Wanted to update my earlier review: Once again I required painful and invasive surgery. Once again Dr. Sacks has been there! Starting with IN PERSON visits at the hospital. Continued weekly monitoring with Tele-health appointments to review pain and adjust levels. Empathic. Efficient. Prefers to utilize combinations of OTC painkillers plus low-level prescriptions. He is NOT a "pill doctor." In a world of pain scamming, he is a refreshing professional. read more

Dr. saks is the best pain Dr in this city. He really cares about your wellbeing! I honestly can not say enough good things about him. His staff is staff is also Amazing. I just love them. If you are having any pain issues please go to him. You will be happy you did. read more

Dr. Sacks is extremely knowledgeable and efficient. No frills, but straightforward and excellent care. He has been my pain management doc for several years now. Thanks to his work, my migraines have gone from 5-8/month to 0-1/month. As well, I recently broke my elbow. He was able to see me right away and put me on a plan that worked exceptionally well. Even my surgeon gave him all the credit for keeping me nearly pain-free before, during and after surgery. I must add that he is very careful. While he will work hard to get you what you need for pain management, he is truly excellent about being conservative. I appreciate this greatly - as should anyone seeking help for pain. It is way too easy to go overboard. read more

I don't understand why YELP has two review sections for Dr. Gerald M Sacks? The photo in this listing doesn't resemble the doctor I see, even though all the information on this listing is the same as the "other" Dr. Sacks. But whatever. Dr. Gerald Sacks is a great doctor and has helped me for more than two years after major back surgery. I am so glad that I got lucky and he was assigned to my case. If you have pain, do a consult with this man. He knows his stuff. His office and staff are great too. I would give Team Sacks a 10 if YELP had such a rating. read more

I can't begin to thank Dr. Sacks enough for his amazing care. He is open minded and happy to work with your team of professionals. My sciatica prevented me from having a normal pain free life. With Dr. Sacks help, I once again have a very active life free from pain. Dr. Sacks truly cares about his patients and works tirelessly to find the best possible solution for you. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Dr. Sacks for your pain management needs. read more

Horrible experience with Dr. Sacks. I don't know how this arrogant person can possibly be in a specialty where patients are desperate for quality medical care. I am grateful I survived my surgery- and I am also grateful that I have enough self respect to not be bullied by this man. Very disappointed read more

Very thorough. Extremely knowledgeable. Good bedside manner. He has helped me immensely and my pain is thoroughly managed.

dr, sacks is a miracle worker. I'm so grateful to my internist for recommending him I could not walk or sit with out being in terrible pain. I had fractured my pelvis. I'm walking etc without screaming my head off and freaking out my family. tramadol and hydrocodone were not helping at all. dr S. put me on a regimine of other meds non narcotics and gave me an injection. truly a miracle worker. I still have a little bit of pain bc I'm still healing. but I absolutely can not recommend Dr. sacks enough he is so awesome. I'm beyond grateful for his help. read more

Since 2019 I have been seeing Dr Sacks and his team both in the office as well as via tele doc. He runs a tight ship and manages to be on time for all our apptments. I moved from NorCal to SoCal and in the process needed a new doctor to help manage and advise me on chronic knee pain and lower back pain. He is a great listener and advisor on the pain caused by my knee. I like his prudent approach to care. And he is a very caring and nice person on top of it. His staff is great and always calls me the day before an appt as a reminder which I appreciate. read more

I cannot fully express my gratitude for Dr. Sacks. Over the past few years, he has been by my side through every health challenge, fighting tirelessly to help me find the answers I need. Dr. Sacks always takes the time to listen to my concerns about managing pain without relying solely on medication, exploring alternative approaches with me. I've faced sepsis multiple times, and each time, it's Dr. Sacks who ensures I get the necessary care, guidance, and solutions. Saying he's saved my life more than once is truly an understatement. Dr. Sacks is not just my pain management doctor--he has become more like my primary physician in the way he cares for me. read more

I am very much a fan of Dr. Sacks, who I had the pleasure of meeting recently at St. John's hospital in Santa Monica, and who I've continued to see since then. Dr. Sacks is a very good doctor. He was very impressive at helping me during my a recent surgery I had at St. John's hospital in Santa Monica. Unfortunately, after my surgery, I had really low blood pressure (80 over 36) for several days. It was so low, that many nurses were gathered around me, and in the process of sending me to the ICU. I was basically slipping away, which is terrifying especially because, I had an epidural type of anesthesia which I had not ever had prior. I also had a prior surgery 4 months ago at Cedars Sinai and during that surgery, I was out for about 12 hours, which is a monumental amount of time to be under Anesthesia. Despite it being the morning after my surgery, surrounded by nurses in my hospital bed, I recall being in excruciating pain. I was unable to move well as a result of my extremely swollen surgical site. My nurses had been trying to control my immense inflammation and pain solely with ice. I wasn't given painkillers for days because, my nurses, didn't want me slipping away into oblivion. Thankfully, Dr. Sacks arrived to see me. His idea was so affective at that time. He put me on a few meds and had my nurses giving me painkillers around the clock in small doses. I was in so much pain, and I was suffering badly. This was the perfect regimen for me during this time. Dr. Sacks also has a great personality. I was also impressed with his knowledge of my case. I remember him coming into my hospital room and saying, I read all about you. The wonderful part about him is, he truly did. He read all of my records going back pretty far and became familiar with my hospitalizations, which was very comforting. I really love that Dr. Sacks was thorough. I can assure you, not all doctors are this way. Dr. Sacks also takes his job very seriously. He is super knowledgeable about pain management. He reads all the latest studies and truly cares about his patients. I definitely recommend this doctor, which is saying quite a lot. He is a kind, smart, caring, and funny person as well as a really smart and caring doctor. Thank you, Dr. Sacks, from the bottom of my heart for helping me. I truly appreciate you. read more

I am a chronic pain patient of Dr Sacks for well over a decade and his twice-monthly injections are the difference between disruptive, continuous ache, pain and functionality in my professional and personal life. Dr Sacks has also made proactive recommendations to ensure no other factors are in-play with my health situation, so he really looks out for my best interests. The office is well-organized, well-managed, clean, quiet and efficient. Strong recommendation. read more

I highly recommend Dr. Gerald Sacks. He has helped me with pain control after surgery on my lower back and shoulder without using medications that would make me nauseated. Now his monthly injections prevent the need for more invasive treatments, like epidurals. He helps diagnose the reason why new episodes of pain occur, and refers me to excellent medical resources. Dr. Sacks is a good listener and a kind man. He is always professional and demonstrates his expertise in orthopedics, anesthesiology and pain control to keep me pain free. He is a smart doctor, and I know I can depend on him. Office staff are great. read more

I want to make this clear: Dr. Sacks is the real thing. I had complications from a surgery and the pain was excruciating. His knowledge of nerve pathways from years of experience as an orthopedic surgeon enabled him to examine me, observe my symptoms, and prescribe a treatment that got me off of opioids and out of pain, too! ANY reviews that don't mention his professionalism, efficiency, and compassion may be lacking in an authentic experience of this doctor's skills. I feel very fortunate that my surgeon recommended Dr. Sacks to me. I will recommend him to anyone who is experiencing debilitating pain. He knows what to do! read more

Dr. Sacks has been treating my 86 year old father for over 2 years following multiple thoracic compression fractures and a surgical procedure in 2/2022. He has managed to keep my Dad's pain under control with regular injections along his spine as well as OTC Tylenol and some pain meds ... but no opioids. He carefully reviews all his medications, pleasantly interacts with my dad, and provides a professional and high quality service. Additionally, the office staff are caring and efficient and always seem happy to see my dad. Thanks for all you do!! read more

There are an abundance of adjectives I can use to describe Dr sacks: nasty, obnoxious, rude, insensitive, money hungry, horrible, the most inept pain management doctor I had the misfortune of treating me. I was a patient at Berkley East and he was assigned to manage my pain. In the era of COVID 19 all the visits were by video chat. Today was the last time my insurance would cover a visit. The prior visits consisted of: how are you feeling? Me, not great, Dr Sacks, okay I'll speak to you next week. All I was to him was a telephone call to make a quick dollar. I always knew he had an attitude, but I accepted it. I've had 3 lumbar spine fusions and he was treating me for a seven part cervical spine fusion. As my surgeon said, " be patient this is a big operation." Today, first he yelled because the video conference didn't work. He then asked how I was doing; I said I'm in pain, and almost out of pain pills. He told me to take Tylenol. I replied you must know that will have no effect. I said I need something to treat my level 6-10 pain, his response, "see a psychiatrist." I believe Dr. Sacks would win the prize for the worse pain doctor in LA. BE SMART, take time to read reviews. Look for a pattern of complaints, and you'll understand why you should avoid him. Someone who is cold, mean and oblivious to a patient's pain level should have found a different specialty. I think Dr Sacks would be great at doing autopsies, as the dead would not experience his Cruelty read more

Thank God for Dr. Sacks! When he arrives in heaven I can hear God asking Dr. Sacks for advice. Dr. Sacks knows all and shares his knowledge with his patients. Unlike most doctors, he does not cut you off or rush out of the room. He shares his vast knowledge - the guy has been doing this a while - and you get the feeling he really likes using his to make people feel better. If you have a legitimate pain problem, call Dr. Sacks. He is a Medical Professional as doctors should be. read more

Dr. Sacks is a professional in every aspect of his practice. I have been a regular patient for nearly 10 years, suffering from severe low back pain issues as well as a torn rotator cuff. Dr. Sacks has always treated me with respect and provided excellent treatment. He is a no-nonsence direct expert and has made several appearances on the Dr. Phil show to share his expertise. He has helped my life become manageable to live considering the pain I experience on a daily basis. A 5 star doctor. read more

Dr. Sacks is a hero for people with chronic and debilitating pain. Over ten years ago, I had a bad fall and the worst pain from an impacted nerve. I tried to help myself with prescription pain medication I had for migraines in order to go on working. It quickly spiraled out of control. When I finally saw Dr. Sacks after a year of tremendous pain and chaos, he ordered anti-depressants and shots in my back. I was able to stop the prescription pain medication and the pain went away in about 2-3 months. I still see him 3-4 times a year. I am so grateful to him. Without him, I would probably not be alive anymore. read more

The fact that Dr Sacks still has a medical license is beyond baffling to me. IT IS DANGEROUS FOR HIM TO STILL BE PRACTICING. I went in to him for extreme neck/head pain. He told me I need to get injected with nerve blocks in my head EVERY WEEK. He also prescribed me with 3 Lyrica a day, 6 Celebrex a day, as well as a low dose muscle relaxant. He made me go in once a week for months, telling me I had Occipital Neuralgia. He would only give me one week prescriptions which, as you can imagine, costed a fortune. The pharmacist was so baffled explaining if he had only given me 30 day prescriptions it would almost free when instead it ended up costing me almost a thousand dollars. EXTREMELY SHADY OFFICE: Every appointment I had with him was between 7-9PM and the entire time I was going to him they made me pay in all cash because their "credit card machine was broken". Since I was getting injections each time the cost of each visit was about $700. After several months I was in the process of trying to find a new doctor and my assistant kept calling Dr Sack's office to have them send my medical records. Not only did they not send them after MANY calls... they acted like they didn't know what she was talking about every single time she called. Which made me realize that I never actually saw a folder with my name on it the whole time I went there. He would always just write on a yellow note pad. At my final visit to his office, my plan was to leave there with my medical records in hand. I get there and speak to the front desk and immediately she asked me for $700. I handed her my credit card. To which she replied "Our machines are down. Cash only". I explained to her that I didn't have that amount of cash on me at that moment. Instead of letting me see the doctor first and then trying to sort out a billing option afterwards she says, "theres an ATM across the street". FUMING i leave and get in the elevator to go get cash and I think to start reading yelp reviews.... low and behold I find the worst yelp reviews of any doctor I've ever seen. I was so mad, i walked out and never went back. Unfortunately didn't demand my medical records which i regret. The most insane piece to this story is that the next doctor I ended up going to, I started telling her about what was going on. I told her in detail about my horrific experience and she goes... "Let me guess... Gerald Sacks?" -- I was stunned. This doctor even knows?! HOW IS HE STILL ALLOWED TO PRACTICE MEDICINE?! read more

I highly recommend Dr. Sacks. I was diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia in March 2020 and had been on every known pain medication - most if not all did not work. I started to see him in the middle of 2021 and he was able to build a pain medicine plan that I finally have relief. (All this during COVID!) It has taken time, as there isn't a magic pill that will just make the pain go away. But, I've got my life back. He is very professional, and knows what he is doing. He is the real deal. I trust him. Which is the highest complement I can give. He is best pain specialist in Los Angeles. read more

Dr Sacks has helped me enormously with my arthritic wrists! Understanding communicative I am truly grateful

Dr Sacks is consumate professional. I tried out many pain doctors and practitioners prior to finding him almost 14 years ago. I was in excruciating pain and had been trauma nurse at one time in my career. He came up with plan and we stuck to it together. I knew he was in it to win it with me. I may have had other providers who were bit funnier, nicer at first but they didn't help me like Dr Sacks . He is super smart and good at what he does . He gets results but u have to do your part. And honestly he has truly grown on me over the years like fine wine. He can be silly he is kind but most of all he helps sick people get well. Maybe not the way u want or think but he knows his field and I've lived such full life with horribly disabling pain syndrome for years. In essence he helped give me my life back read more

Well, I was in the hospital for back surgery. The hospital, St John's in Santa Monica felt I could leave, but due to intense pain I couldn't walk, I couldn't even sit up in bed, much less walk a step. The hospital doctor on call, decided to call Dr. Sacks, a pain relief specialist, and this amazing doctor ordered a 5 day supply of cortisone and within 2 or 3 hours I was able to walk out of the hospital. I felt so much better. No I'm not a wimp, in fact when going to the dentist I've never once had Novocaine, not once. About 3 weeks ago I had an Epidural in the spine, also done by Dr. Sacks and now I feel like I could start hitting golf balls. I will wait a bit, a month maybe, just to be safe. When you see Dr. Sacks as a patient, he's different, but rest assured he knows how to take care of pain. He's fast with understanding each of the patient's needs, he will totally get to your situation in minutes, he completely understands the body. I was a bit shocked at some of the Yelp reviews, and I found the problem. Those who rated him around a 1 star, did not give him a chance or these patients enjoy being sick, taking pills for life. Folks that's no way to live. Unless of course you enjoy being sick. Dr. Sacks has a lot of 5 star ratings for a reason. He knows how to deal with your pain. Added to your office visit don't be late, because he is always on time. I've never had to wait and I'm out of the office in 10 minutes. He will surely get your pain under control. You might have to see him a few times, but trust him, he's wicked smart and within a short time you will be feeling so much better. He's a great man. I never use this word, he's a GENIUS. If you are taking drugs for pain and for years, go see Dr. Sacks. Forget about taking drugs for the rest of your life. He will take care of you. read more

The best pain specialist in Los Angeles: I suffered for 5 years with piriformis syndrome and sciatica that rendered me unable to walk, starting at 53 years old. After seeing several pain specialists who gave me only temporary relief with hydrocortisone shots, I was referred to Dr. Sacks. Dr. Sacks explored every possible cause and prescribed medication as needed. After several months of trigger point injections, which were covered by insurance, I am pain-free and can walk again. I cannot recommend Dr. Sacks highly enough. If you are a drug-seeker, steer clear, but if you are in real pain and no other doctor has solved it, go see Dr. Sacks. He is both knowledgeable and intuitive, and will not give up until you are out of pain. Dr. Sacks gave me my life back. Highly recommend. read more

I have been going to Dr Sacks for 4 years and he is very attentive and very helpful in mediating my pain. I have enjoy his directness and knowledge. read more

Dr.Sacks is an excellent pain physician. He is professional, knowledgeable and patient with my many questions. He has helped me with my chronic nerve pain for over a year and a half. He has helped me control my pain and given me a better quality of life. He has also helped me control my migraines with new medication that allows me to continue my daily routine without causing me to become drowsy. So glad to have found Dr. Sacks! read more

I started seeing Dr. Sacks after a very difficult brain surgery in 2011. During the surgery I had a stroke that left me with severe nerve pain on one side of my body. It's a very rare and difficult pain to treat, but Dr. Sacks is the man for the job. He uses a combination of shots combined with a cocktail of meds and this approach lessens the pain by at least 75%. I would be a basket case without my regular doctor visits. He also takes the time to discuss how I'm feeling every week and is willing to adjust and change meds as necessary. He's very intelligent and is a true expert in the field of pain management. The fact that he offers late appointment times really helps me because I work late. And, in 8 years he's never hassled me about insurance payments, bills, or money of any kind. I can't say that about any other doctor. read more

Dr. Sacks has been instrumental in helping me navigate my chronic pain. I am intensely grateful for the thought and care he has put into my treatment, and I have seen marked improvement under his watch. Thank you, Dr. Sacks! read more

Dr. Sacks is very well educated and has been practicing pain management for thirty years unfortunately he only cares about making money and could care less about his patients. He forces all his patients to get "trigger point injections at every visit BEFORE even speaking to you about how you are doing then bills your insurance an entirely different CPT code for peripheral invasive nerve blocks at an enormous cost. He forces stable patients on safe regimens to come in weekly or every other week just to bill high E and M codes. He tortures patients and refuses to prescribe opiates to those truly in need. Try Laser MD Pain Relief instead. read more

August 31, 2020 Dr. Sacks is a wonderful physician. As a practitioner of medicine, he is progressive yet proceeds methodically with his treatments, never "throwing caution to the wind". These are qualities I have always admired in the best of my doctors. I have been under Dr. Sack's care for nearly 20-years and hope to continue in years to come. His treatments keep my chronic neurological pain in check; enabling me to lead a vibrant, productive life. In short, they have changed my quality of living. Dr. Sacks is a humanitarian who strives to alleviate human suffering. I couldn't ask for more from a health care provider. read more

I came to Dr. Sacks after being referred by my surgeon during the most difficult period of my life. I was experiencing constant chronic pain--the worst of my life--and was at the end of my rope, believing I'd never find relief. To put it simply, Dr. Sacks saved me. My recovery journey with my surgeon continued for years after first meeting Dr. Sacks, and I honestly don't know how I would have gotten through it without his guidance and expertise. His knowledge of all possible medications, their benefits, interactions, etc. is unmatched, and his treatment plan was thoughtful, well explained, and customized exactly to address my struggles and needs. He also took great care in easing me off the treatment as my pain lessened in order to avoid any dependency or withdrawal problems. I am now officially recovered (still can't believe it!), and looking back over these past years, I can't express my gratitude for Dr. Sacks enough. I pray you'll never be in a situation in which you need his pain management guidance, but if ever you are, he will get you through it with confidence, care, dedicated attention, and by making himself available throughout the process. I can't recommend his medical care enough. Even if you think there's no hope or relief in sight, please just give him a call. He made the difference for me in ways I can't quantify. read more

UPDATE: I made an appointment to come to see the doctor because it was the only way for me to give him feed back on some of his staff. Prior to coming in I had called twice, the first time they said the doctor would be calling me back. No call. The second time they said I had to have an appointment to come speak to the doctor. I made the appointment, only to give him feedback. I came in at around 3:15 scheduled appt at 4. He came in i and I told him I wasn't having pain, he took me into his other office and said I didn't need an injection only prescription. I let him know that the reason I was here was also because of the way I had been treated by his staff... He didn't like the feedback and he said he doesn't call Patients back because he is too busy. Okay I get it... I asked if he could just give me a copy of my file and I would go elsewhere, he flipped out and said sure. I also let him know that I was a yelper, he said if you yelp and or record "I will sue the shit out of you" I explained to him that I knew my rights. He then threatened and said I am going to calle dr Khorrami (my primary) and let him know that you need a psychiatrist. I was shocked at how I was being treated by a doctor. I should've listened to the yelp reviews. Stay away. This man just cares about your money. Front desk has to go... so inconsiderate and no respect. I am a PAYING customer. Without paying customers there is no business. No good experience with them. Pro: doctor has helped manage pain, but I can go to any doctor much closer to home if this is what their service is like read more

Talk about game changer .. he has the ability to changes people's lives for the better. He doesn't mess around with platitudes and promises. He tells you the truth with his assessment and sticks around to hear your fears. His standards are high and expects you to follow his regime to the T. At the same time he gives you hope and comes through with results . I am beyond grateful. read more

Dr Sacks has been my doctor for over 5 years and has provided incredible medical care for me. After my back surgeries, Dr Sack provided treatment that made my quality of life better. He also encouraged me to get back into physical therapy and he has been with me every step of the way. He is very thorough, always on time and very professional. read more

I have had 3 back surgeries in the past two years. My first pain management doctor did not manage - just kept perscribing. I was referred to Dr. Sacks who has worked with me to keep me pain free until I was surgically corrected, and has now managed my reducing the pain medication. He knew when I was ready for the next level and encouraged me throughout the process. I would highly recommend Dr. Sacks as he is tough but ethical and only wants to make medicine work for you, not overtake you. Thanks, Dr. Sacks! read more

My experience with Dr Sacks has been nothing but positive. I was concerned about seeing a pain specialist, because I didn't want to be put on a bunch of heavy and addictive pain medications. I was in serious neck and shoulder pain that was not responding to previous treatment methods. Dr. Sacks did put me on medications, but on the lowest levels possible and no opioids or narcotics. I started out receiving injections weekly, but as the injections and low level pain meds have had time to do their work, I have been able to cut back on the injections to once a month. Dr. Sacks has been clear with me that; that is the goal. We are both happy when I am out of pain and only need to come in once a month. Yes, the pain meds have to be called in and approved monthly, but I respect this method. I know that he is aware of what I am using for pain every month, and he is not just sending me off for months at a time unaware of what may be happening with my pain management. I have enjoyed consistent pain relief in my neck and shoulders for the first time in years. I am not anxious that the pain will get out of control again, because I know that Dr Sacks has the situation monitored. Any break throughs in pain that I have experienced, while under Dr Sacks' pain regime, have been quickly and easily relieved. I feel empowered with the regime he has created with me, and that has given me great peace of mind. Also, Dr Sacks' staff have always been extremely kind and helpful. They are accommodating when I need to change my appt times. They were extremely helpful when I had difficulties with my insurance company, and they always give me a smile and a kind word when I am in the office. read more

I've been to many, many pain specialists in my 35 years of painful spinal and autoimmune issues. Most want to just throw pills at me. Dr. Sacks actually looks to the source and addresses it. Thank you, Doctor, for all of your amazing help. read more

Appalling! "where's the pain...okay here is the med". He couldn't care less. I would diagnose him as manic and schizoid (not able to relate to people). If you want to be on meds forever, he's your man. His job in life is to aenesthitize people and he does it but I hope you don't witness how he treats his staff! Go elsewhere! read more

Dr Sacks has been seeing me for quite a while. He answers all my questions, and prescribes appropriate treatments and medications. He always attends me during my frequent hospitalizations. He is caring and compassionate in managing my care. read more