Christopher R. Abrecht

MD

Pain medicine specialist and anesthesiologist
Chief, Division of Pain Medicine
Medical Director, Center for Pain Medicine
Sustainability enthusiast

Dr. Christopher R. Abrecht is a physician specializing in pain medicine. He focuses on improving the quality of life and physical function of patients with all kinds of pain, including chronic pain. Recognizing that every patient is unique, he individualizes care plans that may include medication management; injections; and integration with physical therapy, pain psychology and complementary therapies. He also offers advanced procedural interventions for lumbar spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the lower back's spinal canal that compresses nerves) and a variety of other conditions.

In the UCSF Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Care, Abrecht is chief of the Division of Pain Medicine. He is also medical director of the UCSF Center for Pain Medicine.

Abrecht's research focuses on improving the practice of pain medicine. This includes tracking outcomes that matter to patients and ensuring that patient safety remains a priority. His work also centers on transitional pain care, which involves preparing patients for painful procedures and ensuring a smooth transition between outpatient and inpatient settings.

Abrecht earned his medical degree from the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He completed a residency in anesthesiology at Brigham and Women's Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School. He completed a fellowship in pain medicine at UCSF.

  • Education

    New York University School of Medicine, 2012

  • Residencies

    Brigham and Women's Hospital, Anesthesiology, 2016

  • Fellowships

    UCSF, Pain Medicine, 2017

  • Board Certifications

    Pain Medicine, American Board of Anesthesiology

    Anesthesiology, American Board of Anesthesiology

Improving quality of life is why I went into medicine. I am grateful to be a pain physician, dedicated to this goal.

Treatments I provide

Where I see patients (1)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    207 Ratings
    About our process
    Oct 13, 2023
    I really like the way my care provider and I communicate he is very professional. He explains everything. I understand it. He doesn't do anything without checking with me first we have a very good relationship a really good relationship. I would definitely recommend UCSF Pain Management to anybody. I just have a pain management problem. I have had nothing but good service with every department I have dealt with from the nurses to the staff in the front of the office
    Oct 05, 2023
    Dr Abrecht works with me. Rare in many doctors.
    Sep 20, 2023
    It was made clear to me that the Mild procedure wasn't an option because of my prior L4-5 surgery.
    Sep 16, 2023
    Dr. Abrecht is an amazing provider. He is very skilled and knowledgeable in pain management.
    Sep 05, 2023
    I had a great full in-depth session with the doctor very pleased. He looked like he was reading my info as we spoke but he knew enough already to have a successful appt.
    Aug 25, 2023
    Dr Abrecht always takes the time to listen and respond without looking like he's "on the clock". He is very personable compared to many doctors.
    Aug 14, 2023
    Scheduled epiderral injection for my pain from my scar tissue pinching nerves. I drove 5 hours one way had to get a hotel room because I can't travel that far in one day. My dad took 2 days off work because I needed a driver. At my appointment since I had more pain in a different spot he rescheduled for a different injection said he doesn't think I need the epiderral and it wouldn't help that he scheduled (why schedule it if I don't need it?) and sent me home.
    Jul 31, 2023
    I was really looking for a team approach to solving my lower back sciatica and I feel that I had one on the day of my epidural injections. Led by Dr. Abrecht he listened to my request to stick with his plans of two injections at S1 and L5 (my right side) to encompass the suspected nerve and see if we can may a difference as opposed to focusing on S1 only. This approach is consistent with our consultation appointment and made me feel better about the procedure in terms of getting the most out of the epidural injections for the appointment. Again the nurse was very engaged and helpful with post procedural activities and general information. Everything went well...A+
    Jul 21, 2023
    Dr. Abrecht is engaging and very open to communication. I always believe my best healthcare is at the forefront of my treatment. He has earned my trust.
    Jul 14, 2023
    Dr Abrecht responded very quickly to my messages and needs
    Jul 13, 2023
    Dr. Abrecht is wonderful and I am very happy with my care.
    Jul 01, 2023
    Excellent provider
    Jun 13, 2023
    This was a productive first session for our relationship
    Jun 09, 2023
    Probably the best practice I use in the UC system.
    Jun 05, 2023
    I feel I can trust him He talks to me and he listens to me and I feel he is very concerned and he knows what he's talking about. I feel very comfortable with him and I trust I can work with him.
    Jun 02, 2023
    He was Very informative! Thank you!
    May 23, 2023
    Concise and thorough
    May 14, 2023
    Dr. Abrecht is wonderful and helped me a lot in the past. He did my post-mastechtomy pain care in the hospital after my surgery which was fantastic and helped prevent post-mastectomy syndrome. He is now helping me with a different problem. I feel deeply grateful for his attention.
    Apr 25, 2023
    Tolerable pain levels for the first time in two years
    Feb 03, 2023
    Dr. Albrecht was very patient very good at listening and very good at explaining things.
    Feb 02, 2023
    Dr. Abrecht is one of the most curious and compassionate physicians. He cares about my complex chronic health condition and how he and his team can support my health and reduce pain.
    Jan 28, 2023
    I adore Dr Abrecht and would like to work with him and his team as much as possible.
    Dec 17, 2022
    Excellent experience
    Dec 14, 2022
    Excellent doctor. Very thorough. Explained well. Partnership oriented
    Dec 12, 2022
    He's very very nice caring to his patient
    Dec 08, 2022
    I have recommended Dr. A to others
    Dec 04, 2022
    Very positive
    Nov 10, 2022
    Love this doctor. So kind and competent
    Oct 28, 2022
    Excellent
    Oct 18, 2022
    Dr Abrecht did an excellent injection right to the target of my nerve time was very quick. No pains at all after the nerve injections
    Oct 05, 2022
    The entire staff including Dr. Abrecht were compassionate concerned informative and truly empathetic of my condition and the outcome. I choose UCSF for my care and this is why! Thank You!
    Oct 04, 2022
    I have recommended my Dr to others. He is the reason I don't mind traveling to see him.
    Oct 02, 2022
    Dr Abrecht is transparent and most gentle in his demeanor
    Sep 15, 2022
    I was amazed how much he went into detail and answered all my questions. I felt like he was in no rush which was awesome.
    Sep 04, 2022
    All my questions and concerns were answered in detail.
    Aug 31, 2022
    Excellent physician. Great communication. My frustration is with the long waits between appointments not the doctor.
    Aug 06, 2022
    Thank you
    Jul 29, 2022
    Fabulous doctor! And great mentor
    Jul 08, 2022
    Excellent
    Jun 04, 2022
    Excellent experience. I felt heard. The provider was very knowledgeable
    Jun 02, 2022
    Always great!
    May 03, 2022
    I have consistently found Dr. Abrecht to be caring professional and approachable. Questions are welcome explanations are clear. He is also curious as to why a patient would be hesitant about a procedure without being judgmental which allows me to feel that my concerns are taken seriously and my decisions are well informed by him. It's more than reassuring to be under that care of a doctor who in action and words demonstrates he cares about my well-being. Indeed I am fortunate.
    Apr 08, 2022
    Outstanding Staff!
    Apr 06, 2022
    Respectful and courteous and concern for my health
    Apr 04, 2022
    Excellent
    Mar 12, 2022
    Good
    Feb 13, 2022
    Sensitive to patient needs

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