Dr Cohen treated me for severe sciatica pain - he was great and the pain has subsided over 90% after an epidural. What stands out for me is that Dr Cohen is accessible to me as his patient - he actually reads and responds to emails almost immediately - in this day and age that fantastic. He took time to understand my needs, identify a course of treatment and executed well. That you doctor read more

Dr. Hersel is not only the best pain relief Dr. he is one of the finest persons I have ever met. I have been living with debilitating lumbar pain for thirty years. After two back surgeries in 1998 and 2001 I had some relief but not enough and any relief was short lived. I tried every kind of therapy from cupping and acupuncture and Guasha. A picture of the guasha and its impact on my body is attached to this post. I also have had over 100 injections from epidurals to radio frequency ablation with little to no relief. I've seen several hypnosis experts again to no avail. After all of these attempts for relief I went to Dr. Hersel who suggested I try a spinal stimulator implant. I knew about this procedure and had studied it many years ago, but I was concerned about its efficacy. Dr. Hersel gave me a packet describing the procedure using the newest implant from Abbott Labs and St. Judes. First, all the earlier implants required charging the battery every day or every other day. The Abbott implant has a ten year battery requiring no charging. After studying this implant I decided to try the Abbott model. This requires a test with the unit being attached to the outside of my body to be sure the implant will work for my pain. After a one week trial I was seen by Dr. Hersel and an Abbott technician and I reported to them I thought all my pain had disappeared. With all these different implants the goal is to bring at least 50% relief. So with the results clearly indicating I was a candidate for the permanent implant we scheduled surgery immediately. The surgery took approximately two hours. It required an incision in my mid spine and snaking of electronic leads from the surgical site through my spinal canal which is an extremely delicate procedure done with a fluoroscope to avoid puncture of the spinal canal. The leads are carefully placed and end at the battery which is placed in a pocket in the upper buttock through an incision made by the surgeon below the skin. BTW this is done under general anesthesia so you feel nothing and a strong numbing medication allowed me to feel no pain when I awoke. Dr. Hersel and the Abbott technician were there when I awoke. I was told the surgery was perfect and I should get at least 50% relief. Now here's the only bad news about these surgeries. When the numbness goes away there is what I can only describe as excruciating pain from the two surgical sites. There is significant swelling at these sites. For me the pain was horrible for three weeks. After a month the site pain began to subside. My pain wouldn't have been as bad if I took pain medication but because of a certain condition I have I am unable to take any pain medication other than Tylenol which didn't help. I believe the pain would have been significantly less had I been able to take anti inflammatory meds. The bottom line is after the incisional pain lessened I had no more lumbar spine pain. After those horrendous years of agony I finally had a light at the end of the tunnel. I'm thrilled to write I still have no pain five weeks post surgery. For anyone suffering from spinal pain, after trying other therapies, I cannot stress how important it is to set up an appointment to see Dr. Hersel. Not only is Dr. Hersel my surgeon but he is a cherished friend. He is the most caring and gentle physician I have ever known. His staff from receptionists, nurses, anesthesiologists and others is also as gentle and caring as their leader. They make what could be a very difficult day instead a pleasant experience. Dr. Hersel's contact information is contained in his bio on Yelp. If you have any questions or just want to talk I am happy to oblige. Just leave your contact information in an email to sje1949@earthlink.net Here's to your future pain relief. read more

Seriously, I would give Dr.Hersel 10 STARS if YELP WOUKD ALLOW IT. I have had a chronic lower back pain problem for over 10 years and Dr.Hersel methodically treated me and diagnosed me after ordering an MRI. I have not had this much relief -- EVER. He is a GEM of a physician and a personable , caring, and patient-centric person. In the Dictionary under " Bedside Manor" is an 8x10 photograph of Dr. Hersel. An exemplary physician and I'm so grateful that I found him. I have conveyed my experience to my myriad friends and colleagues and will continue to refer patients to him and his office. Speaking of his office-- Heather and Karine are sensational and very helpful in the process. You will NOT be disappointed!! He's a Champ! read more

After the 22 years I've required medical pain management, Dr Hersel is by far the most compassionate & thoughtful doctor I've had. For decades, medication allowed me to have a happy active life & procedures weren't necessary. Now with Dr Hersel was I've had countless procedures alleviate the last 18 months & look forward to seeing if there's left as I keep trying. read more

Dr. Hersel is not only an excellent doctor but great human being. Very knowledgeable,professional and kind. Dr. Hersel has helped with my chronic pain and quality of life. read more

If a kidney stone rates a 10+ in pain then my acute back pain was 11+. Excellent treatment here. Pain now near zero and is usually zero and that's as good as it gets. Dr. Hersel is the Dr. to roll with. Excellent staff. read more

I have a lot of experience with doctors due to many chronic conditions. Following a TKR last year, I developed a painful condition called CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome). I never thought I would be free from this agony, until I met Dr. Hersel. He and his staff are so compassionate and helpful. Their goal is not just to medicate and cover your pain, but to find a solution to live again! I see a bright future on the horizon thanks to Dr. Hersel and his team. While I am not totally pain free, it is much better than it was and I have hope that I soon will be able to put this behind me! Thank you, Dr. Hersel, for being the most compassionate medical professional that has ever treated me. You surround yourself with staff that is as wonderful as you are - it makes all the difference! read more

The staff is not very compassionate when it comes to being in pain. They do not take into consideration that you are in distress. They actually ask you "well what have you been doing to deal with your pain" which is absurd when they know that you have no choice but to do nothing but lay in bed and cry. Dr Hersel seems nice at first but seems to turn on you at any moment. read more

I've been with Dr Hersel for over 5 years and absolutely think he's the best. His office staff is amazingly wonderful and there is always a smile on their face when you walk in. Dr Hersel is extremely professional and has a fantastic bed side manor. read more

Dr. Hersel is an amazing doctor and person. He's treated my wife for years and been invaluable in helping to alleviate her debilitating back and neck pain. However, scheduling for a procedure is near impossible. I've been calling every day for over a week, leaving messages but receive no calls back. She's trying to get in for a procedure since April 2020. We're in July now, an excruciating wait of months. I finally did get someone on the phone last week who said that the case was going to physician review and that someone would call back with a status update. Several voicemails later and still no contact. read more

After having back surgery and suffering from chronic pain, I was introduced to Dr Hersel. He immediately had me come in to see different possibilities of managing my pain. First we tried injections which brought temporary relief. Then we tried a pain stimulator that was surgically implanted in my back which allowed for a little more relief. But then he suggested that removing the hardware in my back from my prior surgery could possibly eliminate the pain in that area. So he referred me to a neurologist. I will be having the hardware removed in the near future, but I am still seeing Dr Hersel for pain management. I can honestly say that his compassion and bedside manner is top notch. Thank you Dr Hersel, for helping me manage my pain. Steve Greenberg read more

Dr. Hersel is a very nice person, unfortunately neither he, nor his office staff follow up. I was referred to him by a friend. I saw Dr. Hersel multiple times starting in November 2020 and had multiple epidurals. After not having good results it was a mutual decision that surgery would be a better option. Dr. Hersel referred me to a surgeon who did a discectomy on my lower back in January of this year. When I continued to have excoriating pain after surgery the surgeon suggested another epidural which once again gave me no relief. The surgeon referred me back to Dr. Hersel to discuss having a spinal cord stimulator implanted. I saw Dr. Hersel on May 26, 2021. I was told that I needed to do a pre surgery work up with my family doctor and discuss this procedure with a psychologist, that he referred me to, before they would schedule it. I was told that they would contact me once they had all the paperwork. I did both immediately and followed up with my FD to ensure that everything was sent to his office. After not hearing from Dr. Hersel's office I followed up again with my FD to again verify that everything had been sent. That was in early June. As of today, August 6, 2021 I have not heard a word from his office. Since this was not the first time his office staff, or he himself, had not followed up with me I decided I was done with him. I have since had another surgery and when the new surgeon opened my back he found it to be riddled with an infection. Hence my pain. Unfortunately I spent 10 days in the hospital and had to have a picc line inserted. 6 weeks of IV infusion twice a day is not fun. Hopefully if you have any doubts you will not be like me and will be proactive and seek other opinions regarding your care read more

Dr. Hersel is TOP OF THE LINE. Do not go to any other doctor for Pain Management. I'm younger then most of his patients (26). I was thrown out of a car in 2012 (60 feet). For the past few years Dr. Hersel performed Epidural Steroid injections, Nerve root blocks, Nerve Ablations... All which helped me get through tough times of pain... There came a point in 1 of many of my Injuries in my spine were Dr. Hersel had exhausted all conservative treatments and he said it was time for surgery... I knew I had to get the surgery done because there was no other option. I was really scared. Over time in and out of Hersel's office and surgery center I had become very close with him and his staff... I trust Dr. Hersel with my eyes closed back turned as well as his staff. I told Dr. Hersel the only way I would do surgery was if he was in the OR right by my side. Sure enough... He had me in surgery next week with the best Neurosurgeon in the USA in my opinion. He was at the Surgery Center with me at 6 am in the morning and did not leave my side. He was with me through PRE OP, had his colleague Dr. SPIEGEL do anesthesia and make me super comfy, Dr. Hersel Rolled me into the OR, assisted the surgeon with my surgery, and did not leave my side once... HE IS A MAN OF HIS WORD. I trust him like family and would do anything for him. Dr. HERSEL Truly cares about your well being. His bed side manner is incomparable to any other doctor. Nobody can compare to him or his staff. He is the best! Dr. Hersel has earned me as a patient for life. He is still fixing me up in different area's of my spine and making me PAIN FREE. Anything he suggests... Do it. After Dr. Suggested surgery for one of my injured sections (lumbar) in my spine... I tell you now I have zero pain in that area. WITHOUT DR. HERSEL'S SUGGESTION AND EXPERTISE I WOULD STILL BE IN PAIN. Please do not hesitate making an appointment with Dr. Hersel. Thank you doc for everything, I truly do love you and your staff. Megan (Dr. Hersel's All-Star assistant) thank you for everything you do for me and your patience and always answering my questions, Corrine (Surgery Coordinator) thank you for always getting me into the surgery center fast and making the process so easy! Tilla (RN in surgery center) Thank you for your good sense of humor and always making me laugh. You have such a kind heart and always make me comfy in pre-OP and post-OP, by my side after surgery making sure I was taken care of. My bartender Rodger, always making me relaxed and sending me for a nice nap for procedures. Everything and anything about PMIR is amazing. Top of the line Doctor (s), staff!!! Thank you all for everything you have done for me and continue to do! -Love read more

Dr. Hersel is one of the most compassionate, caring and patient doctors I know. He goes above and beyond to help his patients live a pain free life and you can tell from the moment you meet him that he chose medicine as a career because he wants to help people. I have been a patient of Dr. Hersel's for about four years, seeing him for my neck and back. I really feel like he is treating me, the whole person, and not just my various body parts. Dr. Hersel has a great understanding of back and neck pain and is up on all the current treatments available. He is easy to talk to and will put you at ease from the get go. I don't think I've ever seen him when he doesn't have a smile on his face. Dr Hersel's office staff is top notch and they too are friendly and easy to work with. I highly recommend Dr Hersel and his practice to anyone looking for help with chronic pain. Along with being an excellent doctor he is a warm and kind person, a combination that is hard to find nowadays in the medical profession. read more

Firstly the office and building are new and clean. I hate going to Dr offices that haven't been renovated since the 60s or 70s. Makes me really uncomfortable. I've seen Dr Hersel twice in the office and twice for a procedure in the surgery center in the same building. Office visits have always gone well. Staff is friendly and so is the Dr. I don't know if anyone can fix the pain I'm in, so I can't really review that part. He is trying though. I have to say that the two times I had a procedure in the surgery center with Dr Hersel, were such easy experiences. The center is also nice and clean, the staff, nurses, and Doctors are incredibly nice and friendly. I had zero issues with the procedures (lumbar epidural). Unfortunately they haven't worked well for me, but at least getting them done wasn't a terrible experience at all. I was worried before I went in the first time, but the second time I didn't have any hesitation at all because of how great everyone was previously. read more

Dr Hersel has my pain management Dr for close to 10 years. He is both knowledgeable and kind. He was the 1st Dr to diagnose my back correctly and I've felt better since I started seeing him. He's very good at epidurals and when I had to have my operation (a fusion) he was there in the operating room when he didn't have to be. I highly recommend him. read more

Dr Hersel is focused on finding treatment solutions that will resolve my chronic pain. I'm confident that his plan will be successful. He listens and is proactive in treating my specific issues. I recommend Dr Hersel to those I know or have met who suffer with pain. read more

I absolutely love doctor Hersel. I have been seeing him for about two years now and he's the best! He truly cares about you as a person. I have been to a lot of doctors and none are as caring as he is. He will work with you until you find the right treatment for your pain and help you to be as pain free as possible. His office staff is also caring and organized, I've never had a problem with getting appointments. The office and surgery center is clean and modern I don't think you could find a better place to be treated. read more

I've been acquainted with Dr. Hersel and his family for a couple of years and have always found them bright and lovely. Last week when my husband herniated two disks in his neck - we have no idea how - and became a patient of Dr. Hersel's I was thrilled to discover that this affable and loving father and husband is also a brilliant and thoughtful doctor. The staff at PMIR in Thousand Oaks where Hersel squeezed my husband in, were compassionate and competent - they, put my husband at ease as they took care of his neck and could not have been more gracious to me in the process. While I hope never to need a pain management specialist, I would never see anyone else even I had to go to his Thousand Oaks office instead of the more convenient Santa Monica center. read more

Thank God for Dr Hersel and his compassionate staff. I was at the end of my rope and they saved me!!

I thought oh well, I guess this is it. What is left. One thing after another and you get fed up. Dr. Hersel listens and he gets it. What a Godsend. read more

I see Dr. Hersel on a regular basis. He is very compassionate and listens to everything I say. Not only is he wonderful but his office and staff are the best. read more

Dr Hersel is everything a doctor should be. He listens deeply to your problems with compassion and then discusses options for treatment, taking into account the entire ecosystem of your body, not just the part that is in pain. He goes above and beyond to solve your pain problems and I trust his judgement completely. He really does care about getting you back to the best quality of life possible. Highly recommended! read more

Dr herself is a very caring doctor. He actually listens to you. His office staff is top notch and I have received much relief in my pain since seeing them. He has other doctors in his practice and that makes it very helpful if you need to see someone right away. They built a new office in last year or two and it is very bright and well equipped. read more

Doctor alexander hersel was so wonderful caring he was lessening to everything I was saying he was asking questions we were there for a long time I did not get kicked out the door like a number he explained what he was going to do and what was happening to be all the pain I been having he's and everyone working there so nice sweet people thank you everyone if you are in pain to see this man bless him and all the awesome employees read more

I cannot begin to express my gratitude to Dr. Hersel, or lavish enough praise for one of the finest doctors I have ever come across. A nightmarish odyssey with a difficult cervical spine fusion was so debilitating it left me unable to work or function normally. As a result I tried a variety of treatments, saw numerous doctors and was on a tremendous amount of pain medication. I ultimately had a spinal cord stimulator implanted by another doctor who, to put it mildly, made the initial problem far worse. At that point I was in total despair and frankly did not know where to turn. I feel completely blessed to have found Dr. Hersel, and while it may sound corny, he honestly turned my life around. Dr. Hersel did a repair and revision of the spinal cord stimulator and due to his expertise and skilled surgical skills I was able to get the pain relief initially promised as a benefit of the stimulator. Dr. Hersel is progressive and clearly up on current innovations within his field, however, I would describe him as a bit of a throw back to old fashioned medical practitioners when it comes to taking time to truly get to know his patients. He is so caring, treating the whole person rather than just the site of the pain, and earnestly appears to take pride in helping his patients. In short, he is the ideal when I think of "bedside manner." I truly feel fortunate to have found Dr. Hersel and the entire PMIR staff. The office is pristine and well run by an extremely friendly and helpful staff. It is my pleasure to wholeheartedly recommend this phenomenal doctor and superior medical practice. read more

Dr. Hersel is very nice. However, on two separate occasions he tried to move me to another doctor in his practice without asking me. The first doctor (no longer with him) was yelling at me because I wanted more anti nausea medication, not extra pain medication. The next doctor, actually walked out of the room on me when I asked why I was unable to pay for anesthesia out-of-pocket. The reason turned out to be that they didn't have access to anesthesia! After a decade of being disabled, I was receiving medical treatment reminiscent of the early 1900's when doctors were barbaric. One last note, the second and last year I went to his Santa Monica office, every month they would call the afternoon before my appointment and tell me it was now at a different time the next day. I didn't keep even one of twelve appointments as scheduled. One can only imagine how I felt when I had to watch a commercial in the movie theater with Dr. Hersel talking about how much his patients matter. read more

We moved from California to Colorado nine years ago. I've managed to replace regular physicians, surgeons, church and hair dresser. Some were easier to replace than others. I've found that there is no other Dr. Hersel. Quality of life is critical, and when the pain gets to the level where I find life losing its joy, we plan a trip to California to let Dr. Hersel take care of me. I was seen by three different doctors after a recent injury, and after being in treatment for almost a year here, I was afraid I had gotten to the point of accepting that I was as good as I was going to get. I phoned for an appointment with Dr. Hersel, and we drove two days to get there. I wasn't in the room for ten minutes when he realized something was wrong with my back although the injury was manifesting in hip and knee pain. By the next day he'd had me in for a nerve conduction study, an MRI, and personally done a double epidural. Nobody here thought to check my back for damage, even though I had been hit from behind by a hotel cart. His diagnostic skills and observation skills are unbeatable. He listens with diligence and attention, then processes the details, and has such a compassionate nature that his goal is always to find the answers to stop the pain. I cannot replace him. I don't want to try. My mother, in her 90s, was having hip pain that nobody seemed to want to attend to about three years ago. She was basically being told that it was just a part of the aging process. I kept telling her that I believed Dr. Hersel could help her. She was finally in so much pain that she went, even though she had little personal hope of relief. It took three visits, but he stopped the pain for her, and she's never had to go back. She'll be 94 next week. She now understands why I plan my visits to her around an appointment with him when needed. Getting old is no reason to accept unnecessary pain. He understands that. read more

Dr. Hersel is great, listens to you and solves your problem. His staff is incredible, always in a great mood and helpful. I love going there, everyones good mood rubs off on me. Dr. Hersel goes above and beyond to solve your pain.I would recommend him too anyone. read more

If you are looking for a compassionate, caring and kind doctor that is a great listener you found him in this man! I thank god for this doc, as the other reviews indicate he goes above and beyond and will help you. He knows the correct amount of meds to prescribe and knows when to refer you to herbal methods that are better for you! I highly recommend him and will soon be traveling more than 3hrs to see him because I refuse to see anyone else! read more

Had unexpected herniation of 2 discs in my neck. After seeing a neurosurgeon for initial diagnosis and treatment options, he recommended Dr. Hersel and PMIR for an epidural series. Upon meeting with Dr. Hersel, I found him to be extremely empathetic, personable, and above all, so knowledgeable and an expert at what he does. I am stable pain wise at this point and he will continue to be my doctor of choice as the need arises. I would highly recommend him to anyone that finds themselves in situations requiring pain management. His office staff has also been caring and wonderful in their approach. read more

Dr.Hersel is one of the best Chronic pain management doctors I have known. Very updated and knowledgeable. Bed side manner excellent. Staff excellent. Especially when you speak with the receptionist Linda. She makes you feel right at home. read more

A terrific staff, professional treatment, the BEST doctor, and real results! Dr. Hersel has been a savior. He has worked on my broken back, neck, arm, shoulder, and hand. All of them are now functioning perfectly! I cannot say enough good about Dr. Hersel and his center. Great parking and right off the freeway. read more

Dr. Hersel is one of the finest physicians I have ever known. I grew up with a father who was Dean of one of the largest and prestigious medical schools, so I have met a lot of physicians. I was concerned when I moved from my hometown. I found Dr. Hersel and he is a caring, HIGHLY intelligent, and excellent physician. Thank God for Dr. Hersel! read more

Dr. Hersel is wonderful. He makes you feel like a member of the family. He listens very carefully to everything you say and really does his best to make sure you feel better. He goes the extra mile to make sure he is giving you the best care possible. Dr. Hersel has been my doctor for 7 years and I would never go to anyone else. read more

Dr. Hersel and his wonderful staff were outstanding in their treatment and service to me. I feel very fortunate to know that Dr.Hersel will be there for me if and when the need occurs. read more

I have Degenerate Disc Decease and have been in daily pain for about 12 years before I met Dr Hersel. I can't say enough good things about him, he is an angel sent from heaven. Prior to seeing Dr Hersel I had tried many things for my back and leg pain. Physical therapy, acupuncture, inversion table, epidurals, pain medication and multiple surgeries. I had severe sciatic leg pain and he suggested that I try a Spinal Cord Stimulator. I absolutely love it! It is by far my favorite tool to combat my pain. I also get nerve root blocks that help. He is so good at listening to his patients and trying to see what works for them. My mental state of mind was so fragile living with daily pain. I was severely depressed and at times feeling like I no longer wanted to live. Pain is an awful thing to live with for the patient as well as their family members. It was such a bright spot in my life when I met Dr Hersel. From the moment I met him, that very first introduction I could feel his empathy and desire to be helpful. read more

I have been a Patient of Dr. Hersel for the past eight years, and I've never had a bad experience. The Dr. and his Staff are kind and professional. I have experienced a few other pain management specialist. Without a doubt, Dr. Hersel has been the best! read more

This Dr and office deserve 10 stars!!! I have been a patient for 4 months now and am so incredibly fortunate to have found this Dr and his staff. He is the most loving, caring, kind, compassionate Dr that I've ever experienced. At my first appointment I was given tissues for my crying and a heated blanket to wrap up in. I was never rushed, I was told there was no judgement and could take all the time I needed to explain my unique situation. I was given hugs and complete nonjudgmental opinions and advice. Dr Hersel also referred me to a former colleague at UCLA who has extensive experience w/my situation. I've had one surgery and am awaiting my second and final surgery this summer. My situation has improved and I am EXTREMELY grateful to have found such an amazing Dr as well as loving, caring staff. Also a HUGE thank you to Deanna who works in the office for always taking my calls, returns them promptly and has gone out of her way to make sure I'm doing ok. Even the billing department was kind and helpful when I had questions. Who does that? Lol Absolutely love everything about this office! read more

As a local physician, I am very picky about the specialists I choose. Dr. Hersel is without a doubt the best of the best. He medicates appropriately, without over or under medicating. He treats aggressively, getting to the root of the problem, and with compassion. He believes you when you tell him about your pain, but like a lot of our great leaders, he believes in the motto "Trust but Verify". He treats your pain in the short term and CURES your pain long-term. He truly is the best. We don't need to go out to UCLA or Cedars -- we've got a superior quality Pain Management physician here in Thousand Oaks. I will update this after I've gone through the whole regimen. I've never been through a pain management physician before but if the first visit is any indication, I know I'm in great hands. The ancillary staff is incredible, their Web services are up-to-date and the facility is gorgeous. The nurses, medical assistance were kind and caring and patient. I've scheduled an epidural and I will update this post afterwards read more