Dr. Rojeh Melikian, MD is passionate about restoring your life so you can live life without experiencing pain. As an award-winning orthopedic fellowship-trained spine surgeon, Dr. Melikian performs minimally invasive surgery so that each patient experiences an accelerated recovery process. He graduated in orthopedic spine surgery from Harvard and Emory University, which is one of the most prominent and well-respected spine surgery fellowships in the country. Dr. Melikian has authored presentations, posters and numerous article's related to orthopedic surgery to further his education and expertise. His goal is for you to thrive, completely pain-free. If you're interested in learning more about how Dr. Melikian can help, contact us today!
Dr. Melikian is a very caring, compassionate physician and a very good listener, not to mention a knowledgable one. I’m so happy I found him. He is the best. I guarantee you. Thank you Dr. Melikian for your 100% attention to my problem. You are the best
HR
Hector Ramos
Aug 10, 2025
5.0
Excellent attention and almost no wait time
SS
Shar
Jun 27, 2025
5.0
Dr Melikian is the best ! Appreciate his gentle approach, depth of knowledge and incredible bedside manner.
JJ
Jarrod Jensen
Mar 30, 2025
5.0
Review for Dr. Melikian:
I underwent neck surgery with Dr. Melikian, where two titanium discs were replaced, and I will soon be having another disc replacement in my back. I chose Dr. Melikian because of the strong recommendations from several of my department partners, who had gone through similar surgeries with him.
From start to finish, my experience with Dr. Melikian and his staff was exceptional. The receptionists, scheduling team, and nurses were all kind, friendly, and professional throughout the entire process.
My recovery has been smooth, with minimal discomfort. I was checked in for surgery and out in less than 10 hours, which is impressive. Within hours of the surgery, I noticed significant improvement – about 50% of the pain I had been living with for years was gone. I regained feeling in my extremities, and the aches in my back, neck, and shoulders were greatly reduced.
I was back to a somewhat normal life very quickly after surgery. Dr. Melikian is proactive about recovery, encouraging low to moderate exercise to ensure long-term success and pain-free living. His approach gave me renewed confidence in medical recovery.
Thank you, Dr. Melikian, for a life-changing experience!
EA
Eric Altshuler
Dec 6, 2022
5.0
I went to Dr. Melikian for pain in my neck, shoulder, arms, and pretty much everywhere else. I had two pinched nerves, which were not getting better. I had tried pretty much everything everything over the course of a year, and nothing was working.
Dr. Melikian met with us and answered every question we had, talking through all non-surgery options in detail. He was very nice, patient, and very, very knowledgeable. For me, there was no question, I needed the surgery.
Neck surgery is pretty scary, so kudos to ALL aspects of Dr. Melikian's team and process. The front office was unreal, the imaging center was awesome (same location as his office) the surgery center (again same location as his office) nurses were just angels, the surgery team all introduced themselves to me before surgery, everything went really well, and they were able to get me out in 23 hours.
I think this must have been the best care I have ever received. Thanks to ALL !!
Frequently Asked Questions About Rojeh Melikian, MD - Spine Surgeon
How many locations do you have?
We have three locations and serve all of Southern California. We have offices in Marina Del Rey, Newport Beach, and Los Angeles.
Why is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery more ideal for patients than open surgery?
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery has allowed us to achieve the same goals of open surgery but with smaller incisions and less disruption of surrounding tissue. This allows for faster recovery times and better long-term outcomes.
What’s the benefit of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?
This technique allows for less downtime, faster recovery, and less blood loss. These techniques also allow for surgery to be done outpatient in our surgical center with a zero MRSA infection rate.
What’s Causing My Back Pain?
The most common cause of back pain tends to be from strained muscles. The pain tends to be most severe right after the injury but can gradually worsen over the first few hours. Strain in your back muscles is most often caused by asking too much of them (ie. Lifting a heavy item) or asking them to work for too long (ie. moving boxes all day long at work).
If I’m experiencing back pain, when should I see my doctor?
Most of the time, injuries such as back strain will resolve within a few weeks with rest and anti-inflammatory medications.
Warning signs which should prompt a visit to the doctor include:
• Pain which is getting worse not better
• Pain so severe that you are unable to walk or go about your activities of daily living
• Accompanying weakness, numbness, or tingling.
• Pain that occurs after a fall or accident
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• You have a history of osteoporosis or compression fracture. For more information on osteoporosis, visit this website to read, “5 Signs Your Osteoporosis May Be Worse Than You Thought. https://www.nextavenue.org/5-signs-your-osteoporosis-may-be-worse-than-you-thought/
• Pain that has not improved after 4-6 weeks of conservative treatment.
What are a few causes of neck pain?
• Poor Posture
• Excessive Cary of Purses and Back Packs
• Smoking
• Sleeping Positions
Read more from our top spine surgeon here, https://westsidetoday.com/2016/09/30/4-causes-of-neck-pain-within-your-power-to-change-right-now/
When Should I See My Doctor for neck pain?
Most of the time, injuries such as neck strain will resolve within a few weeks with rest and anti-inflammatory medications.
Warning signs which should prompt a visit to the doctor include:
• Pain which is getting worse, not better
• Pain so severe that you are unable to walk or go about your activities of daily living
• Accompanying arm or leg weakness, numbness, or tingling.
• Pain that occurs after a fall or accident
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Pain that has not improved after 4-6 weeks of conservative treatment.
• If you are experiencing these symptoms, call your doctor for an appointment so that you can be given a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
How is a herniated disc diagnosed and treated?
To make the diagnosis, your doctor will perform a history and physical exam to see if your symptoms are consistent with a ruptured disc. If appropriate, an MRI of your neck or back will show the exact location and size of the herniation.
The treatment goals are to relieve the discomfort and prevent any permanent injury to your nerves. Treatments range from medications and physical therapy to epidural steroid injections or surgery. Depending on the location and size of the disc, surgical intervention may consist of removing only the piece of the disc that has herniated or removing the entire disc.
What Are My Treatment Options for Degenerative Disc Disease?
After a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease has been made, we will go over your treatment options specific to your particular situation. In the absence of arm or leg weakness, treatment options will always begin with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, and rest. Other options to discuss are when to add acupuncture or chiropractic treatments into your treatment regimen. Surgical treatments can be discussed if conservative treatment fails to provide relief or if you have associated nerve compression causing arm or leg weakness. Depending on the scenario, these can range from minimally invasive decompression surgery to artificial disk replacement or fusion.
How many locations does Dr. Rojeh Melikian have?
Dr. Rojeh Melikian has three locations serving all of Southern California, including offices in Marina Del Rey, Newport Beach, and Los Angeles.
What makes Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery better than open surgery?
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery achieves the same goals as open surgery but with smaller incisions and less tissue disruption, leading to faster recovery times and better long-term outcomes.
What are the benefits of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery at this practice?
This technique offers less downtime, faster recovery, less blood loss, and allows outpatient surgery with a zero MRSA infection rate.
When should I see a doctor for back pain?
Consult a doctor if pain worsens, is severe enough to disrupt daily activities, is accompanied by weakness or numbness, after a fall, causes loss of bladder or bowel control, or doesn't improve after 4-6 weeks of conservative treatment.
What treatment options are available for degenerative disc disease?
Treatment begins with conservative methods like physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, rest, and may include acupuncture or chiropractic care. Surgery options are considered if conservative treatments fail or nerve compression causes weakness.
What are the office hours for Dr. Rojeh Melikian in Los Angeles?
The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
What payment options are accepted at Dr. Melikian's office?
Payments can be made via American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa.
What nearby medical and wellness services can I access around Dr. Melikian's office?
Nearby services include Art of Wellness - Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dr. Suzan Starler (Nutritionist), and Lotus Physical Therapy, providing options for complementary treatments and rehabilitation.
Are there dining options near Dr. Melikian's office for before or after appointments?
Yes, you can visit nearby restaurants like Houston's for American cuisine, Wood Ranch for barbecue and steakhouse fare, or Bandera, which offers jazz with its restaurant experience.
What nearby businesses can assist with home or lifestyle needs during my visit?
You can find Window Collections, Inc. for window treatments and Luxury Lighting for building supplies near the office, conveniently serving your home improvement needs.