Dr Cuellar is the best. He not only cares about his patients, he is kind, honest, and explains thoroughly before any type of procedure or surgery. My lower back from disk replacement is better than it ever was. I feel confident he was the right doctor to take care of my disk replacements. The office staff is just as wonderful. read more

Wow what a joke! 1st I'm told they don't take insurance visit Is 500.00. Then that they actually bill insurance for the remainder because the 500.00 does not cover full amount ? hmm?? Renig! Asked can you do a prior authorization? No we don't do that? We're not in network with any insurance? Ok but you bill insurance for the rest? Yes? How? All I need is you to call a number give info so I can be reimbursed? No we don't do that? Exact problem with Drs now adays they don't care! All about the money! Great healthcare! What happened to the customer is always right? Sorry but it was a simple call so I am not giving away hard earned money! Don't care such a shame! While people in actual pain can't get care they desperately need! I've been a chronic pain patient for 20yrs and this is what it's come too! Pick a different profession if you don't care about people or train your staff better so they actually know what their talking about?! read more

Dr. Cuellar - THANK YOU! When you live with pain for so long you tend forget what it's like to feel great and to be able to do all the things that you once did but had to give up. I tried everything under the sun to help alleviate my chronic back pain before I decided to go the surgery route. I was seen by two orthopedic surgeons about my issues and was told that I would need a spinal fusion and I knew I didn't want to go that route. By happenstance, I heard about Dr. Cuellar and ADR surgery. On my way home from my initial appointment with Dr. Cuellar I was confident that if I was a candidate for ADR, he was the one that was going to help me. He's very knowledgeable, compassionate, professional and an all-around nice individual. When I explained to him what was going on he was attentive, which has not been my experience with doctors in the past. His friendly support staff was communicative about appointments and pre-op/post-op information. On 12/8/23 I had two artificial discs replaced at the L4 L5 levels - I'm 3 months post-surgery and feeling wonderful. I highly recommend Dr. Cuellar for spinal issues. read more

Dr. Cuellar is a highly skilled surgeon with a calm, patient, caring disposition, and I'm very pleased with the cervical spine surgery he performed on me in January 2020. I had two artificial discs placed in C5-C7. Dr. Cuellar stated he also had to perform a thorough spinal decompression for a more optimal result and that he selected the best artificial discs for my neck size and active lifestyle. I feel much better now, and can actually move my neck without any pain. I didn't have to go in for subsequent physical therapy, acupuncture, or steroid injections after the surgery. I'm a very active person who tends to push my limits. The surgery by Dr. Cuellar has eliminated the intense pain to allow me to continue to push my limits, but this time with greater awareness. Dr. Cuellar's surgery vastly improved the painful condition of my neck and arm. Dr. Cuellar's office staff is also very helpful, professional, and answered my questions very quickly. When it comes to the spine, I'd exhaust all non-surgical options first. And if you're still in pain and need surgery, I highly recommend Dr. Cuellar! read more

I started on this L3,L4, L5 AND L5S1 journey 3 months ago...It was like a lawnmower running 24/7 for three months. I had a foraminotomy on 5/18 at 0700...by noon I was awake and walking the hallways at Cedars Sinai as if nothing had happened...the lawnmower was turned off and the nerves seem to be firing to their destination location. I'm walking 2-3x per day without issues and just being careful while things heal. The procedure was amazing and I'm impressed with the time that Dr. Cuellar has spent w/ me pre and post surgery. I've send multiple friends with similar back problems...I hope that they've connected. read more

I'm editing this review after receiving a personal voice message from Dr. Cuéllar who explained the issues in his office. That shows a lot of integrity. For that, I give Dr. Cuéllar 5 stars and will change my overall experience to three. I have an appointment with a different spine surgeon and, if that doesn't work out, I will give Dr. Cuéllar a visit for a consultation. -------------------- Earlier Review No doubt, Dr. Cuéllar is a rockstar with all the stellar reviews and from what I've read through online research. But, a doctor does not make a practice. It's also about their support staff. And, I'm very disappointed on how I was treated, just attempting to make an appointment for a low back problem. I'm sorry. Appointments aren't rocket science. On July 19, I called Dr. Cuéllar's office and left a voicemail with a staff person, who shall go unnamed to respect their privacy. I also completed an appointment form on the cuellarspine.com website the same day. Unfortunately, I didn't receive a call back from this scheduling person, until a week later on July 26. Thankfully, I was able to schedule an appointment for August 5. However, as of this writing, I never received the new patient packet via e-mail as promised, even after I made certain they had my e-mail address correct. My appointment was just two business days away. Unfortunately, Dr. Cuéllar does not participate with Cigna insurance and yet, I was willing to pay the out-of-network office fee of $250 to make it happen, because of his reputation. But, after this nonsense. It's not worth it and I cancelled my appointment. I'm in enough pain and I don't need any more. read more

Attentive, knowledgeable, professional, and treats every patient with individual care! Saved my dad's life with his minimally invasive procedure and his mindfulness of the medication my father was on before procedure. Thank you Dr. Cuéllar! read more

Over the last few years I've had several problems dealing with back and leg issues (I walked with a limp). I had back surgery with another doctor about a year and a half ago, but that didn't solve my problem, so I decided to enlist the advice of Dr. Cuellar, who came highly recommended. Best choice I've ever made! Along with being an incredibly nice and personable guy, Dr. Cuellar assessed my problem and determined that the root of all of my issues was coming from my neck. Consequently he performed neck surgery and now I'm not only pain-free in my back but I also can walk WITHOUT a limp for the first time in three years. Oh, and my neck has never felt better, too! Dr. Cuellar has literally changed my life and I highly recommend you use him if you're having any kind of spinal issues. Barry Gurstein read more

Dr. Cuellar is amazing. I knew he was the right doctor for me from my very first visit. I had severe spinal stenosis that caused me so much pain I was beginning to have difficulty walking it's now a month and a half after a spinal fusion he performed and I'm happy to say I'm able to walk 2 miles with no pain what so ever. Wouldn't change him for the world. Lucille Murkijanian read more

Dr. Cuellar is simply amazing. Three months post-surgery and I'm beginning to believe I may get my life back without the chronic pain I experienced for two years. I had the misfortune of slipping and breaking my back on makeshift stairs and within days I was in enormous pain. I went to a pain management doctor who did what he could, but a future with an epidural every few months felt crazy to me so I met with a surgeon (before finding Dr. Cuellar.) This surgeon told me that there was nothing that could be done... I was always going to be in pain, and it would get worse as I aged. He also told me I'd never run again, and that I should take up swimming instead. I was pretty depressed about my prognosis, until I was referred to Dr. Cuellar. Dr. Cuellar told me that post-surgery I would eventually be able to run 2-3 miles at a time without pain. It's not 4-6 miles, but I'll take what I can get. I also told him that I had numbness in both my hands that was so bad it would wake me from my sleep. He ordered a CT scan of my neck and found 2 herniated discs. When you slip on loose dirt and a railroad tie breaks your fall - and your back - it's not surprising that your neck would be affected as well. I felt so confident in Dr. Cuellar that I opted to have all 4 discs replaced at once. Two in my neck and two in my back. As I mentioned, it's been three months and I can honestly say that Dr. Cuellar has been a godsend. I have not started to run just yet as I have to strengthen my core first, but I'm certain I'll be able to because of the skilled hands of Dr. Cuellar. I can't say enough about Dr. Cuellar. He's truly the best! read more

Dr. Cuellar is amazing. I cannot recommend him highly enough and am so lucky I got referred to him. After getting two very different opinions from two neurosurgeons with stellar reputations at an excellent hospital, I got a referral to Dr. Cuellar. He immediately struck me as heads above his renowned colleagues. I had two level cervical artificial disc replacement surgery less than 2 weeks ago, and I am almost fully recovered. The neck, arm and hand pain I've had for a year is gone!!! And the surgery was easier than going to the dentist!!! He took off the bandage today, and I can hardly see anything!!! The ease of the procedure and recovery seems almost futuristic. On top of his excellent skills and credentials, Dr. Cuellar is caring and thoughtful and is very generous with his time, answering questions, etc. read more

Dr. Cuellar is absolutely an amazing doctor and tremendously skilled physician. I saw Dr. Cuellar due to the pain I was having in my neck, with constant tingling in my left arm. Dr. Cuellar suggested a surgery wherein he would replace four discs in my neck with artificial discs. I had been told by another doctor that I was not a candidate for artificial discs, but Dr. Cuellar assured me that I was, and thoroughly explained the process. As soon as I awoke following the surgery, I noticed I no longer had the tingling in my arm. My post-surgery recovery was faster than I anticipated, and was a complete success. Dr. Cuellar is also one of the warmest, kindest doctors I have ever experienced, qualities one does not always associate with surgeons. My highest possible recommendation. read more

I had 3-disc replacement of S1, L5 and L4. It was so scary because it is a major operation that can affect your qualify of life. But I was having trouble walking b/c of the collapsed disc, partially collapsed disc and another disc starting to go bad. So I had to do it. Quickly, I was able to start to recover everyday to do more and more. For me, it took about a full year to fully recover. I think I am able to do about 90 ish % of what I could do before. That is an enormous improvement because I was having trouble walking. I couldn't walk without a cane, and my left leg started to give out. There are times I can feel the replacement discs, but it doesn't hurt or anything. I just can feel them. But I would do this in a heart beat again because most of the time I can't tell they r there. Plus, the result of walking again is phenomenal. I feel like I was a little taller afterwards as well. It's a big decision, so pick your doctor carefully. But for me, I wanted the best, so I made the trek Dr. Cuellar's office. THANK YOU, Dr. Cuellar! :) read more

In 2016, I struggled with my decision to follow Dr. Lanman's strong advice to place 3 artificial discs in my neck. The third artificial disc was in a location I was not showing any clinical signs for. Only 2 artificial discs are approved by the FDA. When I was struggling with my decision to go with Dr. Lanman's push for the 3 disc replacements, I had called the office to ask Dr. Lanman more questions before my final decision. The receptionist at the time told me Dr. Lanman was out of town but said I could speak with his 'associate' Dr. Cuellar. By saying the term 'associate', one would expect someone with similar experience as Dr. Lanman. Dr. Cuellar was effusive about how great Dr Lanman was and that he wholeheartedly agreed with Lanman's recommendation. That actually put me at much ease (to my detriment). Over a year later I found out the Dr. Cuellar was Dr. Lanman's fellow in training! I went thru with the 3 level artificial discs. It was the worst decision of my life. Several years later I am still dealing with debilitating pain and more surgery to correct the failures of the first. I am going to end up with a full neck fusion bc the all of the artificial discs have crushed my vertebrae. My neck is forever changed and painful. All the surgeons I have seen after my first surgery have commented on how large the discs in my neck were placed and they didn't know why one would do that. Please do your homework. I wish I could turn back time and never fall again for the "best salesman" for my neck. Hard lesson learned. read more

This has been an amazing experience. The entire staff including Dr. Cuèllar has done an outstanding job of taking care of me. Very polite , pleasant and easy to deal with. Dr. Cuèllar is very very understanding and very very knowledgeable, he is truly one of a kind. I highly recommend Dr. Cuèllar and his office. Thank you very much for all you've done to me. All the best Yours, A. Smith read more

Very good doctor. Easy going and very competent. Dr. Cuellar and his team were very clear and helpful every step of the way from my first visit to the day of my surgery. This kept me at ease and my stress levels at a minimum. Everything went smooth with my 2 level ADR and I am on my way to recovery. I highly recommend him if you're looking for a great spine doc. read more

Dr. Cuellar is awesome!!! After 2 years of nerve pain in my neck, shoulders and hands I was finally diagnosed with severe spinal stenosis in October 2017. I interviewed 4 of the best surgeons that were referred to me as my process to decide on what, who, when, where and how I was going to proceed with spinal Surgery. Dr. Cuellar was my #1 choice because he answered all my questions professionally, competently and honestly. He listened and understood who I was as a person athletically and professionally. He was able to fit me in for spinal surgery, at Lanman Surgery Center 2 weeks after consultation to accommodate my schedule. I had a 2 level discectomy, arthritis clean up and 2 level disc replacement. He did this surgery in 2 hours and was outpatient. One month after surgery I was back to work as a full time sports massage therapist working 40 hrs per week, skiing, hiking and running. I am so grateful that I had Dr. Cuellar do my surgery and that I had it done sooner than later. My spinal cord is still healing and I feel much better now after surgery ... the pain, hot flashes and most tingling have gone away. read more

Dr. Cuéllar took excellent care of my father(Ruben Kadimyan) pre and post op. He thoroughly depicted what the procedure would be like, took time to answer questions and made sure my dad received proper care after the surgery. The surgery was very successful and we couldn't ask for a more qualified surgeon to improve my father's quality of living. Thank you for being so caring and generous! read more

Dr. Cuellar is the a miracle worker ! he is an outstanding physician. I have suffered with knee pain for several years, diagnosed with arthritis and being bone on bone I was in excruciating pain all the time. I was advised I only had two options total knee replacement or cortisone injections every 4 months until they didn't work anymore. I didn't want to live this way so I went to see Dr Cuellar who recommended an A2M injection. I have been pain free for 9 months now and I am able to wear high heels again! Can't thank Dr. Cuellar enough and A2M injection for giving me my life back. read more

Dr. Cuellar is truly a miracle worker. He is honest, professional and very knowledgeable. After replacing 3 disks in my neck the numbness, weakness and tingling in my arm were immediately gone. Now 3 weeks after surgery, I am able to play golf again and do other activities I wasn't able to before. I highly recommend him to anyone with chronic back pain in need of surgery or for a second opinion. I am truly grateful to have my normal life back. Thank you read more

Dr. Cuellar is beyond exceptional and above excellence. His expertise and knowledge is awesome! Very professional and caring in the way he handled my cervical spine surgery. Dr Cuellar and his office team were respectful,and exceedingly helpful. And his surgical team was truly efficient and caring about my well being through out the time spent at the surgical center. Kudos to Team Cuellar ! read more

Extremely competent and knowledgeable Doctor. He hit the nail on the head and wasn't anxious to get me under the knife. Affiliated with Cedars sinai and should I wish to go forward with back surgery, I would use this doctors. read more

Miracle worker! Stellar results! After suffering for 15+ years with pain extending from below my shoulder blades all the way to the arches of my feet I am finally free to live an unencumbered life. I was diagnosed with a ruptured L5/S1 disc (19mm TR & 7mm AP, big rupture). After exhausting all other options, including a micro discectomy, I met with Dr. Cuellar to discuss my options. We decided that I was a good candidate for an Artificial Disc Replacement and proceeded. The surgery and recovery went fantastic, not a single issue. Now three months out I am cycling, swimming and exercising without issue...not to mention daily chores and activities that had become so dreadful prior to surgery are now routine again. From consultations to education, availability, bedside demeanor and most importantly a flawless procedure, Dr. Cuellar excelled in every way. Other family members of mine are now meeting with him on my confidence and referral. read more

While my husband was suffering bulged discs, bone spurs and stenosis on his cervical area for 15 years, experiencing numbness, pain, tingling and loss of feeling on his right arm, all he heard from doctors was he needed neck fusion. He found Dr. Cuellar as a true blessing in his life, when he found out he could have disc replacements instead of neck fusion. His quality of life already improved, no pain and starting to get better the next day, after the surgery. Dr. Cuellar's professional skills exceeded his expectations of his surgery success. He is so happy with the results! read more

Have the doctors told you that a FUSED SPINE is the only way to maintain your mobility and control of BM and urination? DON'T DO IT !!! until you speak to someone who dedicates his life to Improving Range of Motion and Eliminating Pain. Dr. Jason Cuellar MD, PhD is a Professor and Surgeon affiliated with the Cedar-Sinai Medical Center. In February of this year, my 15+ year odyssey of pain/weakness/numbness/limited motion finally came to an end. Three different medical groups (Kaiser Permanente, Scripts, and UCSD Health) only offered a range of conservative treatments and/or spine fusion. I spoke to 5 different spine specialists and every one of them told me the same thing: "You are not a candidate for disc replacement and need spinal fusion as soon as possible to avoid even more critical nerve damage." I searched Google and found out about the continuing research and development going on in Europe and USA with artificial disc replacement which is now very common in Germany, but still limited in the USA. After reviewing my MRI, CT, EMG, Xray and Ultrasound results, Dr. Cuellar gave me the great news I had been waiting for all these years. He told me that I was a very good candidate for artificial cervical disc replacement at three levels, and at the same time he would be cleaning up bone spurs and calcium deposits. The surgical team at Cedar-Sinai took two and a half hours to complete the operation. In the recovery room I felt increased strength and range of motion in my arm along with decreased numbness and almost no pain. Since I'm 68 they kept me in the hospital overnight. The recovery was very fast, having to use a hard neck brace for only two weeks. NO PAIN = NO MEDS since the day I left the hospital. At the three month progress review, Dr. Cuellar gave me the go ahead to do anything I wanted to, as long as it didn't cause pain, and after the 6 month review he said I could forget I ever had surgery and carry on however I pleased. I'm now getting back into my usual routines of hiking, jogging, mountain biking, kayaking, pruning trees, and even working in the attic. In addition, the scar on my neck is not noticeable, unless somebody points it out to you. Not only is Dr. Cuellar a great surgeon, but also a kind and caring person. I highly recommend him; he changed my life! Think about this for a moment:You wouldn't take your Tesla to a carriage repairman. So, Why trust your spine to a fuser? Why is it that they don't fuse many knees or hips anymore, but spine fusion is still considered the Gold Standard in the USA? Could it be that those who have the power don't have the needed training, but still want to take home the Gold? read more

Dr Cuellar was referred to me by a family member who is an Orthopedic Surgeon (on the other side of the world). He came highly recommended, and I ended up meeting him for the first time the day I had to go for an emergency discectomy. He is a real professional, and I immediately felt totally comfortable with him. He explained everything very well, and made the time to answer any questions I had. I am very thankful to him for fixing my back, I feel much much better now! read more

Dr. Cuellar performed a foraminotomy a various locations in my lumbar spine (basically drilling away bone that was impinging on nerves). Prior to the surgery he was extremely thorough and patient in explaining my situation, going over my various x-rays and other diagnostics, answering all my questions and supporting my obtaining a second opinion. The surgery itself went extremely well with almost zero post-surgical pain and he was very proactive in checking back with me. It is now six weeks since my surgery and I have been back to full activity for several weeks. I cannot recommend him highly enough for both his skill and his bedside manner. read more

I'm 40 and an Ex-college athlete who took up running and triathlons. After numerous races and training, my knee was injured on a trail run. I did physic and stopped running for 2 years hoping it would just heal. Nope. I went to 2 prominent LA knee doctors and got the same reaction: surgery. But there was nothing visible in MRI or ex ray. I spoke with Jason about A2M and was more comfortable giving it a shot than going under the knife. Well, the NEXT DAY after the injection treatment my knee pain DISAPPEARED. This is not hyperbole. I would sit for more than 30 mins and get knee stiffness. Not anymore. I would run and anything more than 3 min caused pain. Not anymore. It has been a month and I am now running almost every day again and getting back into shape. It's truly amazing. If you are like me and are active and want to avoid surgery- go see Dr Cuellar. I'm beyond happy and excited to be back! read more