Pioneering Motion-Preserving Spine Surgery.
Motion Preserved.
Life Restored.
Where Innovation,
Education And
Motion Converge
At Beckett NeuroSpine, your care is guided by world-class training, advanced technology, and a commitment to preserving natural motion. Dual fellowship-trained neurosurgeon Dr. Joel S. Beckett follows the principle “Motion first, fusion last,” focusing on treatments that restore function while protecting the spinal mobility that supports your daily life. His approach blends expertise, innovation, and compassion—helping you regain comfort, confidence, and the freedom to move.
Comprehensive
Care for Every
Spine Condition
From conservative treatments to complex spinal reconstruction, Dr. Beckett provides expert, motion-preserving care for every spine condition. He starts with non-surgical solutions whenever possible and, if surgery becomes necessary, focuses on techniques that maintain natural movement rather than defaulting to fusion. Through clear education and shared decision-making, he tailors each treatment plan to your personal goals—combining AI-guided precision, minimally invasive techniques, and compassionate care to help you move beyond pain and return to the life you love.
Artificial Disc Replacement
A modern alternative to spinal fusion, ADR replaces damaged discs with artificial implants that maintain flexibility and natural movement in the spine.
Spondylolisthesis
A condition where one vertebra slips forward over another, often causing pain or nerve compression – treated with techniques that restore alignment and stability while preserving motion whenever possible.
Spine Deformity
Abnormal curvatures or misalignments of the spine, such as scoliosis or kyphosis, corrected through customized approaches that restore balance, posture, and confidence in movement.
Spine Tumor
Benign or malignant growths that develop in or around the spine – managed with advanced, minimally invasive surgical techniques designed to remove tumors safely while protecting nerve function.
Spinal Stenosis
A narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on nerves, leading to pain, weakness, or numbness – treated with precision techniques to decompress the spine and relieve symptoms.
Spinal Cord Compression
A serious condition where pressure on the spinal cord disrupts nerve signals – requiring prompt evaluation and treatment to preserve function and prevent permanent damage.
Herniated Disc
When a spinal disc ruptures or bulges, it can press on nearby nerves and cause pain, tingling, or weakness – treated with both non-surgical care and minimally invasive solutions to restore comfort and motion.
Conservative Treatments
A full range of non-surgical options – including physical therapy, targeted injections, and lifestyle strategies – focused on reducing pain, improving mobility, and delaying or avoiding surgery when possible.
Board-Certified Neurosurgeon
Meet Dr. Joel S. Beckett
Dr. Joel S. Beckett is a dual fellowship-trained neurosurgeon specializing in complex spinal reconstruction, artificial disc replacement, and motion-preserving spine surgery. Educated at Yale, trained at UCLA, and refined at the Cleveland Clinic, he brings world-class expertise with a patient-first, deeply compassionate approach. A former Director of Neurosurgical Spinal Oncology at UCLA, Dr. Beckett has authored 57 scientific papers including influential work in AI-enhanced imaging and surgical planning. With perfect 5.0 patient satisfaction ratings across platforms, his patients describe life-changing outcomes. Guided by the principle “Motion first, fusion last,” Dr. Beckett helps patients move beyond pain and return to life with confidence and lasting function.
Your Partner in Shared
Decision-Making
Named UCLA’s Best Teacher in Neurosurgery, Dr. Beckett brings that same clarity to every patient interaction. He takes the time to explain your condition in depth, walking you through imaging and treatment options until each choice is clear. His philosophy is simple: patients should be informed partners, not passive recipients of care. Whether you’re aiming to return to competitive sports or simply enjoy pain-free time with your family, he works with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your goals and priorities.
Redefining What Modern Spine Care Can Achieve
Modern spine surgery no longer forces patients to choose between pain relief and permanent loss of mobility. With advanced motion-preserving techniques, AI-guided planning, and minimally invasive precision, Dr. Beckett achieves outcomes once thought out of reach: same-day discharge, rapid recovery, and a spine that moves the way it should.
Awards & Recognition
Super Doctors® Southern California Rising Stars 2023
Young Neurosurgeon Council (AANS) Elected Member (2018-2022)
Resident Teaching Award (UCLA, 2019)
California Association of Neurologic Surgeons Southern Region Resident Representative (2017-2018)
Resident Quality Award (UCLA, 2015)
Olga Levin Foundation Fellow (2015-2016)
Farr Scholar (Yale School of Medicine, 2011-2012)
Doris Duke Charitable Foundation Clinical Scholars Fellowship (2011-2012)
Education & Training
Fellowships
Spine Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 2021
Spine Fellowship, Kaiser Permanente – Los Angeles Medical Center, 2020
Residency
Neurosurgery, UCLA School of Medicine, 2020
Degree
MD, MHS, Yale School of Medicine, 2013
Why You Should Consider
A Second Opinion
A second opinion can give you the clarity and confidence you need when making decisions about your spine care. Drawing on the same award-winning communication skills he used to train UCLA neurosurgeons, Dr. Beckett reviews your case and breaks down your diagnosis and treatment options in a clear, empowering way. His straightforward explanations help you choose the approach that best fits your individual condition.
ADR Spine Top Doctor in Arthroplasty
Dr. Beckett received ADR Spine’s Top Doctor in Arthroplasty recognition for his innovative approach to disc replacement. His expertise in motion-preserving surgery sets the standard for restoring mobility and improving quality of life. Working alongside pioneers like Dr. Todd Lanman, he is at the forefront of transforming the future of spine care.
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