UCSF Medical Center - Pain Management Center

The UCSF Pain Management Center has been in existence since 1987, treating patients from all over the world with complicated and chronic medical, surgical, and neurological pain problems. This multidisciplinary treatment center, one of the last such centers remaining in Northern California, averages about 800 outpatient visits per month. The staff, based in the Department of Anesthesia, consists of a variety of doctors and therapists with specialties in anesthesia, neurology, psychology, nursing, and physical therapy.

In 2007, the center was the only West coast program and one of six nationally to be designated by the American Pain Society as a Clinical Center of Excellence in Pain Management. The program was recognized for outstanding clinical pain care offered to patients and efforts in creating pain management education programs for busy practitioners.

Chronic pain is a multifaceted medical problem that affects all aspects of the patient’s life. Our center is staffed by professionals from multiple disciplines to address the range of issues brought about by pain. Patient involvement and education are important components of our program.

The providers at the UCSF Pain Management Center provide specialty consultant and treatment for numerous types of pain. Areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, back pain, neuropathic (nerve) pain, cancer pain, musculoskeletal/rheumatologic pain, and post-injury or surgical pain. Multiple treatment modalities are available. Each patient's case is personally reviewed by our multidisciplinary staff so that the best combination of therapies is offered to that individual.

Clinical research trials are often conducted at the UCSF Pain Management Center. Current patients will be notified if there are studies in which they are eligible to participate. But anyone with chronic pain should feel free to inquire about ongoing research. One does not have to be a patient at the UCSF Pain Management Center in order to participate in a research trial.

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