Learn About Chronic Pain

Here at Advanced Pain Medical Group, we tailor our treatments specifically to the unique needs of our patients. Please review some of the following relevant issues or better yet, call us to schedule an appointment and leave it up to the experts.

Why Neck Pain Gets Worse In Winter & How To Find Relief

Neck pain is a common condition that often worsens during colder months. Lower temperatures can increase muscle tension, reduce blood flow, and aggravate chronic issues, leading to heightened discomfort in the neck. This piece explores

How Long Does Neck Pain Last After a Car Accident?

The duration of neck pain after a car accident can vary greatly depending on the severity of the injury and how quickly treatment begins. For minor soft tissue injuries, such as mild whiplash, discomfort may

Best Treatments for Back Pain Caused by Car Accidents

Back pain caused by car accidents is a prevalent issue. In fact, according to the University of Utah Health, car accidents are the most common cause of spinal injury. Accidents, both minor and severe, can

What To Expect Before, During & After A PRP Injection

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy offers promising non-surgical pain relief solutions for individuals experiencing chronic pain and seeking specialized pain management. This regenerative medicine technique is celebrated for its ability to harness the body’s natural healing

When To See A Pain Management Doctor For Joint Pain

Joint pain is a common problem. The pain can be persistent, prompting people to seek specialized care for relief and management. It’s important to know when to consult a pain management doctor to address and

Minimally Invasive Procedures For Chronic Neck Pain

Chronic neck pain can derail daily life, robbing people of sleep, productivity, and even the ability to focus. For those struggling to manage persistent discomfort, the frustration often grows as over-the-counter medications and generalized physical

Neck Pain Vs. Shoulder Pain: How To Tell The Difference

When experiencing discomfort in the upper body, it’s often challenging to distinguish between neck pain and shoulder pain. Understanding the difference is crucial for effective treatment and relief. Neck and shoulder pain can stem from

Relieve Chronic Pain With Nerve Stimulation Therapy

For individuals living with chronic pain, finding effective relief can be a daunting challenge. Nerve stimulation therapy emerges as a transformative solution for those burdened by persistent discomfort.Known for its advanced techniques in pain management,

9 Post-Surgery Pain Management Tips For Faster Recovery

Managing pain effectively after surgery is paramount to ensuring a smooth and swift recovery process. Addressing post-surgical pain alleviates discomfort and has been proven to significantly contribute to the speed and outcome of healing. Here

Spinal Cord Stimulator Risks & Recovery Time

Spinal cord stimulation is an advanced treatment option for individuals suffering from chronic pain. It involves the implantation of a spinal cord stimulator, a device designed to disrupt pain signals traveling to the brain. Understanding

When Should You Seek Medical Help For Neck Pain?

Neck pain is a common issue affecting many individuals, but knowing when it’s time to seek medical help can make a significant difference in your overall well-being and recovery. Whether it’s a persistent stiffness or

Acute Vs Chronic Pain & How To Treat It

When pain strikes, understanding whether it’s acute or chronic is key to getting the right treatment. Pain can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic), and the causes, management, and treatment strategies differ significantly. What Is

Epidural Steroid Injections: What To Expect & How They Help

Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) offer targeted relief for those suffering from chronic back and neck pain by delivering anti-inflammatory corticosteroids directly into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord. This minimally invasive procedure is especially

The Benefits Of Spinal Cord Stimulation For Chronic Pain Relief

Chronic pain is an ongoing reality for many individuals, impacting daily life and overall well-being. Among the various treatment options available, spinal cord stimulation has emerged as a promising method for chronic pain relief. By

The Role of Physical Therapy With Traditional Pain Management Strategies

Chronic pain can be an overwhelming burden, affecting every aspect of daily life. It limits mobility, decreases productivity, and can even impact mental health. Managing chronic pain effectively often requires a multifaceted approach. One crucial

Rheumatologist Vs Pain Management Specialist

When experiencing pain, especially chronic pain such as knee pain and joint pain, it’s important to find the right specialist for treatment. Two types of specialists often discussed in relation to pain management are rheumatologists

Does Spinal Cord Stimulation Help With Neuropathy?

Neuropathy, a complex condition characterized by pain and numbness typically in the hands and feet, affects millions worldwide. Identifying effective treatments is important for improving quality of life. Among the innovative interventions, Spinal Cord Stimulation

Physiatrist Vs Pain Management Doctor

Navigating the world of medical specialties can be a confusing journey, especially when it comes to managing persistent pain. Two pivotal roles in this realm are those of the physiatrist and the pain management doctor,

6 Pain Treatments to Consider For Neuropathy

Neuropathy, a condition characterized by damage or dysfunction of one or more nerves, results in numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and pain in the affected area. These symptoms, particularly neuropathic pain, can be significantly debilitating, affecting

5 Things To Consider When Choosing A Pain Management Doctor

Finding the right pain management doctor could be a game-changer in dealing with chronic pain. If you’re considering seeking help from a pain management doctor, you need to understand that the process involves much more

Anatomy of the Spine

The Spinal Column, the body’s primary support structure, is made up of thirty-three bones, called Vertebrae, which are divided into five regions. Each region provides stability and specific functions for the body. From the upper

Where Back Pain Begins

Various conditions can cause back and lower back pain. For example, the outer walls of the Vertebral Discs that cushion and separate the Vertebrae may weaken, either from natural aging or from injury. This can

Meet The Team

Our Doctors

Advanced Pain Medical Group was founded by Dr. Paul B. Johnson and Dr. Vimal S. Lala. As anesthesiologists and pain medicine physicians, Dr. Johnson and Dr. Lala were fellowship trained at the premier pain medicine program in the country, UCLA.

Our physicians are highly regarded specialists with extensive experience, having collectively performed tens of thousands of interventional pain procedures that have meaningfully improved lives. As a physician-owned practice with over 18 years of continuous operation, APMG is known for clinical excellence, consistency, and trusted patient outcomes, treating the whole body by relieving both acute and chronic pain.

Dr. Paul B. Johnson

Dr. Paul B. Johnson

Doctor of Medicine in Anesthesiology, Emergency Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine

Undergraduate Studies in Biology at The University of Nevada

Dr. Vimal S. Lala

Dr. Vimal S. Lala

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, University of New England

Master of Public Health, Loma Linda University

B.S. in Biology, University of California

Dr. Eric Martinez

Dr. Eric Martinez

Residency in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York, NY

Locations

Get expert care in West Hills, or at one of our locations in Southern California.

Treatments

Non-surgical treatment for spine, joint, and injury-related pain.

Contact Us

We are happy to answer all of your questions, & we love to hear from you.

Appointments

We are accepting new patients & referrals.