David S. Cheng, MD

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pain Medicine, Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Spine Surgery
Accepting New Patients

Locations

Photo of Keck Hospital of USC
place
1500 San Pablo Street , Los Angeles, CA 90033
phone
schedule
7 days a week, 24 hours a day
Photo of USC Norris Cancer Hospital
place
1441 Eastlake Ave , Los Angeles, CA 90089
phone
schedule
7 days a week, 24 hours a day
Photo of USC Verdugo Hills Hospital
place
1812 Verdugo Blvd , Glendale, CA 91208
phone

Provider Details

Language Spoken
English
Gender
Male
About David S. Cheng , MD

David S. Cheng, MD, specializes in rehabilitation and nonoperative treatment of spine disorders and is board certified in both physical medicine and rehabilitation and pain medicine.   

 

In college, Dr. Cheng sustained a basketball injury which eventually required back surgery.  He initially consulted a spine specialist, who prescribed medications for temporary pain relief but offered little guidance with treatment and no definitive long-term plan.  This frustrating experience as a patient inspired Dr. Cheng to practice medicine differently.  

 

Dr. Cheng completed his residency at New York-Presbyterian Hospital (University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell) where he was selected as chief resident.  He subsequently completed a fellowship in pain medicine at New York University Medical Center.  During his time in New York, Dr. Cheng also trained at Hospital for Special Surgery and NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases.  Thereafter, Dr. Cheng joined Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush in Chicago, where he served as a physician to the Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox. 

Since starting at USC in 2020, Dr. Cheng has been recognized by the North American Spine Society as a “20 Under 40” award recipient for advancing spine care.  In the same year, he was presented with the Patients’ Choice Award by Vitals.com. 

Dr. Cheng grew up in Southern California and always hoped that he would be able to return to his hometown of Los Angeles one day.  He is thrilled to be back and looks forward to serving his community. 

"As a physiatrist, I take care of patients with various neurologic and musculoskeletal problems involving the spine.  My mission is to reduce pain and help my patients get back to an active, healthy lifestyle without surgery. 

 

Having had chronic back pain which necessitated surgery myself, I know firsthand how an injury can interfere with restful sleep, mood, and quality of life.  I also know how important it is to feel supported throughout the treatment and recovery process.  This is why I feel so strongly about providing care that is patient-centered, thoughtful, and compassionate. 

 

Seeking medical care can sometimes feel stressful or nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t have to be this way.  I believe that using accessible and inclusive language is a critical first step to improving patient understanding and satisfaction."


 

Experience

Specialties
  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
  • Pain Medicine
  • Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Medicine
  • Spine Surgery
Areas of Focus

Non-Operative Spinal Disorders

    Non-Operative Treatment of Neck and Back Pain

      Spine Rehabilitation

      Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

      Electrodiagnostic Medicine

      Academic Title
      Clinical Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery

      Insurances Accepted

      Note: Please contact the practice directly to confirm your health plan is accepted.

      Benefits among health plans and employers vary. Please contact your health plan to verify benefits and network providers for specific products. It is important to note that not all of our providers participate in all of a health plan's products or networks.

      • Coventry Health Care
      • Blue Shield of California
      • Health Net Covered California
      • CIGNA
      • Marian Health Services
      • USC Network
      • Watchtower
      • Great-West Healthcare of California, Inc.
      • Anthem Blue Cross Prudent Buyer
      • ChoiceCare Network
      • Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital
      • Beech Street Corporation /WC
      • Kern Health Systems
      • First Health
      • NEXT
      • Anthem Blue Cross Covered California
      • Medicare
      • MultiPlan
      • Pacificare
      • Union Roofers Health & Welfare Fund
      • Health Plans of Nevada
      • Health Net
      • Interplan
      • Laundry and Dry Cleaning Workers Health & Welfare
      • TriWest Healthcare Alliance (UHC)
      • Private Health Care Systems
      • Take Care (GUAM)
      • United Healthcare
      • GEHA
      • Brand New Day
      • Blue Shield Covered California
      • Aetna

      Ratings and Reviews

      • Provider Explanations Easy to Understand
      • Provider Gave Easy to Understand Instructions
      • Provider Showed Respect
      • Provider Listened Carefully
      • Provider Knew Medical History
      • Provider Spent Enough Time

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