Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia

Pain Management
San Mateo, CA
22 years experience male

Locations

Office

San Mateo, CA

Address

1900 O'Farrell Street , Suite 100, San Mateo, CA
Directions

My office hours

Thursday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Show more

Office

San Francisco, CA

About

Specialties
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.

Pain Management

Anesthesiology

Doctor Q&A

91 Answers
80 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Any if them: Taking any of those medications is fine- just take as prescribed. Stretching and exercises are equally important if not more.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Yes: It depends on the condition being treated. Your licensed acupuncturist will design a treatment plan based on your underlying condition.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Sometimes: Inversion therapy can help relieve symptoms of back pain by creating some more space between the vertebrae, be careful not to overstretch your spine. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Yes: Usually we use Suboxone or Methadone to help with the process, and reduce gradually.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Yes: Yes, that is why you should taper down on those medications and stop them abruptly.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Depends: It depends on the style of yoga you practice. If you have back pain already, you should let your teacher know, and practice a gentle/restorative style... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Unlikely: Many people sweat under pressure. Its because your sympathic nervous system is active and this is an expected response.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Discuss with MD: If you wake up because of your back pain, you should discuss this with your md as there are certain diseases that need to be investigated. If the work... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Yes: Opioid medications can cause people's bodies to become dependent on them. People become addicted when they exhibit negative behaviors- such as overusi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Yes: Generally antidepressants take a few weeks to reach therapeutic levels.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
They shouldn't: Those are not usual side effects from any antibiotic therapy, speak with your prescribing doctor about it.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Relaxation: Botox can help the muscle relax if they are contracted. It can be an effective treatment.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Yes: There are a variety of other medications besides pregabalin. Check with you physician but they all have potential side effects but can help with muscl... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 53-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Yes: Unfortunately, its not uncommon to see low back pain recur after back surgery. I recommend you follow up with your surgeon.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Possibly: Check with your surgeon and make sure to describe your symptoms carefully, but pain can persist after surgery for awhile.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Yes: Meditation is a powerful technique and can help control pain symptoms. It takes time and practice though!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 26-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Not necessarily: Check with your physician but pain over the carotid may arise from your cervical spine. But a detailed examination is paramount and an ultrasound may ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Upto 2 weeks: It usually takes upto 2 weeks to get feel the effects. Most patients feel relief faster but i'd recommend giving it some time.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Depends: I would recommend checking with your physician first if its safe for you to do. Remember to stretch, and strengthen your core muscles prior to the sea... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Change Something: Look into your work ergonomics, check your shoes, and your posture. Try to stretch and see your doctor if your problems persist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
No: It is interesting that people with back pain seem to feel temperature changes more commonly than others. There is nothing dangerous going on.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Possibly: Helping your cervical spine and cervical muscles can help your low back pain by improving your body mechanics, and possibly relieving some muscle tens... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Depends: If you physician clears you, consider starting physical therapy to work on core strengthening of you lumbar spine.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Comfortable position: Choose a comfortable position and make sure you have a good mattress. There is no right or wrong way to sleep, some people sleep with a pillow between... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Get evaluated: You can try some basic over the counter regimens, but make an appt to be seen by your pcp to determine the cause of your symptoms (there are many). He... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Not recommended: Avoiding alcohol after any medication is recommended.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 40-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Talk with your Doc: Its important to be honest about your feelings and talk with your doc. You may need a referral to a pain specialist and/or a psychiatrist.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
It is possible: Possibly- check with your physician as there are many other causes of low back pain. Many women have cramping with their menses, and this can cause lo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 24-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Possibly: Let your surgeon know that you are pregnant as well as all other members of your healthcare team including your ob/gyn. If its an elective surgery, th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 30-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Safe therapies: Speak with your ob- but generally, tylenol (acetaminophen) & gentle stretching is safe.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Yes: It is safe as long as you are properly monitored. Definitely let your anesthesiologist know about your WPW syndrome.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
5-15 mins: It varies per patient but 5-15 mins is a reasonable amount of time.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Possibly: It depends where the sensation is coming from on the leg, where it originates from, where it travels to etc. There are many sources of leg pain.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Many: There are many- biofeedback, hypnosis, therapy, support groups- such as aa, na, a effective psychologist can help guide you through these treatements.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
It is not a narcotic: Diprivian or Propofol is an anesthetic and not a narcotic. It does not have significant pain relieving properties.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Cut down on your use: Its important to decrease your use consistently over a period of time. It can be difficult to do on your own but set a schedule and follow it.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Product selection: Keep your face clean & washed throughout the day. Look for products for oily skin as well.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Usually nerves: The symptoms your describing usually relate to nerves- & it can manifest in many different ways.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
No.: Botox only works on contracting muscles, it doesn't have any other effects on skin.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Many options: Check with your doctor first, but acupuncture, acupressure, herbal supplements, yoga, reiki, gentle massage, stretching, water exercises are just a fe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 23-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Supportive Drugs: There are a variety of medications that can help with withdrawl symptoms such as Zofran (ondansetron) for nausea and Clonidine for agitation/irriation... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Depends: It depends on how skilled your psychiatrist is at prescribing pain medications and monitoring for its effectiveness.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Needles & no needles: Acupuncture points and acupressure points are similar, the difference is whether needles are used or not. Some people get effective relief with just t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Yes: There are many reasons for a contract and i encourage you to talk to you prescribing physician about them.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Yes: Exercise will help strengthen the muscles the support your spine. Doing an exercise program design by a physical therapist will ensure proper body mec... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 21-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Yes: Absolutely! stretching and strengthening will decrease muscle strain and strengthen the muscles that support your spine. This will lead to decreased p... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Probably not: As long as your liver is healthy and has normal function (you can check this via lab testing), your health is probably fine. Remember to keep your tot... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
No: Scoliosis refers to the shape of your spine, and lumbago to symptoms you experience. Chiropracters may help relieve your back pain, but do not change ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Depends: Each person is different. Depending on the treatment, it can be weeks to months.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 25-year-old member asked:
Dr. Neetu Ahluwalia
Pain Management 22 years experience
Probably: Botox is a safe medication and if administered by a trained professional, it is safe.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

Testimonials
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.

4
Recommendations
1.0K
Thank you notes
Nov 8, 2012
Very knowledgable doctor. Great answers and a great doctor to follow!
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Ahluwalia is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Ahluwalia is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Thanks so much for your reply. I will make an appointment with my dr.
HealthTap member
That helps. At least I know it is not another thing to worry about. Th
HealthTap member
Thanks! I do see a psych & a pain specialist I think I need a 2nd opin

Education & Training

Medical/Graduate school

George Washington University Medical School, DC
Graduated 2001MD

Residency

STANFORD HOSPITAL

Awards

health tap

Affiliations

Stanford University
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