Would love to take my Father in law to see Dr. Watkins one of these days. It's too bad that his insurance does not cover the visit. We will have to save up $$ to go see this prestigious surgeon. read more

I can't not say enough about Dr Watkins and his assistant Shaun Bond. They performed spine surgery on our daughter and from day one they were top notch. They explained the surgery in detail, we're always professional and kind and answered all our questions. If you need spine surgery you need to look no further as they are the best! And they close like a plastic surgeon, so very little scaring! read more

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Dr. Watkins IV is THE MAN. 10/10 recommend for spine-related problems. Excellent care and attention to detail. I just had an epidural injection from him and it was quick and easy and completely painless. If I ever need a more serious procedure I know I will be in the best hands with Dr. Watkins IV. read more

I wanted to see Dr Watkins about spinal surgery. I heard that he is an excellent doctor. His practice doesn't accept my insurance, so I can't see him. read more

Dr. Watkins was an exceptional and most confident doctor in helping to remedy my many years of back and groin pain!!!! He was instrumental in having me take the necessary tests in order to pinpoint the areas needed to diminish and satisfy my pain. I also left a very similar review on the Doctors website a few weeks ago. Thank you !!!!!! read more

After a car accident in 2011 I was told I would need surgery but I was only 23 years old so I decided to delay. As of January 2022 my back pain intensified and I started to require a cain just to get my body out of bed. After interviewing several doctors I felt extremely comfortable with Dr. Watkins and opted to do the surgery with him in June of 2022. It has now been almost five months since surgery and I got my life back. I finished PT and my pain has vanished. I have recommended Dr. Watkins to several people inquiring and I am more than happy to speak to anyone considering a surgery with Dr. Watkins. Thank you for giving me my life back. read more

I would recommend them to everyone in need of spine surgery. They treat you with kindness and make you feel like your part of the family not to mention it is the first spinal surgeon that was a completely 100% surgery. My other spine surgeries were a complete failure. I wish he had done them also. I will never go to any other surgeon again! read more

I am a 30 year firefighter from the Los Angeles area. I have had numerous back injuries over the years which included two previous surgeries (micro decompression and micro discectomy). Several doctors recommended a two level fusion at L4, L5, S1. I live a very active lifestyle both at work and at home and was very hesitant to have a fusion. I put off the surgery for years. After trying many other non surgical treatments, I consulted with Dr. Watkins Jr. He convinced me that a two level fusion was the best path forward? The surgery was a complete success! Dr. Watkins Jr. and his staff are complete professionals! They put me on a path for success. I am now nine months post surgery and increasing my activities and feeling so much better than before the surgery. Why go to a surgeon who has done dozens of surgeries, go to a surgeon who has done thousands of the surgeries. You have nothing to lose by getting a consult. Once you commit to your health, put in the hard work to make it better. Thanks Dr. Watkins Jr. Dave S read more

After four long years of being treated for a work-related neck injury, seeing two separate doctors, not including pain management, and attending numerous physical therapy sessions, acupuncture, chiropractic care and having several epidurals, I decided to see Dr. R. Watkin IV, for a second opinion. With just my MRI's, Dr. Watkins thoroughly explained my diagnosis and treatment. He shared his medical background and experience, and unlike my other doctors, Dr. Watkins was personable and eager to help, I did not feel rushed and had all my questions answered. Prior to leaving his office, I scheduled a follow up as I decided to switch doctors. Within a week, a CT scan had been approved and I was on my way. I couldn't believe how in the past, request through my adjuster were either denied, took forever or won't even made. I knew right away, that Dr. Watkins and his staff were NOT average. They are at the top of their game!! My CT scan results changed my treatment but I am moving forward with my surgery and know that I am in the best of care! On a daily, I listen to Dr. Watkins podcast app "Back Doctor". I want to learn more about my scheduled surgery and more about Dr. Watkins and his experience. The podcasts are not long and are easy to follow. I have listened to every podcast, even those that do not apply to me, multiple times. Although I am still nervous about the surgery, I feel more informed about my specific injury. More doctors, including pain management should have this available. read more

Nine months ago I posted a review of DR. WATKINS IV'S office staff because I was in the office for 2 1/2 hours and still had three patients ahead of me. I went up to the desk and complained and said I need to get home to my husband who is 90. They immediately sent in someone to help me and tried to explain how busy he was and she was very sorry. Went out of the room and then two seconds later DR. WATKINS walked in. I just looked at my review from nine months ago and I want to retract the whole thing. When I went to DR. WATKINS at first it was after the first of the year, and of course they were pretty much closed during the holidays. In March 2023 I had back surgery and DR. WATKINS performed it. I have definitely changed my mind after being his patient having surgery and also dealing with his PA SHAWN BOND. They have been fantastic and very caring and I still talk to them when I have a problem and they explain everything to me. They are both wonderful have a great sense of humor and bedside manner and if I need another surgery somewhere down the line, they are the first ones I would go to. read more

My regular MD recommended Dr Watkins when I started having back problems. I am very happy he did. Dr. Watkins was great at explaining my condition, my options, and what to expect from treatment. He performed a spinal fusion. It's been a few years and I'm fully recovered and happy with the results. His staff was very professional and upfront on what to expect as far as costs and planning. I strongly recommend that you consult with Dr Watkins if you are thinking about neck and back surgery. read more

Hi I recently went through a year of massive back issues and I would not have gotten through it without Dr Robert Watkins and his team at the Watkins Spine Center. I developed a herniated disc over the years in the L3 / L4 area of my back. The pain began flaring up last March and it became extreme in May. I had just moved from the East Coast three years ago and did not have a network of doctors like I had back east. A friend of mine recommended Dr. Rob Watkins and told me that this team would really help me. He was so right. At first I didn't know what the issue was because I had severe pain in my back, hips and legs. I went to multiple specialist who gave me multiple diagnoses of what I had. But nobody was decisive on my issue. I finally found Dr. Rob who immediately isolated the issue and told me with precision and confidence what my issue was and how he could solve it. Unfortunately, I had to have back surgery, but I never felt more confident with a doctor team as I did at Watkins Spine Center. Honestly everything was seamless: scheduling, his support doctors, and the health insurance people. But the best news was my results post opp. I was operated on in mid July and within days I was walking around. I am now eight months since my surgery and I feel great. I finally decided I could go running again on Thursday after PT and steady rehab. I ran with speed, strength and confidence especially with my back. Dr. Watkins and his experience and excellence proved that. Massive thank you to Dr. Rob and your team. Being able to run again and do all the things that I normally could do is so freeing and incredible. I'm so grateful to you all! Thank you!!! Jim Moran PS I recommend this team and welcome any questions read more

My experience with Dr. Watkins and his staff was stellar., and from the first visit to see him, I knew I had found the right doctor to help me. I had previously interviewed a number of surgeons to find one that could fix my problems without the procedure being too invasive. It took me about two years before I felt comfortable with any doctor because the suggestions by other doctors were pretty scary and their surgery recommendations were major. What impressed me most about Dr. Watkins was his in depth knowledge of spine related issues and his careful and guided approach to only doing minimal procedures. He made sure I knew exactly what was happening to my body and the best way to return to my quality of life. There was never a thought of seeing any other doctor. I ended up having a micro laminectomy, and after only a few weeks, I can see that it will be successful and I will be able to walk distances again. I am most appreciative of the quality of care and expertise I received at The Marina Spine Center. You will be in good hands. Sam Friedman read more

This man belongs in jail, not practicing medicine. Dr. Watkins and his father pulled quite a scam on me about 13 years ago from which I still haven't recovered. I was under the care of his father. After a badly failed spinal fusion by Dr Watkins III, my back was worse than ever so he suggested injections. I had already tried facet injections under the care of someone else a couple years earlier. Not only did it not do anything for my pain, but I had a horrible allergic reaction that gave me a high fever and swelling. The miserable increase in back pain lasted over a week and then it went back to the same level of pain as before the injection. I told Dr. Watkins III multiple times about my bad reaction and wanted to be very sure he was doing something different. He assured me that he was not doing the same procedure, but was very vague about exactly what he was going to do. I found out why he was so vague once I was in the operating room area. He wasn't even there. Surprise! It was Dr. Watkins IV, whom I had never met or even spoken with before. They did a switch on me and had never mentioned it. Since they have identical names, I never noticed until it was too late. I asked Dr. Watkins IV before they wheeled me in to assure me that they were not doing a facet injection and he laughed at me. I could hear him making fun of me with the nurses for being so concerned at this late moment. It made such an impression that 13 years later I remember it like it was yesterday. I may not have noticed the doctor switch on my paperwork but you know who did, the insurance company. They refused to cover the procedure. Instead of owing $300, I now owed thousands. I hadn't been able to work in years and was barely scraping by. Just like the first facet injection, I had a horrible allergic reaction and suffered the exact same miserable scenario as before. I was in the process of recovering and getting ready to protest the bill when they emptied my bank account. I normally didn't have that much in my account, but I had taken out a loan to cover other bills. I had mailed over a dozen checks for those bills and all of them bounced. Now I still had to pay those bills, plus repay the loan plus hundreds of dollars in overdraft fees. For someone who is permanently disabled, that is a catastrophic situation that was the beginning of my financial nightmare that continues today. The way that they had someone watching my account ready to empty it as soon as a sizeable deposit was made makes me think this was not the first time someone was surprised with a huge bill after Watkins IV treated his father's patients. It had not been that long after the procedure and never went through the regular collections process. I think they just counted on people being too vulnerable to get a lawyer and fight them. I wish I would have fought it, but poor health stopped me from doing anything. It has really bothered me for years, especially since I'm still struggling both physically and financially. I'm hoping that writing this will help me get over it. read more

I injured my back in August of 2016 while working as a police officer. I was experiencing significant lower back pain and leg pain. I was diagnosed with a herniated disc and was simply told that I needed to see a back specialist and was placed off work. I saw two back surgeons prior to being referred to Dr. Watkins, IV. The first surgeon spent about 1 minute in the room with me on my first visit. This visit consisted of a quick glance at my MRI (approx. 3 secs) then he stated, "You don't need surgery, would you like to go back to work full duty? I thought he was joking which he was not. He requested I do some physical therapy but needless to say I switched to another doctor. The second doctor was nicer and wasn't as rushed as the first. I had already done several sessions of PT which strengthened my core but did not help with my leg or back pain. This doctor stated, "Well if PT isn't helping then I'm all out of options." With little hope for recovering I was then referred to Dr. Watkins, IV by a co-worker. My first visit with Dr. Watkins was a relief. After 4 months of dealing with my injury it was refreshing to see a doctor who was sincere and cared about my recovery and did not treat me as a number. Dr Watkins explained in depth what was wrong with my back and also showed me on my MRI. He requested an epidural injection to help speed up my recovery which was non-existent at that time. I also continued with more physical therapy. For the first time in months I was optimistic. This optimism soon disappeared when my injection was denied by workers comp. I continued with several more months of physical therapy with no relief. Dr Watkins then suggested that he perform a microdiscectomy surgery. I agreed due to trying everything from the chiropractor, accupuncture, physical therapy, and rest with no progress over the course of 8 months. As soon as my surgery was approved he was able to get me in for surgery as soon as 1 week later. I am now 8 weeks post op and have been going to PT for 4 of those weeks. I am gaining my strength back and seeing a dramatic improvement as the weeks go on. On days that I do not have PT I use Dr. Watkins App, "Back Doctor." This app walks you through step by step in core strengthening and allows you to build up your strength at your own pace. It also sets goals that you should reach prior to returning to physical activities to prevent a re-injury. I'm continuing to grow stronger and Dr. Watkins says I may be able to return to work full duty in 6 more weeks ( 14 weeks post op). I highly recommend Dr. Watkins, IV if you want a doctor who truly cares about your recovery. read more

I recently had cervical spine surgery in March 2023 at Cedar Sinai Hospital in Marina Del Rey by Dr. Watkins, IV. I had 3 of my discs replaced due to extreme pain that I had had for years in my neck and it kept getting worse. The pain was so bad at night that I wasn't sleeping-about 9 months! I was told by several other doctors that my only option was fusion. I decided to look for other options. I am so glad I did! My GP here in Fresno highly recommended Dr. Watkins, so we drove 5 hours to see him! Wow! So glad I did! After my surgery (about 10 days) I had less than 50% of pain! And its been getting better since then everyday! I cant tell you what a great team of doctors and nurses at his office and the hospital staff at Cedar Sinai in Marina Del Rey are! I have never had a great hospital experience like that! And I have been to over 50 doctors in the last 5 years from Stanford in Palo Alto to UCSF in San Francisco and here in Fresno and nothing even compares to the care I had and experienced! That not even mentioning yet, the full range of motion I have in my neck which I had lost prior to surgery! And little to no pain!!!!!! Its amazing! I am super active and had to stop all exercising about a year ago due to the pain. So I am doing physical therapy now and hoping to getting back to exercising in the coming months! read more

I had Microcosmic Lumbar Laminectomy to have a cyst remove from my L4/L5 on Thursday Oct 13. Dr. Watkins Jr. performed my operation. I give 5 stars to Dr. Watkins and Dr. Shawn Band. These guys are so good, plus it is really cool that Dr. Watkins is taking care of Clayton Kershaw. I want to also thank Dr. Mickey (I only know him as Mickey), fun, knowledgeable and as a good story teller. Thanks to everyone at Marina Hospitable also. Jay G read more

I was diagnosed with a very serious herniated disc after getting an MRI and I suffered with acute pain for about a month. I immediately went into research mode and after several recommendations I chose The Watkins Spine Group and boy did I make the right choice. After my initial consultation I was in surgery the same week and I was walking the same day with zero sciatica pain. I met with Dr Rob Watkins yesterday and everything is healing nicely and I have zero pain. I'm to take it easy and begin rehab exercises in a few weeks. Dr Robert Watkins and Dr Bob Watkins are The BEST! read more

I was experiencing extreme pain in my right arm and numbness in my right hand. I was told I had spinal stenosis and was referred to physical therapy by my first physician. This did not cure the pain and numbness which was now affecting my life, work and sleep. I decided to seek a second opinion and a friend referred me to Dr. Watkins, Jr. During my initial contact, I found him to be personable and eager to help. He immediately ordered an MRI and X-rays. After his review, he stated physical therapy would not be an option and surgery would be the solution. Although this would be my first ever surgery, I felt confident because this facility conducted surgeries on pro athletes. Dr. Watkins, Jr. answered my questions and explained in detail what would occur during the procedure. I had ACDF surgery November 3, 2015 at the Marina del Rey Hospital by Dr. Watkins, Jr. He followed up with me to see how I was feeling. He provided his email address in the event I had any questions during my recovery. I did not have many inquiries but when I did, he responded in a timely manner and I was pleasantly surprised knowing how busy a surgeon can be. My results have been amazing. I have been pain free since my surgery. It has been about 4 months and I am very happy with the results. I am so glad I selected Dr. Watkins, Jr. for my pain issue. read more

I highly, HIGHLY recommend Dr. Watkins. He recently performed an L5/S1 fusion on my spine, and it was executed flawlessly. He and his father have stellar reputations for a reason - they're incredibly knowledgeable, skilled, and kept me very well informed and comfortable throughout the entire process. I can't say enough! read more

Dr. Watkins came highly recommended...so highly recommended that we drove 2 hours for our appointments. Upon our first meeting, we knew we were in good hands. Dr. Watkins has an incredible bedside manner and does an amazing job educating his patients on their condition and treatment options. Surgery was very straightforward and recovery was exactly what we were told to expect. We felt like a partner in our healthcare team, and know that we've received the absolute best care available. Surgery was a success, recovery has been very good, and we wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Watkins and his staff!!! read more

I'm a patient with doctors Watkins for approximately 4 months now. And was diagnosed with a herniated disc. Prior to Dr. Watkins, I was told that my disc should heal on it's on and I should go back to work full duty without restrictions. First visit with Dr. Watkins, he recommended acupuncture, chiropractor and physical therapy. Dr. Watkins also suggested that I download his app for exercise tips and how to change my diet during this process. While I was recovering from home, I emailed Dr. Watkins a few times of any questions I may have and he answered them right away. I'm still recovering from my injury but I am very happy with Dr. Watkins service so far. I would recommend Dr. Watkins to anyone. read more

I have had back pain for several years. I have been through multiple injections and P.T. with little or no relief. Dr. Watkins has been patient, informative, honest and a great patient advocate. At no point did I want a back surgery, but daily constant pain brought me around. I do believe I was very fortunate to have such a good experience and have no doubt this is due to the skill and professionalism of Dr. Watkins and his staff. If you decide a surgery is required, I can think of no better person to consult with. read more

I'm a patient of Dr. Watkins Jr. and thoroughly impressed by his whole operation, professionalism and decisiveness. I had visited 3 previous Spine Specialist around Los Angeles and Dr. Watkins Jr. blows them all out of the water. Got right down to the problem, explained my condition in an extremely comprehensive manner and quickly too action to helping me solve the root of the problem. Extremely blessed to have finally found the right Spine Specialist and will be recommending anyone I encounter with spinal issues his way. You're pure class Dr. Watkins and thank you for everything. read more

I traveled down from Bakersfield, could not be in better hands!! After ten plus years of back pain, I can walk standing straight without any pain!!! read more

The care given to my husband by Dr. Watkins IV has been spectacular. My husband had his spine fused and was able to go back to work as a firefighter and feel better than he has in years. Thank you, Dr. Watkins! He and I would recommend him to anyone who wants to get back to full mobility and feel taken care of by him and his amazing staff. They are all kind, caring, and helpful. read more

After years of another doctor giving me epidural, I went to Dr. Watkins IV with a referral from, Gary Vitti, the long time trainer of the Lakers. Within 2 weeks, I was in surgery for a very large herniated disc in my lower back. It's now 4 months later and my life has changed so much for the better! I feel like a normal person again! Everything from front desk to surgery to after care has been great! read more

Saw Dr. Watkins Jr. for a second opinion and after having two lumbar epidurals. Nothing but first class service here. Dr. Watkins Jr. was very attentive and answered any questions I had after recommending a discectomy for a large herniated disk. I had surgery on 4/18/17 and am very pleased with the results. I had a couple questions after surgery so I figured I'd email Dr. Watkins Jr. I received a reply within five minutes answering all questions thoroughly. I was referred to Dr. Watkins Jr. by a co-worker and have been extremely pleased with all aspects of care. I would recommend Dr. Watkins Jr. to all of my Family and Friends and anyone with spine issues. THANK YOU DR. WATKINS JR. FOR GETTING ME BACK ON MY FEET. read more

Dr. Watkins, IV MD and his entire staff are wonderful! I am so happy to be under his care... I have had pain, surgeries, etc. after an accident in 2005. He is an expert with spines and I am grateful to be walking! I will deal with this for the rest of my life, Dr. Watkins IV has helped me so much and I would recommend him to anyone! read more

I have had back and leg pain for the past 5 years. My doctor diagnosed spinal stenosis & recommended physical therapy. I tried that with some relief but by the end of 2015 I could no longer stand up straight and was in constant and increasing pain. My daughter went to Dr. Watkins Sr for a complication after pregnancy and he was able to resolve the issue without surgery. I called and was able to get an appointment with Dr. Watkins Jr (within 2 weeks!) and he looked at my records, ordered a new MRI and said I needed immediate surgery because of 2 bulging discs. This was my first surgery and it was a success. My pain was gone immediately after and my strength is coming back with physical therapy (The Watkins Method) and daily walks. I can't recommend this practice enough and Dr. Watkins changed my life to allow me to be the fun grandma my family expects! read more

I have been a patient of Dr Watkins for approximately 3 years. I have spent nearly 3 decades as a firefighter which took its toll on my back and neck. Dr. Watkins is a consummate professional who views surgery as a last resort. He has skillfully managed my symptoms and needs in a manner that has resulted in the best possible outcome in spite of the numerous challenges my needs present. I live in North Los Angeles County and drive right past a number of orthopedic spine surgeons on my way to his office; Dr Watkins has earned my highest endorsement not only for his professional acumen, but also for his bed side manner and true interest in my overall wellness. read more

I can not say enough wonderful things about Dr. Watkins, and his entire staff. 2 weeks ago after a long road bike ride I noticed my left arm was numb. Within hours, I had no use of my left arm or left hand. Very, Very frightening. I called Dr. Watkins and he met me at the emergency room within hours. Dr. Watkins postponed everything on his schedule and devoted his entire day to treating me. He and his team performed a very technical surgery to repair/rebuild/fuse 4 (that is right, 4!!) cervical discs. The typical surgery of this type involves one, maybe two discs. The surgery required 6 hours! He and his team of surgeons literally saved my arm. The team in the emergency room informed me I was hours away from losing the use of my arm and hand forever. I am 2 weeks post-op. I have no pain. Most importantly, I have regained almost all the use of my arm and hand. I know in a month or two, I will have regained 100% of my function in my arm and hand. My entire family says thank you Dr. Watkins! read more

I had severe stenosis and ruptured discs. The referred pain got sufficiently bad that I couldn't do anything without pain except sit and even that hurt sometimes. My very active lifestyle was effectively destroyed. I selected Dr. Watkins IV for a back surgery -- a quadruple laminectomy/decompression operation and "clean up of the discs." The surgery was on July 16, 2015. From the time I woke up, the pain from the stenosis and ruptured disc has been 100% gone and there was only minor discomfort from the incision and stretching of the muscles, tendons and ligaments to provide access to the spine. The results are beyond my highest expectations. Dr. Watkins took the time to explain my situation and what he was going to do and has been very responsive. He also checked for possible offset vertebrae which may have required a fusion, something other doctors did not do. I have an offset vertebrae, but a fusion was not required (fusions can also have adverse results). The three surgeons at Watkins Spine are well known in athletic circles (they did the successful neck fusion on Peyton Manning). If you may need back surgery, however complex, I cannot more highly recommend Dr. Watkins IV. read more