Christopher R. Abrecht

MD

Pain medicine physician 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

  • Academic Title

    Associate Professor

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
    218 Ratings
    About our process
    Dec 15, 2024
    My physician is the best I've ever had, and I am well nto my seventies!
    Dec 13, 2024
    Dr Abrecht was superb
    Dec 12, 2024
    Dr. Abrecht is amazing - knowledgeable, skilled, and excellent communication skills. UCSF is lucky to have him.
    Nov 22, 2024
    Dr Albrecht does an excellent job. I receive great care from him.
    Nov 06, 2024
    Knowledge and dedicated
    Nov 02, 2024
    Highly recommend
    Nov 01, 2024
    Dr. A is amazing.
    Oct 26, 2024
    Dr. Albrecht is an excellent listener and care giver.
    Oct 24, 2024
    Excellent Team;Dr Abrecht is outstanding!!!
    Oct 09, 2024
    When I need help, I'll definitely come back.
    Oct 07, 2024
    Excellent
    Oct 04, 2024
    There's no better than Dr Abrecht. He's attentive and thorough in every way.
    Sep 29, 2024
    Dr. A is the best. He shows a lot of concern for my condition. I feel like I am not alone. He smart, kind and listens.
    Sep 27, 2024
    Listens , diagnoses individual needs , Thorough follow thru
    Sep 13, 2024
    Dr. Albrecht was wonderful. Most importantly he communicated with me during the procedure (which helped decrease my anxiety) and did the procedure well. I did not experience any complications afterwards thanks to his expertise.
    Sep 13, 2024
    He is a very professional excellent provider who cares about patients pain recovery, management who was able to cure what's the bottom problem of my case.
    Sep 12, 2024
    The Team at the UCSF Pain Management Clinic is professional and caring.
    Sep 06, 2024
    Very pleased and comfortable
    Sep 06, 2024
    Dr. Abrecht is amazing as always He is always super attentive to my concerns.
    Sep 06, 2024
    Very impressed with Dr. Abrecht. He really listened to me and answered my questions honestly.
    Aug 11, 2024
    Dr Abrecht has been extremely kind, gentle and helpful. I have very much appreciated his care of me.
    Aug 10, 2024
    I've had excellent care with Dr Abrecht. He always listens to my concerns and explains my treatment options so I understand them.
    Aug 10, 2024
    Dr is knowledgeable in his field . He was able to pinpoint the root of the problem and immediately prescribed a method of treatment
    Aug 09, 2024
    Excellent clinicians
    Aug 06, 2024
    Outstanding Team Work
    Aug 06, 2024
    Dr Chris Abrecht is one of the finest physicians I've established a relationship with in my 77 years. He is beyond excellent in every capacity. He keeps me ever hopeful but in a good pragmatic way.
    Jun 28, 2024
    I hope I will fully or greatly improve Thanks
    Jun 16, 2024
    I couldn't have been in better care. Totally on task and focused to help my pain level improvement working with the team of physicians providing me the two epidural injection's to my lower bake herniated disc.
    May 30, 2024
    Dr Abrecht's team is professional, excellent!
    May 21, 2024
    Good
    May 07, 2024
    Excellent provider
    Apr 26, 2024
    He is an outstanding provider that I am really grateful for.
    Apr 11, 2024
    Both the Doctor and his Assistant were very apologetic for this disappointing event. Very knowledgable and ready to answer any questions.
    Apr 07, 2024
    I have seen Dr Abrecht several times and have complete trust and confidence in his treatment of my issues.
    Apr 03, 2024
    Dr. Abrecht is totally amazing. He takes the time to listen and involves me in my care.
    Mar 20, 2024
    Experience has been one of excellence!
    Mar 14, 2024
    Dr. Abrecht has a brilliant perspective and approach to pain management.He is thoughtful and thorough.
    Jan 06, 2024
    I have said this before and have no issues repeating this. You can not possibly have assembled a better more caring team than the one I had.
    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 Albrecht 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. Abrect 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

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