Back & Neck Pain
Ongoing pain, stiffness or reduced movement involving the spine.
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Veterans Pain Care
Your service changed lives. Pain should not define yours.
Personalized pain care focused on function, comfort and the goals that matter most to you.
- Listen FirstYour experience guides the conversation.
- Personalize the PlanRecommendations based on your needs.
- Move Forward TogetherPractical steps toward better function.
- Preferred SchedulingVeteran appointment requests receive priority.
We welcome those who served
Care That Starts with Your Story
The physical demands of military service, previous injuries and surgeries can leave lasting pain long after the original event.
Back and neck pain, joint pain and nerve-related symptoms may affect mobility, sleep, mood and everyday independence.
Our pain-management team evaluates the pattern of your pain, reviews relevant records and imaging, and discusses appropriate options with you. No single approach is right for everyone, so recommendations are tailored to the individual.
Common pain concerns
Persistent Pain Can Take Many Forms
Veterans may seek an evaluation for one concern or several overlapping symptoms.
Joint & Musculoskeletal Pain
Pain related to the shoulders, hips, knees or other areas under repeated physical stress.
Nerve Pain & Neuropathy
Burning, tingling, numbness, sensitivity or electric-like pain.
Injury-Related Pain
Symptoms that continue after training, service-related or civilian injuries.
Post-Surgical Pain
Pain that persists after the expected recovery period following a procedure.
Complex or Widespread Pain
Symptoms affecting several areas or limiting multiple parts of daily life.
Exploring your options
A Plan May Include More Than One Path
Depending on your condition, prior care and goals, your provider may discuss diagnostic testing, conservative strategies or interventional treatment options. The purpose of a consultation is to understand what may be appropriate for you.
Image-Guided Injections
Targeted procedures that may help identify or address a source of pain.
Nerve Blocks
Diagnostic or therapeutic approaches involving specific pain pathways.
Radiofrequency Ablation
A minimally invasive option that may be considered for certain nerve-mediated pain.
Neuromodulation
Spinal cord or peripheral nerve stimulation may be considered for select patients.
Minimally Invasive Options
Procedures selected according to the diagnosis and individual clinical needs.
Coordinated Next Steps
Clear guidance on records, referrals and follow-up care when needed.
Treatment options are determined after a medical evaluation. Not every treatment is appropriate for every patient.
What to expect
A Clear Path from Conversation to Care
Tell Us What Is Happening
Share where the pain is, how long it has been present and what it keeps you from doing.
Review Your History
Your provider can review prior treatment, medication, imaging and relevant medical records.
Discuss Appropriate Options
Together, you can review possible next steps, expected benefits, limitations and questions.
Coverage and access
VA and Military-Connected Coverage
California Pain Consultants works with the following VA and military-connected coverage pathways at participating locations. Referral, authorization and benefit requirements may apply.
VA Community Care Network (CCN)
Community-based care for eligible Veterans when authorized through VA.
TRICARE®
Coverage for eligible service members, retirees and military-connected beneficiaries.
TriWest Healthcare Alliance (TriWest)
The network administrator supporting VA Community Care and TRICARE in the West.
A benefit for our Veterans
Preferred Scheduling for Veterans
We prioritize appointment requests from Veterans and work to offer the earliest appropriate available time once any required referrals and authorizations are in place.
Streamlined VA access
Faster VA Scheduling Through EPS
California Pain Consultants participates in VA External Provider Scheduling (EPS). Once VA Community Care eligibility is confirmed and an approved referral and authorization are in place, VA scheduling staff can book eligible Veterans directly into designated California Pain Consultants appointment availability. This can reduce back-and-forth calls and help appointments move forward more efficiently. Ask your VA primary care or specialty care team whether a Community Care referral to California Pain Consultants is appropriate.
VA and Military-Connected Coverage Is Accepted at All Locations Except EPC
Eligible services through the programs above are available at California Pain Consultants clinic locations and Comprehensive Pain ASC, subject to referral, authorization, network and benefit requirements. Encompass Procedure Center (EPC) does not accept VA or military-connected coverage.
Before scheduling: VA Community Care eligibility, referral, authorization, network participation and benefit requirements apply. VA and the applicable program determine eligibility and coverage. Our scheduling team can help identify required information, but coverage cannot be guaranteed until benefits and authorization are reviewed.
Veterans on our team
Service Recognizes Service
Some members of the California Pain Consultants team understand military service firsthand. Their experience helps shape a care environment built around respect, clear communication and the goals that matter to each Veteran.
Employee Veteran Spotlight
Brian Butorac, RN, MHA
Chief Operating Officer · United States Navy, Retired
Brian brings 20 years of Navy service to his leadership at California Pain Consultants. He retired as a Senior Chief Independent Duty Corpsman after serving in shipboard and overseas settings, often helping coordinate care where medical resources were limited.
His background as a Veteran, registered nurse and healthcare administrator gives him a practical understanding of both the clinical and personal sides of navigating care. At CPC, he helps build the systems that support coordinated treatment, clear communication and a consistent patient experience.
That perspective is especially meaningful for Veterans: Brian understands the discipline, transitions and lived experiences that may influence how former service members approach healthcare.
Senior Chief IDCRegistered NurseMaster of Health Administration
Helpful resources
Learn More Before Your Visit
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your First Conversation
Does California Pain treat Veterans?
California Pain Consultants welcomes Veterans and service members seeking an evaluation for persistent pain.
Do I need a referral or authorization?
For VA Community Care, VA approval, a referral and authorization are generally required before care is scheduled. If eligible, you can ask your VA care team to arrange the appointment; California Pain Consultants’ EPS participation may allow VA scheduling staff to book directly into designated appointment availability. Other military-connected coverage pathways may have different requirements.
What should I bring?
If available, bring a medication list, relevant imaging or reports, prior treatment information and any referral or authorization documents.
Does a consultation guarantee a procedure?
No. A consultation helps determine which options, if any, may be clinically appropriate after reviewing your condition and goals.
California Pain Consultants is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Benefit eligibility, authorization and coverage are determined by the applicable program or insurer. This page is for informational purposes and does not replace medical advice.
Book your appointment
Let Us Help You Take the Next Step
Tell us a little about you and your pain. Your care team will call you to confirm your appointment at the clinic that's best for you.
- Your Provider Looks for the Source of Your Pain, Not Just a Quick Fix
- Non-Surgical Treatment Options Whenever Possible
- We Accept Most Insurances
- 4 Clinics Across San Diego County
Prefer to talk now?
Call (858) 571-3630 Booking as a Veteran, Priority Scheduling Requested