I've dealt with excruciating pain radiating down my glutes and thighs for several years. My GP thankfully referred me to Dr Lavian. At that point I was so desperate I actively considered surgery. Dr Lavian recommended a more conservative approach with a cortisone injection. It's been a complete life changer, allowing me to resume activities that up to that point were either very difficult or next to impossible due to the pain. His office made scheduling and follow up a breeze. The facility for the procedure is also top notch. I've been in and out of there in under an hour. Big thank you!!! read more

During my second visit with Dr. Lavian, he ordered an MRI of my sacrum and coccyx. I have had significant issues with my spine for the past 20 years, leading to over 100 different MRIs in my lifetime, so I have become very familiar with MRIs of the spine. I took a look at the images about a week before my follow-up with Lavian and noted some concerning bone displacements in 3 of the T1 image series. I sent stills through the portal in advance, asking him to pay close attention to them, which he revealed at my appointment that he had not looked at. He started the visit off by stating that my images looked "100% completely normal and remarkable." When I asked him again about the images I sent (which clearly depicted to 2 dislocated vertebrae in my coccyx, as well as signs of inflammation in my scarum), he responded, "What? Are you a radiologist?" and continued to gaslight me. Since I am NOT a radiologist, I took these images to another pain management specialist, my neurologists, my spine surgeon, and 2 separate additional neuroradiologists, all of whom were able to notice immediately that my imaging was in fact NOT normal, and that there were signs of a fracture which has shifted out of place, as well as signs of inflammation indicative of pain generation coming from my coccyx; one of whom said "It isn't even hard to see at all." I went above and beyond to get additional reviews to be EXTREMELY thorough in this review when I say that I am unsure whether or not Dr. Lavian has a bias against young female patients of color, or is just grossly incompetent and rude. I would advise any patient against seeing a doctor who can make such glaring oversights, whether it was intentional or just negligent. The only time I've been treated with such blatant disrespect from a doctor was from the surgeon who accidentally severed nerves in my leg and left me with permanent damage. Doctors like this shouldn't be practicing at such a well-respected group as Cedars, especially when treating patients who have already exhausted all other options to treat chronic pain. read more

Dr. Lavian is the worst, rudest doctor I've ever dealt with. I was referred to him by my orthopedist for severe pain. He barely acknowledged me and after briefly looking at my x-rays summarily dismissed me, saying that my pain was in my hip and he didn't treat hips. When I asked him about the pain I was experiencing he "threw" a prescription for Meloxicam at me and referred me to an acupuncturist. Both were a complete waste of time and money. Recently I consulted an orthopedic surgeon who told me that I didn't have sufficient hip damage to warrant hip replacement surgery. He referred me back to my orthopedist for a cortisone shot and said if that didn't help to consult a spine specialist. I wasted five months in excruciating pain. to be back where I was when I first consulted him. read more

Dr Lavian was very sensitive to my needs and my problems. His attention to detail was flawless. Because of insurance, I had to have 2 epidurals before I could be recco'd for surgery. Dr Lavian sent me to PT and it worked wonders. Tho I still needed surgery, PT helped with my pain more then anything. read more

Firstly, Dr. Lavian is great. Top notch doc. However the office is pretty awful. So far I've had my appointment cancelled without telling me; I've left word for the doctor or for information- no call back (that's become a trend). Never an apology. Sometimes nice, sometimes rude. Also tough to get an appointment, so when they decide to cancel on ya, good luck. read more

Dr. Arash Lavian has been my spine doctor for many years. I'm a 54 year old who had tremendous amount of physical abuse from a life time of Martial Arts, military, gymnastics besides being a personal trainer and a physical therapist. I was referred to him by the best doctors of other Orthopedic specialties. Dr. Lavian is extremely professional, dedicated and caring to all his patients, warm and mostly on top of science in regards to his specialty. As a professional of health and fitness, I'm talking for myself and for many other patients and clients of mine as well that I have already referred to him. They all agree and receive excellent care from Dr. Lavian, happy with the results of their individual treatments. I highly recommend Dr. Lavian for diagnosing and all possible non-surgical options of injuries and conditions of the spine. Sincerely, Flavio DeOliveira ( FLAVPRO ) read more

A friend referred me to Dr. Lavian after I blew out my lower back. I had no insurance and needed someone to get me out of excruciating pain until I could buy a plan. He gave me an epidural and kept me as comfortable as could be until I could have my surgery. From there we worked on a plan together that helped manage my recovery. Lumbar discs are no joke, so get yourself a solid group of professionals (pt, acupunture, surgeon). Lavian and his Team have been more than patient and understanding with me when I was at my lowest point...I highly recommend! read more

Dr Lavian is expert at Pain Management , is a caring wonderful doctor I had herniated lumbar 5 disc , couldn't walk his care diagnosis treatment (including effective epidural ) was brought me back 100% read more

Dr. Lavian is very "ok" but their entire office is one big headache after the next. You will not get called back. You will not have direct phone numbers. you will wait on hold be transfered back and forth and back forth through their maze. I had an epidural and Dr. Lavian was suppose to give me a script for PT. No call, no email, no returned call explaining where it is. I need to send my X rays to a surgeon, my new doctor called me saying they tried 4 times and the record dept didn't return a call. My new doctor? I have his email. His front office returns calls within minutes and that's only I they didn't pick up the phone after the 2nd ring. read more

Just had an appt with Dr. Lavian. He was great. Personable, explained everything (and at a pace I could keep up with), answered my questions without any rush. read more

Dr. Lavian is one of a kind in terms of Doctors, what an absolute gem. I was lucky to have been recommended to him by my primary physician and boy did I luck out. He really cares and took so much time with me and the waiting room was quite full, he knew immediately what the problem with my back was and went to work fixing the problem. I went back for a follow up feeling so so so much better and I am so grateful to him. If you have any back related problems I highly suggest you see him at the Kerlan-Jobe Institute 2020 Santa Monica Blvd. he is the best of the best.If Academy Awards were given for Orthopedic Drs. he would win hands down. He also explains things to you so you understand them. M. Michel read more

this review is for Dr Lavians clinic operation, staff and total lack of concern about patients, not his medical ability as I did not get to experience that. I scheduled an appointment more than a week ahead, spent more than 30 minutes on the phone with the lady that took my information and why am I coming (bad foot, ankle and leg that creates other issues), got 3 different reminders from his clinic so I will not be late. so far a standard visit to a specialist, no complaints here. now the "fun" began a day before my appointment I got a message from Tracy to call back to fill some info over the phone, the number she left led straight to a voice mail, I left my info and tried again every hour or so just to get the voice mail again, no one called back. I took the day off as I live almost an hour away, got to my appointment 15 minutes early, was given the usual stack of paperwork to fill, waited the usual "never mind when your appointment was scheduled we will keep you waiting just because we can" and was let into another room the nurse came in, asked about my back pain, when I explained that it is not the main reason I came as this is a side effect of a bad leg to which she replied "Dr Lavian is a Back doctor, he can't help you". than she briefly tried to see if a different doctor at the clinic is willing to see me, the answer was no, the other doctor wants me to give more information before she will see me (I had an envelop with CT scan results, X-ray, neurological test results and more but she didn't care) and then offered me to schedule an appointment for a different day with the other doctor or I can just go. when the other doctor refused to see me she offered to still see Dr Lavian, (he can't help but if you are already here why not pay for a visit...) Needles to say that the doctor didn't bother to apologize for the situation or even to step in the room at any point. they could have saved me a day at work, two hours driving, 10$ in parking and a lot of aggravation by bothering to look at what the first lady wrote or at least return my call. Dr Lavian might have the medical knowledge but I wouldn't want to have a medical procedure done to me by someone that lacks any concern about patients. read more

What a terrific doctor! Everything about him is first rate. He knew exactly where and why I was having such terrible neck pain. He gave advice as to what I could do to alleviate the pain. His whole manner was positive and thoroughly explained everything and took all the time needed. I highly recommend him and feel lucky to have found him! read more

All I can say is that Dr. Arash Lavian is a miracle worker. I CANNOT praise this doctor highly enough!!! So, I am putting 5-star review on every rating system available online. If you need an epidural or any injection with cortisone, PLEASE have a consult with Dr. Lavian. My pain was from two bulging Lumbar discs, L4 and L 5, right side, affecting right leg. The condition created back pain and pain down entire right leg from high to along shin bone, that was so excruciating, I would scream out loud in agony, just when trying to shift or turn ever so slightly, while lying flat in bed. I couldn't lift my leg while lying down; I had to lift it with my arms. Getting out of bed, trying to let my right leg touch the floor, then put any pressure on the leg, even just to swivel into the wheelchair, next to the bed, was an experience so excruciating that I could not prevent myself from screaming out loud in agony. After 7 weeks of this, resting and hoping it will get better, I agreed to have an epidural. Luckily, my HMO allowed me to see Dr. Lavian in Santa Monica. I scheduled the procedure, Dec 7th. I awoke with a little pain remaining, slept the rest of that day and entire next day, and awoke with 85% of the pain GONE! There was no difficulty with the procedure. Dr. Lavian and the entire team at Surgery Center of the Pacific, especially my anesthesiologist, Dr. Weintraub, were SUPERB!!! I cannot rave enough about everyone at the Surgery Center = the nurses and their assistant nurses, the orderlies, the operating team, all were wonderful! Thank you with all my heart, Dr. Lavian! Today, Dec 9th, I remain in just a little pain 85% of the pain is gone. I can walk with a walker, do not have to use the wheelchair all the time (I already had great weaknesses and pain from previous complicating conditions, post-polio and RSD, which Dr. Lavian was very knowledgable about!). If the disc pain returns, I will have additional epidurals wth Dr. Lavian. Eventually, I may have to have surgery. When I do, I will go to the doctor recommended by Dr. Lavian. If you have disc pain, back problems, whatever Dr. Lavian treats and deals with, GO TO Dr. Lavian with confidence and assurance that you are in EXCELLENT hands! You will be. Trust me. As a polio survivor, a sufferer of RSD, post-polio weakness, arthritis, stenosis, and more, I know a good doctor. And, Dr. Lavian is a good doctor! Sharon Daly read more

A terrible sub-standard Medical office. I stupidly tried for more than three months to schedule an epidural for extreme back and leg pain after surgery. Shameful! read more

Dr. Lavian is without a doubt the best spine doctor. He has been treating my spine issues for several years, and no matter how busy his schedule is he has made time during each and every appointment to be thorough, address my questions and concerns, and connect with my other treating physicians. Dr. Lavian helped me prepare and recover from my spine surgery. Additionally, his office staff is always helpful and responsive. I have complete trust in Dr. Lavian and highly recommend him to anyone that has spine issues. read more

I was suffering from lower back pain and consulted Dr. Lavian. He did an X-ray and told me that I would benefit from a lumbar steroid epidural. I had the procedure done at Surgery Center of the Pacific the following week and was very impressed by the professionalism and wonderful care I received there. The nurses were great and I was extremely pleased with the efficient service. Dr. Lavian performed the epidural painlessly in a matter of minutes and I left immediately thereafter. Since then I've been greatly improved. I highly recommend Dr.Lavian. read more

Arash Lavian is one of the most talented doctors I know!!! He genuinely cares about all his patients! Highly recommend if you are having any back pain. read more