Finding the Right Neurosurgeon Near Me: A Los Angeles Patient’s Guide

Back Pain | Health | Neck Pain | Scoliosis

December 10, 2025

When you’re dealing with back pain, neck pain, or a serious spinal condition, finding the right neurosurgeon near you isn’t just about convenience—it’s about ensuring you receive expert care for one of the most delicate areas of your body. If you’re searching for a neurosurgeon in Los Angeles, particularly in Marina Del Rey, Encino, the San Fernando Valley, or West LA, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

What to Look for When Finding a Neurosurgeon

Board Certification & Fellowship Training
- The foundation of excellent care starts with credentials. Look for board certification from the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) and fellowship training in spine surgery. This specialized training beyond residency ensures your surgeon has dedicated years to mastering complex spinal procedures.
Experience With Your Specific Condition
- Whether you’re dealing with disc herniation, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, or spinal tumors, ask how many similar procedures the neurosurgeon performs annually. A local spine specialist with extensive experience in your specific condition will have refined techniques and better outcomes.
Minimally Invasive Expertise
- Modern spine surgery has evolved significantly. The best neurosurgeons in Los Angeles utilize minimally invasive techniques when appropriate, leading to faster recovery, less pain, and a quicker return to normal activities. This expertise reflects a commitment to staying current with the latest surgical innovations.
Academic Background
- Neurosurgeons with teaching experience or affiliations with major medical centers like UCLA often maintain the highest standards of care. This academic background demonstrates a commitment to advancing the field and staying at the forefront of medical innovation.

Essential Questions to Ask During Your Consultation

Don’t be shy about asking tough questions. A confident neurosurgeon will welcome your inquiries:

How many procedures like mine do you perform each year?
What is your complication rate for this procedure?
What is the expected recovery timeline?
Will you use minimally invasive techniques?
Do you consider conservative treatment first?
Where will the surgery be performed?

Red Flags Vs. Green Flags

Green Flags (What to Look For):

Takes time to explain your condition in understandable terms
Discusses both surgical and nonsurgical options
Provides specific data on their experience and outcomes
Encourages second opinions
Has responsive staff and clear communication

Red Flags (Warning Signs):

Takes time to explain your condition in understandable terms
Discusses both surgical and nonsurgical options
Provides specific data on their experience and outcomes
Encourages second opinions
Has responsive staff and clear communication

Why Location Matters for Your Care

When you’re recovering from surgery or managing chronic pain, the last thing you need is a long commute through LA traffic. Finding a local spine specialist with convenient locations can significantly impact your care experience and recovery.

For West LA, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills residents, having access to expert neurosurgical care in Marina Del Rey means world-class treatment close to home. Similarly, San Fernando Valley residents benefit from convenient access in Encino without the hassle of crossing the hill for appointments and follow-up visits.

What Sets Exceptional Neurosurgeons Apart

Beyond credentials, the best neurosurgeons share these characteristics:

Holistic Approach: They consider your entire spinal health, not just symptoms, and explore conservative treatments before recommending surgery.

Complex Case Experience: Expertise in challenging conditions like spinal tumors, severe deformities, and revision surgeries means they can handle unexpected complications.

Motion Preservation Focus: Modern techniques like disc replacement preserve natural spinal motion rather than simply fusing vertebrae, leading to better long-term outcomes.

Advanced Technology: Use of AI for improved diagnostics, participation in research, and adoption of the latest surgical technologies demonstrate commitment to excellence.

Expert Neurosurgical Care in Marina Del Rey & Encino

Dr. Luke Macyszyn is a board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon with over 17 years of experience treating complex spinal disorders. Previously an associate professor of neurosurgery at UCLA, Dr. Macyszyn led the Complex Spinal Disorders and Deformity Research Program and directed NIH-funded research in using artificial intelligence to improve spinal diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Macyszyn’s practice specializes in:

Minimally invasive spine surgery
Spinal tumor removal (with same-day/next-day discharge)
Motion preservation and disc replacement
Complex spinal deformities and scoliosis
Degenerative disc disease and herniation

What distinguishes Dr. Macyszyn’s practice is the combination of UCLA-level expertise with accessible, community-based care at convenient Los Angeles locations. Many procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to recover in the comfort of their own homes.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re searching for a neurosurgeon near you who combines advanced expertise with personalized care, Dr. Macyszyn’s practice offers consultations at two convenient locations:

Marina Del Rey: Serving West LA, Santa Monica, Venice, Playa Vista, and surrounding Westside communities

Encino: Serving the San Fernando Valley, including Sherman Oaks, Tarzana, Woodland Hills, and nearby areas

Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, have been diagnosed with a spinal condition, or need a second opinion, Dr. Macyszyn provides the expert evaluation and personalized care you deserve.

Find our Marina Del Rey and Encino locations and take the first step toward relief.