 L5-S1 Laminectomy/Microdiscectomy. The surgery was a success. He was professional, kind, and compassionate. Dr. Spayde always took the time to answer my questions and put my mind at ease. His PA Jonathan Rice is very thorough and wonderful as well. The office staff was pleasant and always welcomed me when I would come into the office. There is absolutely no other spine surgeon I would consider going to! read more

Please read my review all and everyone who has been struggling with back pain for many years !!! This is about dr. Spayde ,who returned me my life back. I am not exaggerating. Here is my story: I've had back problems in the past, but over the course of the preceding 2 years, things have gone from bad to worse. It's gotten to the point where walking around was difficult, and I was dreading going to bed every night because I knew I would be waking up in a few short hours from excruciating pain. I was worried about doing the surgery since the risks were high. I went to a number of doctors who have offered non-invasive solutions. Anything from pain management shots, to radio frequency treatments and none of them helped. I finally saw Dr. Spayde who took a look at my x-rays and clearly stated that the treatments that I've been doing would be completely useless in light of my significant lower back degradation. Based on my condition, he recommended a bilateral laminectomy from L3 to S1, along with fusion and spinal fixation. Essentially he recommended to space out the vertebrae, straighten them and use bone grafts as part of the healing process. The 7 hours surgery was completed with no complications and after spending 2 weeks in recovery, I was able to move cautiously, but without a walker. I've had multiple nurses visit me at home to check up on my progress and after reviewing my range of motion and my abilities they basically said that there was nothing for them to do. Now, 3 months after my surgery, I'm able to freely move around and I can take my dogs for long walks without any pain. I'm a completely different person and this is all due to the excellent work that Dr. Spayde did. I can't thank him enough for transforming my life back to normal. BTW, all complains I read on Yelp about Dr, Spayde office staff are completely strange for me, because was I treated excellently by everyone of his staff. Plus, if you struggling from an awful pain, that was killing for a long time and you finally find the doctor, who can cure you - will you pay any attention on anything else? Irene Gorlin, Newbury Park read more

Dr Spayde was my Mom's Surgeon and was a miracle worker. She went from barley walking to the bionic women at 85yrs old. Now it's my turn to get surgery and trust Dr Spayde to do the same for me read more

its been two and a half years now and know more sciatica pain just want to say thank you ERIK SPAYED for a super great job on my low back surgery i cant be-leave its gone after having sciatica for 15 years you are the BOOM back surgeon thank you a bunch and thx to the great staff as well read more