Dr. Samer Ghostine, MD

I suffered from severe nerve pain for 2 months (unable to walk more than five feet without excruciating pain) due to stenosis and lumbar disc issues prior to seeing Dr. Ghostine. He was knowledgeable, reassuring and kind. Results , of course, will vary depending on the patient's age, general health and specific problem but I was home within 3 weeks of surgery and this must be in no small part due to the experience and expertise of Dr. Ghostine. This is not to minimize the necessity of PT, OT and continued caution for at least 3 months following surgery but my pain was virtually gone by week 2 and as of this writing I am 4 weeks from surgery still with no pain and making progress daily. Thank you, Dr. Ghostine.

A Life-Saving Surgeon with Unmatched Compassion Last year, my mother was in a life-threatening car accident that left her in need of intensive spinal surgery. Initially, she was assigned to a doctor with alarming reviews, which left us terrified. After extensive research, we found Dr. Ghostine, and I can confidently say he was the answer to our prayers. From our very first consultation, Dr. Ghostine exuded kindness, patience, and a deep sense of calm that reassured us in one of the most stressful times of our lives. He took the time to thoroughly explain every step of the process, answered all of our questions with care, and treated my mother—not just as a patient, but as a person. He was honest about the complexity of her case and the serious risks involved, yet he gave us confidence that she was in the best possible hands. The surgery itself was incredibly high-risk, with a real possibility of paralysis even with the best care. But Dr. Ghostine’s expertise and precision led to a better-than-expected outcome. His dedication didn’t stop there—he visited my mother every single day during her recovery, even after working long shifts and performing multiple surgeries elsewhere. His commitment to his patients is unparalleled. I cannot put into words the gratitude my family and I feel for Dr. Ghostine. He not only saved my mother’s life but also gave my sister and me the peace of mind we so desperately needed. If you are searching for a spinal surgeon who is not only incredibly skilled but also compassionate, dedicated, and divinely gifted, look no further. Dr. Ghostine is truly extraordinary, and I will forever be grateful for the care he provided.

Dr Samer Ghostine is quite possibly the best spinal surgeon in the State of California. I joke that I think he uses some kind of magic, because his skills have drastically improved my life for the better. I was in a devastating car accident in 2018 when I was rammed from the back while at a stoplight. Disks in my lumbar and cervical spine were herniated, and I have since had extreme pain and progressively growing levels of physical disability. I came to Dr Ghostine initially for a spinal cord stimulator in 2021 because of my high-level lower back pain. The representative for Medtronic told me he has never seen a surgeon place the paddle and leads with as much precision as Dr Ghostine did. I was unable to walk for very far (often not even a full block) and was having many falls prior to this surgery. And when I had complications during my recovery due to preexisting scar tissue, Dr Ghostine was kind, caring, and compassionate. I have since had a stark reduction in sciatic and lower back pain, as well as improvements in mobility and a decrease in falls. About a year ago, the problems with my cervical spine became more advanced. I had a 10mm herniation to my C6-7 disk, and was having increased pain in my head, neck, shoulder, and arms, as well as numbness in all the fingers of my hands and a growing tremor in my right arm. Due to extenuating circumstances, I needed surgery to happen urgently, and Dr Ghostine and his surgery scheduler, Lekisha, worked ceaselessly to get my surgery scheduled and approved during February 2025. I was initially getting frustrated when the answering service failed to effectively communicate with my doctor's office, but once Lekisha found out I was trying so hard to contact she made other arrangements for communication, and she was instrumental in helping me get this surgery. Lekisha, thank you so much for your hard work and all the prompt communication via email! My surgery was two days ago, and I cannot believe how much better my symptoms are in such a short period of time!! Immediately after I woke up, I noticed that the tremor in my right arm had completely disappeared. Much of the numbness in my right arm has resolved, and though I still have numbness in the fingers and the back of my left hand, the numbness has decreased from the level it was at prior to surgery. I still have some pain in my shoulders, but nothing close to what I was experiencing prior to surgery (aching versus stabbing/shooting pain, and at a much lower pain level), and that should be getting better with time, as well as the post-operative swelling decreases. I have also noticed that pain I have been experiencing in my legs and lower back have gotten far better, and I have strength in my legs and arms that I haven't had in many years. At age 18, I was in a 6-car pileup, and that resulted in my cervical spine lacking any degree of curvature. Not only did Dr Ghostine perform the discectomy and fusion I needed at C6-7, but he also rectified that problem, somehow giving my c-spine 10 degrees of curvature, which will help me with pain and function over time. I was told by a number of doctors that this was not possible to fix. I am elated! Dr Ghostine and his staff members, especially Lekisha, are amazing and kind people who genuinely care about their patients. I have possibilities in my future that wouldn't exist if not for them and their dedication. I cannot even find the words to express the depth of my gratitude to them for both this life-changing surgery as well as all the hard work that got me to that surgery. Thank you all so much.

A doctor you can trust with your life, someone that I would let treat my children.

I traveled 3 hours from home to get my surgery done by Dr. Ghostine. It was worth the trip. It was my third lumbar spine surgery. I fired my previous neurosurgeon because he wasn’t helping me. Dr. Ghostine had to perform an eleven hour surgery. I can’t say enough good things about him. He fixed me! Thank you Dr. Ghostine, you are amazing!

Dr. Ghostine is very professional and thorough. He takes time to explain his plan of treatment that will best benefit you. He also includes all family members and friends in his explanation of treatment. While I drove 100 miles to see him, his expertise and compassion well worth the drive!

I and a 52 year old male who had the opportunity to be treated by Dr. Ghostine for my laminectomy for spinal stenosis. He performed the complicated surgery with utmost care and consideration to give me best possible results post-surgery. He creativity during surgery based on my condition helped me to recover with most of my range of motion intact in my neck. He is extremely courteous, took his time to listen to my concerns and gave a very detailed course of action based on my MRI and symptoms. His concern towards my well being prompted me to chose him as my surgeon and I am absolutely glad I did. It has been a little over a year and I have had a few follow ups since my surgery. Everything has been on the path to recovery as he has predicted. I have already recommended Dr. Ghostine to my circle of friends who needed his kind of expertise. Dr. Ghostine is a very thorough gentlemen and treated me and my family with utmost respect while respecting my religious sensitivities. I rate him a 10/10 doctor. Thank you Dr. Ghostine for everything you did for me and continue to do.

Dr Ghostein took time and had patience with me understanding how I have lived with terrible pain for approximately 3 years. In March 2024 I underwent cervical surgery. At my first post op visit he was genuinely pleased with my progress. Of course telling me to take it easy for a time of healing. He is a very compassionate and caring individual. After the neck heals I’m undergoing back surgery with him. He is careful to explain my down time and recovery period following the surgery. I am so pleased with the outcome this far and wanting to undergo my back surgery. I must recover first he said. This man is #1 in my book! We even drove over 3 hrs to get to his office but WELL worth the drive. Thank you Dr Ghostein.

Dr. Ghostine is the genuine article for a Neurosurgeon. From start, to finish, he takes great time and care to analyze the patient's case and discuss all the areas of concern and how he truly feels about the potential success of the procedure being considered. His level of care and patience is hard to find these days and I and my family can not be happier with the experience Dr. Ghostine and his entire staff have provided.

great. i feel no pain at all in my neck; he did something to my cervical vertebrae. the details are much too complicated for me. i was about to be paralyzed from the neck down. he saved me--with no pain; that being my #1 priority. he's operating on my lumbar spine next week. i can't wait to get on that table. go with dr. ghostine. you can't go wrong that way. liz h.

Dr. GHOSTINE PERFORMED LUMBAR SURGERY ON ME IN MAY 2023 AT RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL. THIS WAS NOT MY FIRST SURGERY BUT THE FIRST WITH DR. GHOSTINE. I HAVE NEVER MET A MORE Passionate AND SINCERE SURGEON THAN DR. GOHSTIN. I MISS HIM IN RIVERSIDE AND HOPE HE CAN RETURN WHEN UC goes back to putting patient care ahead of their bottom line. You are deeply missed dear friend. I am quite sad and you deserve a much higher rating than five

Dr. Ghoststine is extremely knowledgeable and he expertise is unmatchable. He performed surgery on my husband & did what no other doctor could do - he relieved all of his back pain! He is the most caring, compassionate, knowledgeable & honest surgeon we have ever dealt with. I would highly recommend him & would trust him with my life. I cant say enough good things about him. I wish every doctor/surgeon was like him. I thank God we found him! Dr. Ghoststine is absolutely the best!!!

I will never be able to fully express my gratitude for Dr. Samer Ghostine . He is the most inspirational human I have yet to meet . He is the most brilliant neurosurgeon in the field . Patients come from all over the world to see him . My father himself drove 3 hours to get surgery done by him on two different occasions . My father had one of the worst cases of spinal stenosis and suffered for years on end until he met Dr. Ghostine. He has transformed my father’s life and has improved his quality of life . The most remarkable part about Dr. Ghostine is his undeniable kindness and compassion . He is the most humble human my family and I have ever met. It is unbelievable that an incredibly talented teacher and leader in such a difficult field such as neurosurgery can be so giving and caring for his patients. It is always such an honor to be in the presence of such an inspiring human, let alone neurosurgeon. Thank you for everything Dr. Ghostine, you are and always will be our hero !

Dr. Samer Ghostine replaced the C6-C7 vertebra by performing an ACDF on me on September 22, 2022. I had been in severe pain since late March 2022. I was able to regain the life I had been living. His incredible skill, professionalism and empathetic nature make him a fantastic surgeon. I chose Dr. Ghostine because he had successfully operated on my brother’s back in 2017. His staff is equally skilled, professional and courteous. I highly recommend Dr. Ghostine’s neurosurgical skills.

I had a great experience while under the treatment of Dr. Ghostine. I always felt like he listened to my concerns and presented me with varying options, explaining the pros and cons of each through the process. After exhausting less invasive options, I eventually had surgery performed by Dr. Ghostine, and I am confident it was the best decision. There was a period when I thought I would never be rid of my sciatica and back pain, but I am happy to say I am feeling better than I have in years. Thank you to Dr. Ghostine and the team over at UCR Health Neurosurgery.

Dr.Ghostine is extremely kind and empathetic. I went from having severe sciatic pain to having none after surgery.

Dr. Ghostine took an unusual amount of time with going over all the pros and cons of going ahead with my surgery. I was so grateful for his concern for my safety and best results. He was kind and compassionate.

I am 76 years old and had several herniated discs including sciatic (L2 through L-5 S1). I had the surgery by Dr Ghostine on 5-23-22, expecting to be in the hospital several days. I was up the same day and came home the next day! He is an EXCELLENT surgeon. My healing is much quicker than anticipated and it has been way beyond my expectations. If anyone is hesitating to have spinal surgery, please see him if at all possible. He is very personable, answers questions thoroughly & improvement was immediate, although it will take a while for the nerve to regenerate. I cannot praise him enough!

Dr. Ghostine is a kind, compassionate Man, and has a God given gift, as a Neurosurgeon. He has been my Neurosurgeon since 2016. Two months ago, I had a very difficult lower lumbar fusion, from my L1-S1, which he performed wonderfully, re-doing a fusion I had, from another Dr. back in 2013. He is the Man!, and I Highly recommend him. First 2 wks., as he told me, would be tough, after Surg., but 2 mos. out, I’m standing taller, still healing, with very little discomfort, especially when sitting, which used to be excruciating. He has given me a better quality of Life, and I am forever Thankful! I highly recommend this Excellent Surgeon!

I just had major surgery on February 10th and 11th on my spine. II have had many various surgeries and this time was the most amazing. Dr Ghostine is brilliant. He explained everything, in detail. He is very knowlegable and patient. Dr Ghostine was there everyday for the 4 days I was in the hospital. He is one of the kindest Doctors I have ever met. His staff is equally proficient and accomodating. You will be pleased with your surgery.