Alexander Hersel, MD

Dr. Alexander Hersel is a fellowship-trained and certified highly respected Interventional Pain Management specialist and anesthesiologist who has served patients in Thousand Oaks for more than 20 years. While he incorporates a wide range of innovative tools and approaches for treating pain, Dr. Hersel is nationally recognized as a leader among physicians performing the most complex chronic pain modalities, including both peripheral and spinal cord stimulator implants for advanced spine and neurological diseases.

Recognizing the need for a facility that could deliver the specialized care required of more complex pain and spine cases, Dr. Hersel envisioned, developed, and worked closely with a strong team to construct his surgery center (now known as DISC Surgery Center at Thousand Oaks), meeting the highest standards and utilizing the highest quality hospital grade materials. The center has allowed him and his team to safely perform high-acuity cases in an ideal environment.

Embracing a conservative, holistic approach, Dr. Hersel treats his patients’ unique conditions without medication whenever possible and with surgery as a last resort. His comprehensive care plans are developed with great attention to detail, beginning with a complete history and imaging. Once he fully understands the source of any symptoms, he incorporates the least invasive methodologies available to achieve long-term relief for acute and chronic pain.

Among the procedures Dr. Hersel performs are epidural steroid injections, facet blocks, nerve root blocks, radiofrequency ablation peripheral stimulation, spinal cord stimulator implants, sacroiliac fusion, kyphoplasty and discography. He sees patients for relief of pain related to everything from arthritis and herniated discs to failed back surgeries and cancer.

A graduate of Hahnemann University School of Medicine (now known as Drexel University College of Medicine), Dr. Hersel completed his internship in Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (New York) and his residency in Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Cornell Medical Center. He then obtained his fellowship in Pain Management at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Dr. Hersel is a Principal Investigator in multiple studies and is published in the treatment of neuropathic pain with nerve stimulation. He has trained multiple physicians and Fellows in his 21 year history teaching complex neuromodulation. He is an active member of the AMA, ASPM, ASRA, and the ASA.

Dr. Hersel derives the greatest satisfaction and joy assisting to alleviate debilitating pain. When he is not working in a clinical role, he enjoys his family. Dr. Hersel is also an avid violinist and composer. He enjoys traveling, especially exploration.