Dr. Gerald M Sacks

I'm a Med/Surg RN and one of the most difficult parts of the job is handling the delicate balance of what gives people enough pain management but also not too much to allow or sustain a dependence. It's really tough given how subjective pain can be. Very few people I've met have the understanding from top to bottom of the medications to the degree of Dr. Sacks. He sees an insane number of patients, and I know many take it out on him when he refuses to prescribe what they ask for, but being a good doctor isn't giving people what they want, it's giving what they need. And again, this is a delicate balance, and I truly believe he understands it exceptionally. I've had to use him for myself after two recent surgeries, and I'm really impressed by not only his understanding of it all (including what's happening physiologically with each of my surgeries), but he sets up appointments easily on video calls, he makes them himself, never rushes me, and always sets up the next appointment himself before hanging up. It's a good system, and the times I've needed to reach him in-between I've found his office does a great job of checking messages and calling. I'm sure many are resentful at their experiences in this department, it's basically inevitable if you aren't handing over your prescription pad, but I think he does a great job with the almost impossible task he has with dozens of patients a day. And I trust him with my own meds and health. UPDATE: One year into using Dr. Sacks he is extremely communicative and helpful and always with a great bedside manner.

I'm a Med/Surg RN and one of the most difficult parts of the job is handling the delicate balance of what gives people enough pain management but also not too much to allow or sustain a dependence. It's really tough given how subjective pain can be. Very few people I've met have the understanding from top to bottom of the medications to the degree of Dr. Sacks. He sees an insane number of patients, and I know many take it out on him when he refuses to prescribe what they ask for, but being a good doctor isn't giving people what they want, it's giving what they need. And again, this is a delicate balance, and I truly believe he understands it exceptionally. I've had to use him for myself after two recent surgeries, and I'm really impressed by not only his understanding of it all (including what's happening physiologically with each of my surgeries), but he sets up appointments easily on video calls, he makes them himself, never rushes me, and always sets up the next appointment himself before hanging up. It's a good system, and the times I've needed to reach him in-between I've found his office does a great job of checking messages and calling. I'm sure many are resentful at their experiences in this department, it's basically inevitable if you aren't handing over your prescription pad, but I think he does a great job with the almost impossible task he has with dozens of patients a day. And I trust him with my own meds and health. I'm a Med/Surg RN and one of the most difficult parts of the job is handling the delicate balance of what gives people enough pain management but also not too much to allow or sustain a dependence. It's really tough given how subjective … More

I highly recommend Dr. Sacks. I was diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia in 2020 and had been on every known pain medication - most if not all did not work. It was only after coming to see him, and bringing my diagnosis was he able to build a pain medicine regime that I finally have relief. It has taken time, as there isn't a magic pill that will just make it go away. But, I've got my life back. He is professional, and knows what he is doing. I trust him. Which is the highest complement I can give. I highly recommend Dr. Sacks. I was diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia in 2020 and had been on every known pain medication - most if not all did not work. It was only after coming to see him, and bringing my diagnosis was he able to build … More

Dr.sacks is pretty wonderful! He knows his stuff and is one of the only pain specialist that has ever stood up for me post op with hospital staff! He has continually made efforts to help me , guide me and make sure I feel taken care of. I suffer from a multitude of chronic illnesses and unbearable pain, and he has always made every effort to help and try find the proper combination of medications. Never has he made feel pushed or terrible like I was an addict as with many other doctors over the years. If you’re looking for narcotics this is not the place, and as someone who spent nearby a decade on them, I know there are alternatives. Pain management is complex and it’s always great to have someone actually willing to help in your corner. Thank you Dr. Sacks!

Unethical, threatening, puts false information in your chart, tries to force you to have injections you don't want. Harasses you if you try to go to another doctor. Doesn't actually treat your pain. Lies and says you are a drug addict even if you don't want drugs.

Horrible service at the office. very poor, rude and unprofessional service at receptions!

Dr. Sacks is a highly respected specialist. I had another pain Dr. who studied many of Dr. Sacks previous works when he taught. He gets to the point and due to the high volume of patients he has seen, he is more familiar of ones issues.. Very articulate and spends the amount of time to understand the issues and carefully craft a solution. In addition, he will take the time to followup with you after he either puts you on a med regime or a procedure. I would strongly refer anyone who has a chronic pain issue or is considering surgery by another physician to spend some time with him as he also has a strong network of top notch surgeons and specialist to address the common and infrequent complex pain issues. Dr. Sacks works many hours late into the nite and weekend to address his patient's' needs. Dr. Sacks is a highly respected specialist. I had another pain Dr. who studied many of Dr. Sacks previous works when he taught. He gets to the point and due to the high volume of patients he has seen, he is more familiar of ones issues.. … More

My partner went to Dr Sacks in agonizing pain from a very rare condition. Three other doctors had told him they didn’t know what was happening. Dr Sacks was the first to explain what had happened and prescribe a course of treatment. A few weeks later, my partner is doing so much better. We’re incredibly grateful to Dr Sacks; he is patient, empathetic, and a truly great doctor.

Brilliant and one of the only practitioners as knowledgeable and experienced re pain meds in Los Angeles.., I have been his patient for many years and am extremely grateful to be under his care. He very gently brought me down from a significantly high dose to a low dosage, and I cannot thank him enough for doing so.

Dr. Saks is as miracle worker! I have experienced chronic back pain for years. After suffering in pain for weeks due to a flare up, I was referred to Dr. Saks. He is INCREDIBLE! He understood exactly what I was experiencing and put me on a pain medicine regime that addressed each of my symptoms. He also educated me on pain and explained how each medication would affect me (something I feel few doctors do). Later on, I was hospitalized due to a disc herniation. I was admitted to the emergency room. Dr. Saks contacted the emergency room doctors and ensured that I was receiving adequate care and worked with the hospital doctors to make sure that the pain regime the hospital put me on was correct in addressing my pain. Dr. Saks checked in with me throughout my 8 day hospital stay and when I was discharged ensured that the medicines I was put on were correct. I cannot speak more highly of Dr. Saks and recommend him to anyone experiencing chronic pain. Dr. Saks is as miracle worker! I have experienced chronic back pain for years. After suffering in pain for weeks due to a flare up, I was referred to Dr. Saks. He is INCREDIBLE! He understood exactly what I was experiencing and put me on a … More

For over 10 years I had been suffering from pain generated by scar tissue blockages as a result of several operations to remove cancerous tissue. I was referred to Dr. Sacks by my primary care physician. That was 4 years ago. Dr. Sacks prescribed a series of non-opioid micro injections that reduced the painful spasms from several a month to 1-2 a year. I went from seeing him once a week to now, 4 times a year. I highly recommend Dr. Sacks. For over 10 years I had been suffering from pain generated by scar tissue blockages as a result of several operations to remove cancerous tissue. I was referred to Dr. Sacks by my primary care physician. That was 4 years ago. Dr. Sacks … More

Dr sacks really was my first dr to sit down and really help me with my pain while being understanding. I have crohns disease and the Steriods that they gave me to help avoid a colostomy bag permanently ended up killing my bones and joints to the point of very chronic pain I’ve had two hip replacement and knee surgery and still have to under go surgery again for my knees I have to have two knee replacements as well, but my dr is trying to postpone the need till much later cause doing it now only means doing it again. I also have osteoarthritis as well. Dr sacks took the time to collectively see everything that was going on and he was so professional. I have so much gratitude towards him and his staff who as well were always nice and very attentive. I did have to move to Florida so eventually I had to leave but I wish that dr sacks was still my dr. Dr sacks really was my first dr to sit down and really help me with my pain while being understanding. I have crohns disease and the Steriods that they gave me to help avoid a colostomy bag permanently ended up killing my bones and joints … More

Here’s the thing about Dr. Sacks. He’s a no BS, straight shooter and I definitely appreciate that about him. Other reviews cite his behavior as rash and unprofessional but the thing is he’s the kind of doctor we need a LOT more of. We need more doctors to stop simply pushing opiates and enabling/creating addicts. He’s got zero tolerance for medication seekers and I commend him for that. If you want a doc who’ll just dish out the Opiates, then look elsewhere, but if you want a doc who’ll take the right steps to treat you, and tell it to you straight, then go to Dr. Sacks. Here’s the thing about Dr. Sacks. He’s a no BS, straight shooter and I definitely appreciate that about him. Other reviews cite his behavior as rash and unprofessional but the thing is he’s the kind of doctor we need a LOT more of. We need … More

I have experienced chronic back pain for years. After suffering in pain for weeks due to a flare up, I was referred to Dr. Saks. He is INCREDIBLE! He understood exactly what I was experiencing and put me on a pain medicine regime that addressed each of my symptoms. He also educated me on pain and explained how each medication would affect me (something I feel few doctors do). Later on, I was hospitalized due to a disc herniation. I was admitted to the emergency room. Dr. Saks contacted the emergency room doctors and ensured that I was receiving adequate care and worked with the hospital doctors to make sure that the pain regime the hospital put me on was correct in addressing my pain. Dr. Saks checked in with me throughout my 8 day hospital stay and when I was discharged ensured that the medicines I was put on were correct. I cannot speak more highly of Dr. Saks and recommend him to anyone experiencing chronic pain.

I have experienced chronic back pain for years. After suffering in pain for weeks due to a flare up, I was referred to Dr. Saks. He is INCREDIBLE! He understood exactly what I was experiencing and put me on a pain medicine regime that addressed each of my symptoms. He also educated me on pain and explained how each medication would affect me (something I feel few doctors do). Later on, I was hospitalized due to a disc herniation. I was admitted to the emergency room. Dr. Saks contacted the emergency room doctors and ensured that I was receiving adequate care and worked with the hospital doctors to make sure that the pain regime the hospital put me on was correct in addressing my pain. Dr. Saks checked in with me throughout my 8 day hospital stay and when I was discharged ensured that the medicines I was put on were correct. I cannot speak more highly of Dr. Saks and recommend him to anyone experiencing chronic pain.

Horrible service at the office. He is always in a very unusual rush to get to the next patience. Never return calls even for very important medical question. I would stay away from him.

Dr. Sacks is the first doctor I’ve seen to actually suggest that there may be an underlying reason for my problem. He truly cares about his patients. This was my first time seeing him and it definitely won’t be the last! I’ve dealt with so many heartless doctors, it’s so nice finding one who truly cares. If you see this Dr. Sacks, I thank you so much for giving me hope again!

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Great doctor and great person. His office is always willing to help in any way they can. Wonderful experience. Dr. Sacks is the guy for Pain Management.

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Terrible attitude $500.00 first visit then 150.00 each follow-up he insists on giving you 2-3 visits per month just to make you pay for more visits staff demands payment before you can say good morning. Everything is based on money by a greedy money hungry Doctor I was never properly treated 2 visits is enough to learn I will never go back and their was 4 people with 7:00 appointments at the same time Terrible attitude $500.00 first visit then 150.00 each follow-up he insists on giving you 2-3 visits per month just to make you pay for more visits staff demands payment before you can say good morning. … More

I am in my 70's. I was referred to Dr. Sacks for pain management by my GP who had been treating pain from recurring painful muscle spasms under my right shoulder blade, that would keep me awake and in pain all night for days, for years with Norco which she can no longer prescribe for chronic pain. By the time I got to see him my muscle spasm had passed but I was experiencing intense arthritis pain in my hips. He never looked at me during our three appointments. At the first one he prescribed Celebrex 200 mg a day and ordered an MRI of my spine. Even though I no longer had a muscle spasm he insisted on giving me little shots of lidocaine in my back, telling me it would present a muscle spasm.The Celebrex kept me awake all night and made me nauseous and dizzy and gave me diarrhea. I went back to him and asked for a lower dose, so he prescribed Celebrex 100 mg and also Cymbalta 20 mg. I told him I was reluctant to try the Cymbalta because I had had bad experiences with antidepressants. He told me he was giving me a pediatric dose, so I took it. Once again he never looked at me during the appointment Once again I didn't sleep all night and felt very sick the next day so i went back to discuss the side effects with him and see what the solution was. At that point he finally looked at me and said, "I'm not prescribing opiates for you." And i said, "I'm not asking for opiates I'm trying to discuss the side effects of the medications you prescribed. "Well," he said, "I've decided you are just looking for opiates." I was very insulted and told him I would see an orthopedist about my arthritis and i left. I have since seen an orthopedist who has ordered physical therapy. I have since learned that the starting dose for Celebrex should be 50 mg, not 200. Dr. Sacks is the worst doctor I have ever encuntered. I am in my 70's. I was referred to Dr. Sacks for pain management by my GP who had been treating pain from recurring painful muscle spasms under my right shoulder blade, that would keep me awake and in pain all night for days, for years with … More

Dr Sacks is a terrible doctor, my wife was being treated by him, from the first visit to the few times she was there, he was a very rude obnoxious doctor! She refused to get abdomen shots from him because he was not helping my wife with her post op pains, he told us that either she gets the shots or he’s not writing her pain meds prescriptions, absolutely blackmail, unethical and a despicable human being! Dr Sacks is a terrible doctor, my wife was being treated by him, from the first visit to the few times she was there, he was a very rude obnoxious doctor! She refused to get abdomen shots from him because he was not helping my wife with … More

I’ve been a patient of Dr. Sacks for nearly 20 years now. He’s a pain management doctor, not your primary care physician or your therapist. He sees patients in his office as well at the hospital. Sometimes he has unforeseen delays that could be anything from a patient suffering from Stage 4 cancer pain in the hospital to a consultation with a new patient that runs overtime. That means he’s answering questions and you’d want the same done for you. Deal with it. If you have been referred to him, you probably have many other doctors managing your case. His job is to assess and locate the cause of your pain and work with you on a plan to mitigate it. His tools are a prescription pad for medications and a syringe for injections. Some people come in shopping for pain meds. Dr. Sacks assesses your need for meds, and balances that with the risk of addiction or abuse. Some people get upset if they don’t get what they were shopping for and that could translate into negative reviews. He also injects certain nerves to block or alleviate pain. If you’re afraid of needles, this could be a problem for you, not a reason to dis him. I have severe nerve damage, mostly in my extremities, caused by toxic medications. And while I’m no fan of needles (I never watch), part of my pain management is bi-weekly injections. They have worked. I’m very grateful for that as well as my daily medications. My life is much more comfortable. I want a pain management physician who is smart and skilled and who takes the time to know my issues. That’s Dr. Sacks. I’ve been a patient of Dr. Sacks for nearly 20 years now. He’s a pain management doctor, not your primary care physician or your therapist. He sees patients in his office as well at the hospital. Sometimes he has unforeseen delays that … More

Dr. Sacks is a good man. I ruptured the disc (L4-L5), and Dr. Sack quickly became the lead “manager” of all my recovery activities and meds. I loved that he’d seen my case 1000 times. I had confidence in my recovery after seeing (and sticking with) Dr. Sacks. I was in a lot of pain when I came to see him, and I was freaking out that life would never be the same. He set me right with good combinations of meds that kept me functional. He also gave me an epidural injection – that was helpful, but I’m not sure to what extent. My recovery has been steady and true. I won’t need a 2nd epidural injection. I’m pain free and recovered from my injury. Big thanks to Dr. Sacks! Dr. Sacks is a good man. I ruptured the disc (L4-L5), and Dr. Sack quickly became the lead “manager” of all my recovery activities and meds. I loved that he’d seen my case 1000 times. I had confidence in my recovery after seeing (and … More

Dr Sacks was my doctor during my two week stay at Providence St John. He was a life saver for me during my stay. I was suffering from excruciating pain and no one was addressing my pain. He was the only person to actually spend the time to listen to my complaints. He addressed a number of key clinical issues that greatly helped with my recovery and wellbeing. Immediately after his visit - I had my first “decent” night sleep in the hospital. He is always in a jovial mood and generous with his time. Thx Dr Sacks !!!! Dr Sacks was my doctor during my two week stay at Providence St John. He was a life saver for me during my stay. I was suffering from excruciating pain and no one was addressing my pain. He was the only person to actually spend … More

I have been a patient of Dr. Gerald Sacks for over 10 years. In that time he has always shown the best in professionalism and integrity. I have seen him spend over an hour with a complex patient to ensure that the patient is getting the best care possible. Dr. Sacks frequently works late into the evening to make sure all his patients get the time they need and the great care they deserve. Dr. Sacks is the doctor's doctor. He takes care of many doctors and their families. Indeed I saw Dr. Sacks giving advice to Dr. Phil on TV! Overall Dr. Gerald Sacks is the best Pain Management doctor in California and a great choice if you are seeking superb carer and a caring Physician. I have been a patient of Dr. Gerald Sacks for over 10 years. In that time he has always shown the best in professionalism and integrity. I have seen him spend over an hour with a complex patient to ensure that the patient is getting the … More

The best Pain Management doctor in California.

Dr. Gerald Sacks is the most superb doctor I have ever seen. Dr. Sacks is so witty and smart. He puts me and my mom at ease and helps us every visit. We are so gratefulto this man. And we love his office and staff too.

Great doctor in Santa Monica. My primary doctor didn't know how to help me so he sent me to Dr. Gerald Sacks. The best thing that has happened to me in a long time. Dr. Sacks is such an expert in Pain Management that he fixed me up right away. I am so grateful to this guy. Best doctor ever.

Dr. Sacks has been caring for me for four years. In that time my pain is now under great control and I have gotten off narcotics for the first time in years! I am so clear headed now and see the world differently. Dr. Gerald Sacks is the best doctor on the planet! Highest praise.

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Great doctor. Excellent service. Highest recommendation.

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Dr. Sacks provided me with care and professionalism. He addressed my issues before, during and after my knee replacement surgery. He is a no-nonsense doctor with a big heart. I am so lucky to have been under his care! Diana

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office is very efficient and pleasant. Dr. Sacks explains treatments with expertise and plain talk...Personable and expert with his diagnosis and treatment. He is the only Doctor able to help me with my back and leg pain after my 4th back surgery, where two other doctors could not. It is rare to find a doctor who has helped control my pain so well and with such grace. I recommend him to anyone who is in my situation and needs help as I did.

The most qualified and most comprehensive pain Management doctor in LA. Highest recommendation personally and professionally.

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If I could do a negative stars I would. Tried to get us to pay for meds before I take her home. They wanted cash before being released. Then their office called and threaten her if she did not pay. BS.

My discs in my spine were herniated he saved my life. Dr. Sacks is a world class Doctor I hope to see him in the future.Respectfully Mitchell Henry Ramm

The USC Pain Center treats chronic pain patients with the greatest of respect, compassion and latest in integrative therapies.

The worst! Rude. Curt. Unable to listen. Had nurse bring me into a room &, without a word, he gives me an injection. No "hello." No explanation. Just stuck a needle in my back. For that & many other reasons, this guy is a jerk & should not be practicing.

Dr. Gerald Sacks is kind and compassionate to me and does his best to take care of my pain needs! I am very happy with my treatment.

Great doctor.

A kind soul and a very smart doctor. Dr. Sacks has really helped my dad who has cancer on his face. Dr. Sacks got him off the meds that were making him sleep all day. Dr. Sacks did injections and now dad is my dad again! I am so grateful that Dr. Sacks gave my dad back to me. Dr. Sacks is a wonderful human being and a great healer !

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Outstanding experience in every way. Dr. Sacks is a GREAT doctor and humanitarian. He knows exactly how to help people and does his job with extreme compassion and passion. Dr. Sacks will refine your Pain Management to control your pain and increase your function. He will minimize your reliance on pills and push you to achieve. Overall the best doctor I have ever seen !

Dr. Sacks is the best. A very talented physician. He is the first doctor to effectively treat me and help me live my life pain free. Because of Dr. Sacks and his care, I did not need to have surgery which other doctors had suggested. I am very grateful for Dr. Sacks and would highly recommend him to anybody who needs excellent pain management.

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I went to Dr. Sacks with trepidation as I did not want another doctor to just give me drugs. Dr. Gerald Sacks is a breath of fresh air in this regard. He worked with me to minimize my reliance on medications and to increase my reliance on myself ! Dr. Sacks really listens and works with me to help myself. He is so kind and so, so caring as a person ! Dr. Sacks is the best, most honest doctor I have ever known ! I give him my highest accolades.

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Dr sacks is very strict buy he genuinely cares about his patients

Truly a great doctor ! Dr. Sacks contuinues to help me every day. Even when I lost my job and had no insurance - Dtr. Sacks continued to care for me for free ! What a great person and a truly caring Physician.

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Dr. Sacks is a truly outstanding doctor in every way. He is caring, kind and very intelligent. He really helps people including me. He doesn't just write Rx for drugs but actually tries to get to the root of the problem. I give him my highest recommendation and trust.

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Dr. Sacks is a pompous, arrogant little feller. He obviously has preconceived notions about new patients. He called me a drug seeker because I deigned to speak my mind about his manner towards me and what pills I has formerly taken. If you want a doctor who will rush you through an appointment, who ONLY takes cash, and will treat you like a common drug addict off the streets, then by all means, keep going to this guy. Dr. Sacks is a pompous, arrogant little feller. He obviously has preconceived notions about new patients. He called me a drug seeker because I deigned to speak my mind about his manner towards me and what pills I has formerly taken. If you … More

Highly recommended!

Outstanding doctor and a great person too. Very efficient and thorough. Very, very smart.

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Best doctor I have ever seen ! Kind, caring and competant. Really knows his stuff and teaches other doctors. Exactly the right choice for a Pain Management doctor.

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BEWARE. Dr. Sacks claims to be an anesthesiologist but he lacks knowledge of the nervous system. He kept giving me epidural injections for pain in the nerve that shingles had attacked. Only after I went for a second opinion did I discover he wasn't giving the injection into the right nerve - not even close.

I had a horrible experience and only went twice - at least once too many. My exam was done in his office where he checked my reflexes and some nerve feedback. That was the entire exam. He also had me coming every week for three weeks then every two weeks for three more visits to establish a 'pattern of responsibility. All he had to do was look at my previous paperwork I brought with me to see that I have never missed a monthly appointment with my previous doc.

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Made me and my mothers experience hell the last two days as we tried to leave. Lied to my face and to my mothers face. Denied my mother medication right after her knee surgery and tried to avoid giving her medication to go home with. Gave prescriptions that were not what he said he would do. Doesn't care about how much pain his patients are in. Only cares about getting paid. Made me and my mothers experience hell the last two days as we tried to leave. Lied to my face and to my mothers face. Denied my mother medication right after her knee surgery and tried to avoid giving her medication to go home with. Gave … More

Dr. Saks saved my life. I was on massive pain medication. He taught me to live on lifes terms. This is the guy to see IF you want to get better.... if you just want pills go somewhere else Dr. Saks saved my life. I was on massive pain medication. He taught me to live on lifes terms. … More

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