Why Ghaffar Spine
A different kind of spine practice.
Most patients come to us after seeing other physicians. Some have been living with pain for years. Some have been told they need surgery. Others have been told nothing more can be done.
Our approach to spine care goes beyond simply recommending surgery or accepting that nothing can be done—we take the time to identify the true source of a patient's symptoms and develop an individualized path forward, with the goal of restoring function, relieving pain, and helping patients reclaim their lives.
A conservative-first philosophy
Surgery is usually not the first answer. Most spinal conditions improve with appropriate non-operative care. When surgery is indicated, it is recommended only after the imaging, the clinical exam, and the patient’s goals all align.
A surgeon raised in the Central Valley
Dr. Ghaffar grew up here, attended high school here, and trained at UC Irvine, UCSF Fresno, and the University of Washington / Harborview before returning home to practice. The community is not just where she works. It is where she lives.
A consultation built around you
Every visit includes a thorough review of your history, imaging, and symptoms — together, in plain language, often with a bone model so you can see what is happening. Dr. Ghaffar takes the time to answer every question, explain every option, and only recommends surgery when the picture is complete.
From the first phone call to the last follow-up, you're treated like a person, not a patient.
The only female spine surgeon in the Central Valley
Representation matters. So does perspective. Dr. Ghaffar brings both, along with a quiet conviction that good care begins with being genuinely heard.
Surgical Expertise
When surgery is the right answer.
Dr. Ghaffar performs the full spectrum of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine procedures, including:
- Anterior cervical discectomy & fusion (ACDF)
- Cervical artificial disc replacement
- Lumbar microdiscectomy
- Lumbar and thoracic laminectomy
- Cervical, thoracic and lumbar fusions
- Prone lateral transpsoas lumbar fusion
Minimally Invasive
Tubular retractors, microscopic visualization, and small incisions — less muscle disruption, less blood loss, faster recovery.
Robotics & Navigation
Real-time navigation guidance for implant placement and robotic-assisted capabilities.
Prone Lateral Transpsoas (PTP)
Dr. Ghaffar is one of the only surgeons in the Central Valley performing single-position prone lateral lumbar fusion.
Endoscopic Spine Surgery
Minimally invasive endoscopic techniques provide direct visualization and treatment of spinal pathology through small, targeted incisions.
Spinal Conditions
Conditions we treat most often.
Dr. Ghaffar evaluates and treats the full range of cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spinal pathology. The five conditions seen most frequently in this practice:
Herniated (bulging) discs
NeckMid BackLower BackSoft inner disc material bulges through the outer layer and presses on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness that travels into the arms or legs.
Spinal stenosis
NeckMid BackLower BackNarrowing of the spinal canal that compresses the spinal cord or nerve roots, producing pain, cramping, or weakness in the neck, back, arms, or legs.
Degenerative disc disease
NeckMid BackLower BackAge-related wear and drying of the spinal discs leads to loss of disc height, inflammation, or instability that can cause chronic neck or back pain.
Spondylolisthesis
NeckMid BackLower BackOne vertebra slips forward over the one below it, narrowing the spinal canal and pinching nerve roots, often causing leg pain and difficulty walking.
Adult spinal deformity
NeckMid BackLower BackAbnormal curvature or alignment of the spine (scoliosis, kyphosis) that develops in adulthood, causing pain, imbalance, and progressive loss of function.
Dr. Samia Ghaffar
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon
Meet Your Surgeon
Precision in Diagnosis. Excellence in Treatment. Commitment to Your Recovery.
She brings fellowship-trained expertise in complex spine surgery with a philosophy rooted in thoughtful, evidence-based care. Surgery is recommended only after appropriate conservative treatments have been carefully considered.
When surgery is the right choice, minimally invasive techniques are first utilized whenever appropriate. Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual, with a focus on restoring function, relieving pain, and helping patients return to the life they enjoy.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Ghaffar Spine accepts new patients by self-referral or by referral from a primary care provider. Appointments are booked by phone at (559) 940-7077.
Ghaffar Spine is located at 604 N Magnolia Avenue, Suite 100, Clovis, California 93611. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and is closed on weekends.
Ghaffar Spine accepts, but is not limited to, Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, BCBS of California, CareFirst BCBS, Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Humana, United Health Care, Tricare, HMO Central Valley Med Pro, and Workers’ Compensation (verified per plan). More insurances are added daily. Please call to see if you are covered.
Not necessarily, and most patients do not. Dr. Ghaffar follows a conservative-first philosophy. Surgery is recommended only when imaging findings clearly correlate with symptoms and conservative options have been appropriately trialed.
Dr. Ghaffar welcomes second-opinion consultations. Bring your imaging (MRI, CT, X-rays) and any prior treatment records. The review is thorough and the recommendation is honest, even if it confirms the original plan.
Location & Hours
Visit Ghaffar Spine.
Clovis, CA 93611
Closed Saturday & Sunday
Booking by phone. Self-referral and provider referrals welcome.
The first step is a conversation.
Whether you’re seeking answers about a spinal condition, exploring options after unsuccessful conservative treatment, or considering surgery and want a second opinion, Dr. Ghaffar offers a thoughtful, comprehensive approach to your care.
By carefully reviewing your imaging, understanding your symptoms, and considering your individual goals, he helps you gain a clearer understanding of your condition and the treatment options available to you.
Expert insight. Personalized guidance. Confidence in your next step.