Dr. Shawn Zardouz is a double board-certified specialist in Pain Medicine and Neurology based in Newport Beach, California. He trained at Johns Hopkins, Wayne State University, and UC San Diego, where he completed the country’s top pain medicine fellowship. He is the only physician in Newport Beach with this dual certification.
Dr. Zardouz treats chronic pain, traumatic brain injury, migraine, CRPS, neuropathy, and spinal conditions through a multidisciplinary model. His procedures include facet joint injections, nerve blocks, PRP therapy, stem cell treatment, and Botox for migraine. Four clinic locations serve patients across Southern California. Telehealth appointments are available for new patients.
Patient satisfaction scores rank 18% above the national average, and 100% of Healthgrades reviewers recommend him. This review covers his credentials, treatment approach, patient feedback, and how to get started as a new patient.
Who Is Dr. Shawn Zardouz?
Dr. Shawn Zardouz is a double board-certified specialist in Pain Medicine and Neurology, practicing in Newport Beach, California. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University and earned his medical degree from Wayne State University, graduating with distinction in biomedical research. His training includes a neurology residency at UC San Diego and a fellowship in pain medicine at UCSD. That fellowship is widely regarded as the top pain medicine training program in the country by the American Academy of Pain Medicine.
In fact, Dr. Zardouz is the only physician in Newport Beach and one of approximately 400 physicians nationwide who hold dual board certification in both Pain Medicine and Neurology. He founded Shawn Zardouz M.D. Inc., operates the Synapse TBI and Pain clinic, and co-founded Z MedLegal, a comprehensive medicolegal consulting firm. His patient satisfaction scores consistently rank 18% higher than the national average.
Where Did Dr. Zardouz Train?
Dr. Zardouz completed his training at three nationally recognized institutions: Loma Linda University Medical Center, UC San Diego, and Wayne State University School of Medicine. He was named intern of the year during his medicine internship at Loma Linda University Medical Center. His neurology residency and pain medicine fellowship both occurred at UC San Diego. The UCSD pain medicine fellowship is recognized by the American Academy of Pain Medicine as the nation’s premier training program.
His undergraduate education at Johns Hopkins University provided a foundation in public health and biomedical research. He graduated from Wayne State University with a distinction in biomedical research, a designation reserved for top-performing graduates. These credentials establish Dr. Zardouz among the most rigorously trained pain specialists in Southern California. His academic training directly informs his research-driven clinical approach.
What Makes Dr. Zardouz Unique in Newport Beach?
Dr. Zardouz is the only physician in Newport Beach with dual board certification in both Pain Medicine and Neurology, a distinction held by roughly 400 physicians across the entire country. This dual certification allows him to evaluate neurological causes of pain that single-specialty pain doctors may miss. He treats conditions at the intersection of the nervous system and chronic pain, including CRPS, neuropathies, and traumatic brain injury. His role as a Qualified Medical Examiner also positions him as a recognized legal expert in pain and neurology cases.
Here’s why that matters. Most pain specialists hold certification in one area. Dr. Zardouz’s combined training means a single provider evaluates both the neurological source and the pain management strategy. Patients with complex multi-system conditions benefit most from this integrated approach. It’s a clinical depth that standard pain management practices in the region don’t offer.
Dr. Zardouz’s Credentials at a Glance:
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | Johns Hopkins University — B.A. in Public Health |
| Medical Degree | Wayne State University — distinction in biomedical research |
| Internship | Loma Linda University Medical Center — intern of the year |
| Residency | UC San Diego — Neurology |
| Fellowship | UC San Diego — Pain Medicine (top program nationally) |
| Board Certifications | Pain Medicine and Neurology (dual) |
What Does Dr. Shawn Zardouz Specialize In?
Dr. Zardouz specializes in the evaluation and treatment of chronic pain, neurological injuries, and traumatic brain conditions through an evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach. His clinical focus covers headaches, migraines, concussion, whiplash, CRPS, spinal pain, and neuropathies. He evaluates and treats conditions affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves. His practice serves patients across Newport Beach, Riverside, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Chula Vista.
Beyond clinical care, Dr. Zardouz serves as a Qualified Medical Examiner for legal cases involving pain and neurological injuries. The Z MedLegal consulting firm handles medicolegal evaluations for traumatic brain injury, concussion, and whiplash cases. His research has been published in peer-reviewed journals. He has presented findings at national and international medical conferences.
What Conditions Does Dr. Zardouz Treat?
Dr. Zardouz treats a wide range of neurological and pain conditions, with his most common cases including lumbar spondylosis, neck arthritis, cervical spondylosis, muscle aches, and benign chronic pain syndrome. He is a recognized specialist in traumatic brain injury, post-concussion syndrome, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Migraine and chronic headache management is a core clinical focus. Neuropathic conditions including carpal tunnel syndrome, occipital neuralgia, and cluneal nerve entrapment fall within his treatment scope.
He also treats facial pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, conditions that cross the boundary between neurology and pain management. Patients from motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall incidents, and workplace injuries are regularly evaluated at his clinics. The breadth of conditions he treats reflects his dual-specialty training. Single-specialty providers typically refer complex cases that Dr. Zardouz handles in-house.
Conditions Most Frequently Treated:
- Lumbar spondylosis and cervical spondylosis
- Neck arthritis and muscle aches
- Traumatic brain injury and post-concussion syndrome
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Chronic migraine and headaches
- Neuropathy and nerve entrapment syndromes
- Whiplash and spinal injuries
What Procedures Does Dr. Zardouz Perform?
Dr. Zardouz performs interventional pain procedures at a higher rate than most similar providers, including medial branch blocks, facet joint injections, spinal x-rays, and extremity x-rays. He also performs nerve conduction studies (NCS/EMG), epidural injections, and nerve blocks. Diagnostic imaging including MRI and CT interpretation is part of his evaluation process. Electroencephalogram (EEG) testing is available for brain activity assessment.
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy and stem cell therapy are offered as regenerative treatment options. Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections for chronic migraine prevention are a documented area of clinical practice. Spinal cord stimulation at 10 kHz is available for patients with painful diabetic neuropathy. Physical therapy is offered as a complement to interventional procedures.
Most-Performed Procedures:
- Medial branch block
- Facet joint injection (lumbar/sacral)
- Spinal and extremity x-rays
- Nerve conduction studies (NCS/EMG)
- Epidural steroid injections
- PRP therapy
- Botulinum toxin (Botox) for chronic migraine
How Does Dr. Zardouz Approach Pain Management?
Dr. Zardouz uses a multidisciplinary, customized treatment model that addresses the root cause of pain rather than masking symptoms with medication alone. His approach integrates neurological evaluation, interventional procedures, regenerative therapies, and physical therapy. The clinic tagline summarizes this philosophy: ‘Relieving Pain. Restoring Function. Improving Quality of Life.’ Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual patient’s condition, injury history, and functional goals.
And here is what that looks like in practice. A new patient receives a comprehensive history and physical examination before any procedure is recommended. Diagnostic imaging and nerve studies guide the treatment direction. Providers then build a custom plan using whichever combination of interventional, regenerative, and rehabilitative tools best fits the case.
What Is PRP Therapy and Does Dr. Zardouz Use It?
PRP therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses concentrated platelets drawn from the patient’s own blood to accelerate tissue healing and reduce inflammation. Dr. Zardouz offers PRP therapy under the tagline ‘The power of your own body,’ positioning it as a natural, drug-free option for musculoskeletal and nerve pain. The procedure involves drawing blood, centrifuging it to isolate the platelet-rich plasma, and injecting it at the injury site. Recovery time is minimal compared to surgical alternatives.
PRP is used for joint pain, tendon injuries, and chronic musculoskeletal conditions where conventional treatments have plateaued. The treatment leverages the body’s own growth factors to stimulate repair. Dr. Zardouz’s dual neurology background informs how PRP is applied to nerve-adjacent injury sites. Patients who are poor surgical candidates often find PRP a viable path forward.
Does Dr. Zardouz Offer Stem Cell Therapy?
Yes. Dr. Zardouz offers stem cell therapy as an advanced cell-based treatment option for chronic pain conditions that have not responded adequately to conventional interventions. The clinic describes stem cell therapy as targeting the root cause of degeneration at the cellular level. It is positioned as an alternative to surgery for eligible candidates. Patient selection criteria apply and are assessed during consultation.
Stem cell therapy at the clinic falls under the broader regenerative medicine category alongside PRP. Both treatments share the philosophy of using biological processes to restore damaged tissue. Results vary based on the condition, severity, and patient biology. Patients considering stem cell therapy should discuss realistic outcome expectations with Dr. Zardouz during the consultation phase.
What Do Dr. Shawn Zardouz Reviews Say?
Dr. Zardouz receives a 5-out-of-5 recommendation rating on Healthgrades, with 100% of reviewers indicating they would recommend him to family and friends. Reviews describe him as attentive, informative, and genuinely focused on building individualized treatment plans. The RateMDs rating also reflects positive patient sentiment, with reviewers calling him ‘a great doctor, personable and on time.’ Patient satisfaction scores rank 18% higher than the national average for similar providers.
Review Ratings Summary:
| Platform | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Healthgrades | 5 / 5 | 100% recommend rate |
| RateMDs | Positive | ‘Great doctor, personable and on time’ |
| WebMD Care | Positive | Praised for expertise and attentive approach |
What Do Patients Say About Their Experience?
Positive reviewers consistently describe Dr. Zardouz as a provider who listens thoroughly, creates personalized plans, and delivers real relief for conditions that other doctors failed to resolve. One patient noted: ‘He has been treating my migraines and after 30 years I’ve finally found some relief.’ Another described him as ‘a God sent doctor’ after finally getting effective epidural treatment for back pain. Patients repeatedly praise his willingness to listen to concerns, ask the right questions, and communicate openly about treatment options and expectations.
The office staff receives positive mentions in multiple reviews. The check-in process is described as efficient and kind. Patients also highlight Dr. Zardouz’s upfront communication style, noting that he shares his honest thoughts and opinions rather than offering vague reassurances. For patients with long-standing unresolved pain, reviewers describe finding genuine hope after their first visit.
What Are the Common Complaints?
Negative reviews for Dr. Zardouz are not prominently represented in available review platforms, with current ratings reflecting near-universal positive experiences. RateMDs notes limited biography and insurance data on the public profile. Some patients note that virtual visits are not available through the RateMDs booking interface. The Healthgrades profile shows no negative ratings in any star category across collected reviews.
The good news? The absence of significant complaint patterns across multiple platforms is itself informative. Patients with complex chronic pain conditions typically generate more mixed feedback for providers. The consistency of positive reviews across Healthgrades, WebMD Care, and direct clinic testimonials suggests a stable patient experience. Prospective patients should verify insurance acceptance and appointment availability directly with the clinic before scheduling.
Is Dr. Shawn Zardouz Board Certified?
Yes. Dr. Zardouz holds dual board certification in Neurology from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and in Pain Medicine, making him one of approximately 400 physicians in the country with this specific combination. Both certifications require passing rigorous written and oral examinations administered by national medical boards. Board certification is renewed periodically through continuing education and recertification processes. California state medical licensure is also current and active.
His certifications are verified through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the national standard for physician board certification. The ABMS database confirms both Neurology and Pain Medicine designations. LegitScript-equivalent verification applies through Doximity and Healthgrades profile verification. The dual certification directly supports his capacity to evaluate and treat conditions that cross neurological and pain management boundaries.
To be clear: board certification in Pain Medicine is a separate credential from general medical licensure. It signals advanced, specialty-specific training beyond residency. Dr. Zardouz’s fellowship at the UCSD Pain Medicine program, combined with board examination passage, meets the highest standard the specialty recognizes. Patients seeking the most credentialed pain specialist in Newport Beach will not find a higher bar locally.
What Are the Side Effects of Dr. Zardouz’s Treatments?
Interventional pain procedures performed by Dr. Zardouz carry standard procedural risks including temporary soreness, bruising, and injection-site inflammation at the administration point. Facet joint injections and medial branch blocks may produce short-term discomfort during the procedure and mild soreness lasting 24 to 48 hours. Epidural steroid injections carry a small risk of headache if the dural membrane is inadvertently punctured. Nerve block procedures can cause temporary numbness or weakness in the treated area.
PRP therapy side effects are generally mild: localized swelling and soreness at the injection site lasting a few days are the most common responses. Stem cell therapy side effects depend on the injection site and patient biology. Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections for migraine may cause temporary neck soreness and mild headache in the days following treatment. Spinal cord stimulation carries more significant procedural risks and requires a thorough informed consent process.
Common Procedure Side Effects:
- Injection-site soreness and bruising (most procedures)
- Temporary numbness or weakness after nerve blocks
- Mild headache following epidural procedures
- Short-term swelling with PRP and stem cell injections
- Neck soreness after Botox for migraine
Who Should Avoid These Treatments?
Patients should avoid interventional pain procedures if they are taking blood-thinning medications that cannot be safely paused before injection, or if they have active infections at or near the planned injection site. Patients with clotting disorders or low platelet counts may not be candidates for PRP therapy. Individuals with active cancer near the treatment site require careful evaluation before stem cell or regenerative procedures. Pregnant patients should disclose their status before any imaging, injection, or medication-based treatment.
Patients with implanted cardiac devices require pre-procedural clearance before spinal cord stimulation is considered. Individuals with severe needle phobia or anxiety should discuss sedation options with the care team before scheduling. Those with documented allergies to local anesthetics or steroid compounds must disclose this history during the intake process. Dr. Zardouz’s team reviews all contraindications during the initial consultation before any procedure is scheduled.
Does Dr. Zardouz Accept Insurance?
Dr. Zardouz accepts multiple insurance plans at his Newport Beach and regional clinic locations, with accepted carriers verifiable through the Healthgrades and WebMD Care insurance search tools. The specific plans accepted vary by location and are subject to change. Patients should confirm their carrier and plan type directly with the clinic before scheduling to avoid out-of-pocket surprises. The Z MedLegal medicolegal consulting arm operates on a separate fee structure from the clinical practice.
Insurance acceptance at the clinical locations follows standard in-network and out-of-network billing practices. Patients with workers’ compensation and personal injury liens may access treatment through the clinic’s medicolegal evaluation services. Cash-pay options may be available for self-pay patients. Telehealth appointment availability varies by platform and may carry different insurance coverage than in-person visits.
Is Dr. Shawn Zardouz Accepting New Patients?
Yes. Dr. Zardouz is currently accepting new patients at his Newport Beach location, with telehealth appointments also available through the Healthgrades booking platform. The clinic operates four locations across California: Newport Beach, Riverside, Chula Vista, and Commerce (Los Angeles). New patient appointments require completing a health intake form before the first visit. The clinic staff describes the check-in process as efficient and welcoming.
Appointment requests can be made online through Healthgrades or directly through the clinic website at shawnzardouzmd.com. Same-day appointments are not standard but urgent cases can be discussed with the scheduling team. Telehealth options provide access for patients outside the immediate Newport Beach area. Patients with complex injury cases or medicolegal needs should specify this when booking to ensure proper intake preparation.
Where Is Dr. Shawn Zardouz Located?
Dr. Zardouz’s primary clinic is located at 1525 Superior Ave, Suite 206, Newport Beach, CA 92663, with three additional California locations in Riverside, Chula Vista, and Commerce. The Newport Beach office is affiliated with Hoag Hospital Newport Beach. The Riverside location operates at 11801 Pierce St, Suite 200, Riverside, CA 92505. The Z MedLegal medicolegal consulting office is at 3420 Bristol St, 6th floor, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
The multi-location network provides convenient access across Southern California. Patients in San Diego, Los Angeles, and the Inland Empire can access care without traveling to Newport Beach. All examination rooms are described as comfortable and well-equipped. Evaluations are conducted in a meticulous and confidential manner across all clinic locations.
Clinic Locations:
- Newport Beach: 1525 Superior Ave, Suite 206 (primary)
- Riverside: 11801 Pierce St, Suite 200
- Chula Vista: 333 H St, Suite 5000
- Commerce (Los Angeles): 5800 S Eastern Ave, Suite 500
Should You See Eat Proteins’ Recommended Pain Specialist?
Dr. Shawn Zardouz is one of the most credentialed pain specialists in Southern California, combining dual board certification in Neurology and Pain Medicine with fellowship training from the country’s top pain program. His near-perfect patient satisfaction ratings across multiple platforms, research publication record, and the breadth of his treatment capabilities set him apart from single-specialty pain providers. The four-location network and telehealth access make him reachable across California. For patients with complex chronic pain, neurological injury, or traumatic brain conditions, the dual-specialty training is a genuine clinical advantage.
Here’s the thing: finding a specialist who understands both the neurological source of pain and the interventional tools to address it is rare. Does Dr. Zardouz deliver on that? The patient reviews say yes. 30-year migraine sufferers finding relief. Back pain patients finally getting effective epidural care. A satisfaction score 18% above the national average. These aren’t coincidences.
Our experts at Eat Proteins recommend scheduling a consultation if you’re dealing with chronic pain, a neurological condition, or an injury that hasn’t responded to standard care. The intake process is straightforward, and the team is described as efficient and welcoming. No referral is required for most conditions. Take the step toward care that treats the root cause, not just the symptom.