Dr. Joel Saal, MD

Great caring knowledgeable doctor who cares greatly for his patients.

I injured my neck and was in incredible pain. My daughter had me see a spinal doctor who immediately wanted to do surgery. Surgery was the last thing I wanted and decided to look for other solutions. I opted to see Dr. Saal. He carefully explained my injury to me, what was causing the pain, laid out options and performed a procedure that has considerably reduced the pain over time. He referred me to a doctor at UCSF for a second option. The doctor was one of only two doctors in the Bay Area who performed surgery to help the type of nerve injury I had. The UCSF doctor recommended that I stick with the procedure Dr. Saal performed as long as it was providing pain relief. Dr. Saal is a kind, caring doctor who takes the time to listen, explain what is going on and lays out the options. I trust Dr. Saal completely. He is the best of the best.

He made my neck far worse by performing procedures that were excessive and unnecessary

I have seen multiple medical specialists for my injury. Only Dr. Joel Saal has been able to significantly reduce the pain I experience daily. He took a great deal of time to educate me about my injury, as well as outline treatment options. He not only communicated to me verbally, but also used visual aids so that I had a clear understanding of what happened to my body. I am so grateful that I found him. I have a better quality of life, thanks to him!

Extremely knowledgable, puts patients first. After 3 previous Physiatrists, Dr Saal was to first to give me an epidural that worked longer than a few weeks. He was conservative in my care, and clearly explained options over the decade I have been a patient. My extreme case meant an eventual fusion, and Dr Saal helped me pick the best surgeon and hospital. I am mobile and relatively pain free because of his care.

If you’re reading this review, you’re just like me. Something terrible has happened to your back and now you’re debilitated, in so much pain, and you’re starting to wonder if anyone out there can help you. I’m here to you that there is someone. Dr. Joel Saal. Just like you, I was told there was nothing wrong. MRI’s are normal. Maybe it’ll go away on its own. Let’s do injections in random places instead of taking the time to diagnose the correct problem. A year of my life was taken from me because not a single doctor knew how to listen to a patient. The second I walked into Dr. Saal’s office, I knew this was going to be a different experience. For one, he actually wanted to put me into a gown to LOOK at my back. He was so thorough in his examination, approaching every aspect of my health, asking me questions no one else ever had. An hour later, he gave his diagnosis. It was the correct diagnosis. I really believe I never would have found it without him.

I’ve been seeing Dr. Saal for over 20 years, and believe his depth of experience has given me the best possible back and spinal care available. His work and experience at SOAR have provided the foundation for the standard of care of today. This year, a more serious problem led to my needing spinal injections. Dr. Saal was incredibly sympathetic and considerate for the degree of pain I was in. He quickly arranged for an MRI and follow up. After review and seeing the pain I was in, he added me to the end of his already full day on the day following for an injection, rather than let me suffer for another week. His follow on care this year has been excellent, carefully reviewing my up and down progress and physical therapy, knowing that time and diligence would solve my issue without resorting to the extreme of surgery. I have enjoyed my interactions with Dr. Saal, finding him to be thorough, engaged, considerate and happy to explain all aspects of my condition and treatment.

I really like Dr. Saal. When I first came to him, I had a herniated disc in my neck (C6/C7) and didn't know it. I was completely uncomfortable all the time, sleeping 1-2 hours a night due to the pain. I had been through other docs, physical therapists, acupuncture, and more. Dr. Saal stressed his willingness to help me and his desire to solve this problem without surgery. Injection was the recommendation and it was absolutely a life saver. Thank you, Dr. Saal!

I describe Dr. Saal as my daughter's guardian angel. After seeing several doctors to no avail, Dr. Saal diagnosed and then referred us to an excellent neurosurgeon. Don't know where we would be at without Dr. Saal