Santa Monica Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group

The Santa Monica Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group has taken the lead in providing a primary point of care for individuals suffering from back or neck pain.  Under the leadership of Dr. Kevin Ehrhart, the SMOG Back and Neck Program seeks to develop an individualized treatment plan for each patient which tries to avoid surgery if at all possible.  

SMOG's integrated approach begins with an assessment by Dr. Arash Lavian, a board certified physician in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pain Management, who is also fellowship trained in Pain Management.  A treatment plan may call for pain management procedures, physical therapy, or chiropractic care, but all such approaches are managed by SMOG’s physicians until a patient is back to health.  Additionally, if surgery is required, a patient will be referred to SMOG’s orthopaedic surgeons with expertise in the area, or referrals to other specialists who SMOG works closely with will be given.

The following SMOG doctors are involved in caring for patients with spine and neck conditions:  Kevin Ehrhart and Arash Lavian.  In addition, SMOG works closely with Ray Hall, DC to provide for an integrated continuum of care.

For additional information on spine and neck injuries, conditions and treatments, please click the following links from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery:  Spine & Neck Link