Dr. Brian Lai, M.D.
Gold star experts say…
We chatted with Dr. Brian Lai, M.D., an interventional pain specialist in Los Angeles. He founded Specialty Pain Care, which offers highly personalized pain care.
What does an interventional pain physician do?
An interventional pain physician uses injections, implantable devices, and infusions to directly target the cause of pain. Doctors like me provide other treatment options for patients in pain besides medications, physical therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and surgery.
An example of an injection that I do is an injection into the knee joint with either steroids or Platelet-Rich plasma (also known as PRP). PRP is made from using your own blood and taking “all the good stuff” that helps our body heal. This is injected into the knee to help it heal faster from an injury or restore cartilage worn down from arthritis.
When should someone make an appointment with an interventional pain physician, and what should they know before starting work with one?
You should make an appointment with an interventional pain physician if you have pain and you are feeling confused as to what to do to get better. Pain can be frustrating, especially when it just lingers.
My goal is to help you figure out the fastest way to feel better. The field of interventional pain is constantly advancing, and there are new options every day to help you get better from your pain. Seeing me lets you know all your options for treating your different pain conditions.
At Specialty Pain Care, we will help you figure out the next steps. Before working with an interventional pain physician like me, a patient should know I am considered a specialist. We may need to work with your primary care doctor to get the proper paperwork so you can see me.
Is there a charity or nonprofit organization that benefits the LGBTQIA+ community you support, and others should, too?
A nonprofit organization that I support is AIDS Action. I had previously worked with them, helping to provide and promote education about HIV and AIDS.
