What Does an Anesthesiologist Do for Chronic Pain?
An anesthesiologist who specializes in pain medicine evaluates ongoing pain, considers possible causes, and discusses ways to support daily function and quality of life. Chronic pain is real even when its cause is not clear, and treatment cannot promise a cure.
Chronic pain is generally pain that lasts three months or longer, rather than pain that eases as an injury heals, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Pain medicine is a separate part of an anesthesiologist’s work from providing anesthesia during surgery. A pain specialist may review your history and imaging, examine you, and explain treatment options.
At California Pain Institute, Dr. Rebecca Kerr is dual board-certified in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology, trained at UCLA, and has practiced pain management exclusively for more than 25 years. Her approach includes patient education, coordination with other clinicians, non-opiate medications when appropriate, and image-guided injections. The practice has offices in Torrance, serving the South Bay, and Los Angeles near LAX.
How Does a Pain Specialist Evaluate Pain?
A pain specialist reviews your symptoms, health history, and prior tests to understand what may be contributing to your pain, whether it's back pain or another condition. Chronic pain—pain that lasts for weeks, months, or longer—is real even when its cause is not clear, and an evaluation can help identify practical treatment goals without promising a cure.
At an initial visit, the clinician may ask where and how long you have hurt, what makes the pain better or worse, and how it affects sleep, work, relationships, and daily activities. They may review medical records and imaging, perform a focused physical examination, and consider whether additional tests are needed.
This information helps the specialist discuss possible causes, explain what is known and what remains uncertain, and agree on goals that matter to you, such as improving movement or sleep. A careful explanation can make the next steps clearer, even when more evaluation is needed.
Dr. Rebecca Kerr is dual board-certified in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology, trained at UCLA, and has practiced pain management exclusively for more than 25 years. At California Pain Institute, she explains a patient's diagnosis and prognosis and coordinates with primary care clinicians, other specialists, and therapy providers when appropriate.
Depending on the assessment, care may include medication management, image-guided injections, or coordination with physical therapy and behavioral health. Dr. Kerr's practice emphasizes non-opiate, non-addicting medicines when appropriate, while considering each patient's health and treatment goals. Its offices are in Torrance, serving the South Bay, and Los Angeles near LAX.
What should I bring to the first visit?
Bring a list of current medicines and prior treatments, along with available imaging reports or test results. It may also help to note how pain affects your routine and what you hope to do more comfortably.
Will the specialist know the cause right away?
Sometimes the evaluation points to a likely cause, but additional review or tests may be needed. Your specialist can explain what is known and discuss reasonable next steps.
Will my pain be dismissed if tests look normal?
Pain is a personal experience and may not always show clearly on imaging. Tell the clinician how it feels and affects your life so those details can inform the assessment.
Can other doctors be involved in my care?
Yes. A pain specialist may coordinate with your primary care clinician and other specialists who manage underlying conditions, as well as therapy providers.
How do I arrange a visit?
Request an appointment with Dr. Kerr. Call Torrance at (310) 504-0632 or Los Angeles at (310) 642-7900.
When Might a Doctor Refer Me?
Your doctor may refer you to pain management when pain persists, limits daily activities, or has not improved with initial care. A referral is a way to seek a closer evaluation and tailored options, not a sign that your pain is not real or that your doctor has given up.
At California Pain Institute, Dr. Rebecca Kerr may review your symptoms, prior treatments, and goals, explain possible causes, and discuss options that fit your situation. She is dual board-certified in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology, UCLA-trained, and has practiced pain management exclusively for more than 25 years. Pain specialists may also coordinate with your other clinicians as part of a broader care plan, as ASRA’s overview of chronic pain management explains.
Dr. Rebecca Kerr, dual board-certified in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology, UCLA-trained, and with more than 25 years of experience, includes patient education and coordination with other clinicians in her approach. If you have back pain, for example, the next steps depend on your symptoms and evaluation; a referral does not guarantee a particular treatment or result. Learn more about Dr. Kerr.
California Pain Institute has offices in Torrance, serving the South Bay, and in Los Angeles near LAX. To schedule a consultation, request an appointment with Dr. Kerr.
Can Chronic Pain Care Avoid Opioids?
Often, chronic pain care can focus on options other than opioids, though the right plan depends on the person. It may combine non-opioid medicines, injections, movement, physical therapy, and support for emotional well-being. The aim is to address pain and daily function while weighing each treatment’s benefits and risks.
What non-opioid options does Dr. Kerr recommend?
For back pain and other conditions, California Pain Institute emphasizes non-opiate, non-addicting medicines when appropriate, and reduces or removes medicines with dependency risk whenever possible. Dr. Rebecca Kerr, dual board-certified in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology, has practiced pain management exclusively for more than 25 years. Her care includes explaining diagnoses and coordinating with other clinicians.
How do image-guided injections help?
The practice also provides ultrasound- and X-ray-guided injections for the spine, nerves, joints, soft tissue, and trigger points, as well as X-ray-guided epidural steroid injections. These procedures are considered according to the person’s condition and goals, not as a standard fit for everyone.
What does the CDC say about opioids?
The CDC’s 2022 opioid guideline prefers nonopioid therapies for subacute and chronic pain. It says opioids may be considered when expected benefits for pain and function outweigh risks.
People who take opioids deserve respectful care. Do not start, stop, or change a medicine without discussing it with your physician.
What other treatments might be considered?
Patients can ask their physician whether options such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord stimulation, PRP, ketamine, or surgery may be appropriate or warrant referral. California Pain Institute coordinates referrals when needed; these options are not all services the practice provides. The plan should reflect the diagnosis, health history, and personal goals.
Where is Dr. Kerr located?
Dr. Kerr is UCLA-trained, and California Pain Institute serves patients at its Torrance office in the South Bay and its Los Angeles office near LAX. Learn more about Dr. Kerr.
What are common questions about avoiding opioids?
Can chronic pain be managed without opioids? Often, a plan can combine non-opioid medicines, injections, movement, and other support. Are opioids always inappropriate? No, they may be considered when benefits outweigh risks. Should I change a medicine on my own? No, discuss changes with your physician. Will one approach work for everyone? No, care is individualized and results vary.
Request an appointment with Dr. Kerr. Torrance: (310) 504-0632. Los Angeles: (310) 642-7900.
What Can Pain Management Do for Back Pain?
Pain management can assess what may be contributing to back pain and shape a plan around your symptoms, health, and goals. Care may include medication management, coordination with physical therapy or other specialists, and an X-ray-guided epidural steroid injection when appropriate. Injections are not right for everyone, and results vary.
What does pain management include?
Dr. Rebecca Kerr, dual board-certified in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology, UCLA-trained, and with more than 25 years practicing pain management exclusively, explains the diagnosis and treatment choices so patients can make informed decisions. At California Pain Institute, medication management emphasizes non-opiate, non-addicting medicines when appropriate, and care may include coordination with other clinicians.
What is an epidural steroid injection?
An epidural steroid injection places medicine near nerves in the spine and may be considered for certain types of back pain. The procedure uses X-ray guidance to help position the needle. Radiofrequency ablation or surgery may be discussed or referred to another provider, but they are not services to assume are offered by every practice.
How does Dr. Kerr approach care?
Dr. Rebecca Kerr, dual board-certified in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology, emphasizes patient education and coordination with physical therapy or other specialists when needed. Seek emergency care for back pain with loss of bladder or bowel control, sudden weakness, or fever.
Learn more about Dr. Kerr. California Pain Institute sees patients in Torrance in the South Bay and in Los Angeles near LAX.
Frequently asked questions
Does everyone with back pain need an injection?
No. A clinician considers your symptoms, health, examination, and goals before discussing whether an injection may fit your care plan.
Will an epidural steroid injection eliminate back pain?
No treatment can be guaranteed to work for everyone. Ask your physician about possible benefits, risks, and other options.
When is back pain an emergency?
Get emergency care if back pain occurs with loss of bladder or bowel control, sudden weakness, or fever.
How can I make an appointment?
Request an appointment with Dr. Kerr. Call Torrance at (310) 504-0632 or Los Angeles at (310) 642-7900.
How Can a Pain Specialist Help With Fibromyalgia?
A pain specialist can help with fibromyalgia, a condition that causes widespread pain and fatigue, by reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and current medicines, considering whether other conditions may contribute, and shaping an individual care plan. Fibromyalgia is real, and symptoms vary. Care can focus on managing pain and supporting sleep and daily function, without promising a cure.
How can Dr. Kerr help with fibromyalgia?
Dr. Rebecca Kerr, dual board-certified in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology and UCLA-trained, has practiced pain management exclusively for more than 25 years. She emphasizes patient education, non-opiate, non-addicting medicines when appropriate, and coordination with primary care, rheumatology, physical therapy, and behavioral health. A pain specialist may work with other clinicians as part of a broader plan.
What treatments might be considered?
Dr. Rebecca Kerr, dual board-certified in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology and UCLA-trained, uses non-opiate, non-addicting medications first and image-guided injections when appropriate. She also coordinates referrals for physical therapy, behavioral health, or other specialists if they may help. Every plan is individual, and results vary.
Frequently asked questions
What should I bring to a first pain appointment? Bring available medical records, prior test or imaging results, and a list of current medicines.
Will I have a procedure at my first visit? Not necessarily. Ask the office in advance whether one is planned.
Can pain affect sleep and daily life? Yes. Pain may affect sleep, work, activities, and relationships.
Who may be involved in my care? Your plan may include primary care, rheumatology, physical therapy, or behavioral health clinicians.
Learn more about Dr. Kerr, or Request an appointment with Dr. Kerr. Torrance (South Bay): (310) 504-0632. Los Angeles near LAX: (310) 642-7900.
What Should I Remember About Pain Care?
An anesthesiologist specializing in pain medicine can assess chronic pain and help shape an individual plan. Care may include medication management, image-guided injections, clear explanations, and coordination with other clinicians. The goal is to support daily function and quality of life; relief can vary, and your pain is real.
Dr. Rebecca Kerr, dual board-certified in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology and UCLA-trained, has practiced pain management exclusively for more than 25 years. When you feel ready to discuss care, Request an appointment with Dr. Kerr. Call Torrance (South Bay) at (310) 504-0632 or Los Angeles near LAX at (310) 642-7900.
