ABOUT THE DOCTOR:
Dr. Hirbod Azizi As a former professional swimmer for Canada, Dr. Azizi experienced elite-level care throughout his athletic career, which included regular chiropractic treatment. His active involvement in sports gave him a deep appreciation for the vital role chiropractic care plays in helping athletes optimize their performance, accelerate recovery from injuries, and prevent future physical setbacks.
Yet, it wasn’t until a severe car accident during his sophomore year in the pre-med program at the University of Texas at Dallas that he truly recognized the broader value of chiropractic medicine. The accident profoundly shifted his perspective on healthcare.
While numerous medical professionals recommended pain medication and surgery for his herniated disc, it was a chiropractor who took the time to explain all available treatment pathways. In the end, through a tailored series of spinal adjustments and decompression therapies, the chiropractor successfully resolved his injury—without the need for surgery or invasive procedures.
Dr. Azizi is committed to helping auto, sports, and work related accident victims. He takes great care in facilitating rehabilitation & restored wellness for the whole family.
ABOUT THE DOCTOR
Hossein Aziz, D.O.
Board Certified Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon
Hossein Aziz, DO, is a board-certified spine surgeon serving the Riverside area. Specializing in spinal endoscopy and minimally invasive surgery, he treats a range of conditions, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and spinal trauma. Dr. Aziz takes a patient-centered approach, creating personalized treatment plans with advanced, motion-preserving techniques to ensure safety, precision, and faster recovery. After completing his orthopedic surgery residency in Southern California, he further trained at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Aziz is committed to providing expert, compassionate spine care to the Riverside County community.
Board Certified Pain Management Specialist
Board Certified Anesthesiology Specialist
Patient Care Liaison: Jackie (760) 681-4330
PRACTICE SPECIALTIES
For many people, pain is a constant presence. It can make daily tasks difficult, or it can be entirely debilitating. The pain management doctors at Coastal Pain & Spinal Diagnostics specialize in managing and treating acute and chronic pain that has not responded to conventional treatments such as rest, medication, physical therapy, and surgery.
Our patients are individuals who, along with their physicians, are seeking alternative, advanced treatment options for their unrelenting pain caused by injury, illness, or disease. Working together with you, we can help relieve or decrease your pain and assist your return to your daily activities.
Our specialties include:
We are committed to each of our patients – and the medical community – to be the best center for pain management in North County San Diego. Our accomplished team of physicians and specialists is devoted to providing you with the highest quality medical care. Treatment plans are designed to combat your pain – helping you return to the most functional and productive lifestyle possible.
Our collaborative, multidisciplinary approach reduces pain and restores function while focusing our care where it belongs – on you, the patient. When you need a pain management expert, turn to our experienced pain management doctors for quality, compassionate care.
EVAN GOODMAN, M.D.
Dr. Evan Goodman joined Coastal Pain & Spinal Diagnostics in the Summer of 2020 following his residency in anesthesiology (2019) and fellowship in pain medicine (2020) at the University of Chicago. He has published numerous articles, and contributed to peer-reviewed medical journals including the Annals of Emergency Medicine. He completed his Doctor of Medicine (MD) at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine (2015).
Dr. Goodman has made it his career-focus to understanding and treating patients who suffer from chronic pain and continues to move forward in the ever-changing world of healthcare by staying up to date on the latest breakthroughs and innovative treatment options. He brings a refreshing and calming demeanor to his practice and will develop a customized treatment plan for each of his patients.
Board Certified Pain Management Specialist
Board Certified Anesthesiology Specialist
Patient Care Liaison: Jackie (760) 681-4330
PRACTICE SPECIALTIES
For many people, pain is a constant presence. It can make daily tasks difficult, or it can be entirely debilitating. The pain management doctors at Coastal Pain & Spinal Diagnostics specialize in managing and treating acute and chronic pain that has not responded to conventional treatments such as rest, medication, physical therapy, and surgery.
Our patients are individuals who, along with their physicians, are seeking alternative, advanced treatment options for their unrelenting pain caused by injury, illness, or disease. Working together with you, we can help relieve or decrease your pain and assist your return to your daily activities.
Our specialties include:
We are committed to each of our patients – and the medical community – to be the best center for pain management in North County San Diego. Our accomplished team of physicians and specialists is devoted to providing you with the highest quality medical care. Treatment plans are designed to combat your pain – helping you return to the most functional and productive lifestyle possible.
Our collaborative, multidisciplinary approach reduces pain and restores function while focusing our care where it belongs – on you, the patient. When you need a pain management expert, turn to our experienced pain management doctors for quality, compassionate care.
RON BRIZZIE, M.D.
Dr. Ron Brizzie is a San Diego native who attended Mt. Carmel High School in Rancho Penasquitos. He excelled academically while also being nominated for athlete of the year in golf, where he served as the team captain. He participated in San Diego Junior Golf, where he was one of the top athletes for his age group from 8 to 17 years old. He was active in community service and has volunteered in medical clinics throughout San Diego as well as in Mexico with the Flying Samaritans and 1000 Smiles Foundation.
He attended the University of California, San Diego (ranked third in the nation for public colleges), where he completed his undergraduate work Cum Laude with honors and high distinction. For his Honors Thesis, Dr. Brizzie studied treatments for circadian rhythm disorders in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. After graduation, he was awarded the prestigious Bradley Hospital Sleep Research Apprenticeship Award at the Brown School of Medicine, where he worked with adolescent circadian rhythm studies. He was part of a team leading the field in understanding sleep cycles throughout development.
Dr. Brizzie performed his medical school training at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. He was elected president of the Sigma Sigma Phi national honor society at the university, where he participated in multiple community programs, from mentoring students at the John F. Kennedy School to teaching local medical health programs. Dr. Brizzie achieved honor status in multiple courses and rotations during his training program.
He completed his internship at Downey Regional Medical Center, where he received the Outstanding Intern of the Year Award for his performance and leadership. Following the internship, he attended the University of California, Los Angeles/GLAVA residency program in physical medicine and rehabilitation, receiving his board certification. His program focused on sports medicine, pain management, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, as well as joint, bone, ligament, tendon, and muscle conditions. He had the opportunity to train in the world-famous Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills. Dr. Brizzie worked with some of the top orthopedic and spine surgical specialists throughout the Los Angeles area. He had the opportunity to work with and rehabilitate veterans suffering from a variety of combat-related injuries. Dr. Brizzie also served as the physician for the Inglewood High School football team during his residency. His research in residency focused on lumbar spinal stenosis, a condition causing narrowing in the lower spine, and the response to various treatment approaches.
Following residency training, he completed extensive coursework specializing in ultrasound diagnostics and injection guidance through the Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. This tool allows for the immediate, in office, evaluation of a variety of different conditions. Ultrasound evaluation can specifically identify the cause and ensure the best treatment options. It also allows for precise targeting of injection therapies through ultrasound needle guidance to provide the optimum results.
He also developed a strong interest in regenerative medicine and has been working with a variety of cell-based therapies and prolotherapy for the past 15 years. He was one of the first specialists to offer platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapies in San Diego County. His team customizes PRP treatments for each unique case, including platelet concentration and leukocyte cell levels.
Dr. Brizzie has also incorporated Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), a non-surgical/non-injection procedure, into his practice, used to treat a variety of medical conditions. This noninvasive, innovative technology stimulates the body’s own healing response to repair tissue, including bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. There is no lengthy recovery period and virtually no side effects or time off needed from activities/work. This treatment has been very effective for patients and can be combined with PRP, prolotherapy, and other procedures, further improving outcomes.
ABOUT THE DOCTOR
Lawrence Lyons, Ph.D., Psy.D.
Psychologist
Dr. Lyons is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 25 years of experience in clinical, forensic, and medical-legal psychology. He was licensed at the age of 27, making him one of the youngest individuals to obtain a clinical psychology license in the State of California.
Dr. Lyons completed his B.A. degree at St. John’s University in New York in just two and a half years. In 1979, he relocated to San Diego to pursue his dream of a career in surfing. Those plans changed when, at the age of 20, he was accepted into the doctoral program at Alliant University as one of its youngest graduate students. He completed the rigorous Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology and earned his doctorate at the age of 25.
Following graduation, Dr. Lyons was accepted into the U.S. Navy and commissioned as a full Lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps in 1983. He completed his post-doctoral internship at Bethesda Naval Hospital, where he had the opportunity to work closely with a wide range of physicians and surgeons. During one of his clinical rotations, he conducted numerous pre-surgical psychological evaluations and performed a high volume of neuropsychological assessments involving servicemen who had sustained closed-head injuries.
Dr. Lyons subsequently spent two years at the Naval Recruiting Station in San Diego, where he evaluated enlisted personnel for specialized service positions. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1986 and entered private practice, focusing on forensic and medical-legal evaluations. Over the following 12 years, he provided psychological treatment services to injured workers and individuals suffering from chronic pain.
In 2003, Dr. Lyons was selected as one of only two psychologists to work with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and its S.W.A.T. team. In that role, he consulted with hostage negotiators during high-intensity and public crisis situations. At the same time, his private practice continued to focus heavily on psychological evaluations, including pre-employment psychological testing for police officers and fire department candidates.
Dr. Lyons also served as a psychological consultant to several major Las Vegas organizations. At The Venetian, he provided psychological services related to its security operations, while at the MGM Grand, he served as a psychological consultant to the Human Resources Department.
Personal Understanding of Chronic Pain
Dr. Lyons brings a unique perspective to his work with chronic pain patients because of his own personal experience with significant orthopedic and chronic pain conditions.
In September 2019, he underwent a total left hip replacement to address chronic osteoarthritis associated with his long-term jujitsu practice. Following surgery, he elected to minimize his use of pain medication and was able to return to seeing patients within 72 hours of the procedure.
He has also experienced chronic lumbar spine pain associated with three herniated discs, including a 4.5 mm disc herniation at L4-L5. In addition, he has severe arthritis in his right shoulder, as documented by MRI, which has caused significant nerve pain.
Through his own experience and the therapeutic modalities he utilizes, Dr. Lyons has developed a practical understanding of the physical and psychological challenges associated with chronic pain. He strongly advocates for appropriate physical conditioning, rehabilitation, and active participation in recovery as important components of managing chronic pain and improving function.
This combination of extensive clinical experience and personal experience with chronic pain allows Dr. Lyons to connect with his patients on a unique level. He understands the challenges they face and can serve not only as a clinician, but also as a knowledgeable and motivating advocate for rehabilitation, recovery, and a return to productive daily life.
ABOUT THE DOCTORS:
MARK SALT, D.C.
Dr. Mark Salt is the owner and president of Salt Family Chiropractic Inc. and has been proudly serving the San Diego community since 1999. He is on the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Dr. Salt earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer Chiropractic College West in 1993, where he served as Athletic Director in 1992 — reflecting his long-standing passion for sports, performance, and active lifestyles.
Throughout his career, Dr. Salt has remained deeply involved in the profession and local community. He is a past president of the California Chiropractic Association — San Diego District, serving two terms from 2003 to 2005. He was named San Diego Chiropractor of the Year in 2003 and was honored as a 3-time Chiropractor of the Year by the Chula Vista Star-News. He has also served the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce and the Bonita Optimist Club.
Dr. Salt provides individualized care using a variety of proven chiropractic techniques, including Diversified, Flexion/Distraction, Activator Method, and Thompson Drop. He is also certified in Class IV Laser Therapy as part of the clinic’s commitment to offering modern, effective treatment options.
CHRISTIAN SALT, D.C.
Dr. Christian Salt is a licensed Chiropractor, passionate about helping patients move better, recover faster, and perform at their highest level. With a strong focus on sports performance and injury prevention, Dr. Christian blends evidence-based chiropractic care with modern soft tissue therapy and corrective exercise to help patients reach lasting improvement.
His approach combines full spine chiropractic adjustments with specialized techniques including drop table adjustments and instrument-assisted adjusting. Dr. Christian also incorporates myofascial therapy to improve mobility, reduce muscle tension, and support faster recovery.
In addition, Dr. Christian is certified in Class IV laser therapy, an advanced treatment option used to help decrease pain and inflammation while promoting tissue healing. Whether you are an athlete, active professional, or simply looking to feel and function better, Dr. Christian creates personalized care plans designed to match your goals and lifestyle.
ABOUT THE DOCTOR
Brandon P. Hirsch, M.D.
Board Certified Spine Surgeon
Patient-Centered, Minimally Invasive Spine Care: Dr. Hirsch Offers Personalized Treatments and Advanced Techniques for Rapid Recovery
Brandon P. Hirsch, MD is a highly skilled, dual fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon with expertise in the minimally invasive treatment of complex degenerative disorders of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. Dr. Hirsch is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, ensuring the highest standard of care for his patients.
Dr. Hirsch completed two prestigious fellowship programs in orthopedic spine surgery. He trained under world-renowned spine surgeons at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases in Manhattan. At NYU, he specialized in complex spinal reconstruction, treating patients with severe spinal deformities, often requiring revision surgery. At Rush, he trained at the Minimally Invasive Spine Institute, mastering the latest techniques in outpatient spine surgery from pioneers in the field.
Before his fellowship training, Dr. Hirsch completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami Health System. He earned his medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine, graduating with the distinguished Farr Scholar Award for Excellence in Research. His undergraduate education was completed at Emory University, where he graduated summa cum laude.
An active contributor to spine surgery research, Dr. Hirsch has authored multiple peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on topics including spinal alignment, spondylolisthesis, and ambulatory spine surgery. He remains involved in advancing the field as a member of the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (SMISS), International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery (ISASS), and the North American Spine Society (NASS).
ABOUT THE DOCTOR:
John Meisner, D.C. of Back2Play Chiropractic is a Doctor of Chiropractic located in California, providing quality care, treating patients suffering from an array of complex medical conditions due to auto accidents, sports, and work related injuries.
Dr. Meisner is a San Diego State University alumnus, and earned his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – Physical Therapy. While in school, he gained hands-on experience in outpatient orthopedic rehabilitation, shaping his approach to evidence-based chiropractic care.
As a proud Coronado native, he is dedicated to serving his hometown with expert, results-driven treatment.
Dr. John Meisner is committed to helping auto, sports, and work related accident victims. He takes great care in facilitating rehabilitation & restored wellness for the whole family.
ABOUT THE DOCTOR:
Education:
Industrial Disability Evaluator California Chiropractic Foundation 1994
Qualified Medical Evaluator State of California 1994
Board Certified State of California 1992
Fellow International Academy of Clinical Acupuncture 1984
Board Certified, Providence of Ontario, Canada 1979
Honors Graduate Canadian Memorial Chiropractor College 1979
Honors Graduate University of Toronto, B.Sc. IV 1975
Experience:
Clinical Director Premier Treatment and Health Management Center, Inc. San Diego, CA 1994
Inaugural inductee Titleist Performance Institute Hall of Fame 2018
Founding Member, Titleist Performance Institute Advisory Board
Director of Physical Therapy for Canadian Open 1994
Director of Clinical Services Premier Treatment and Health Management Center, Inc. for C.P.G.A. and Canadian Open 1992-93
Consultant, Training Staff for the Toronto Blue Jays 1990-93
Clinical Director and Co-Founder Premier Treatment and Health Management Center, Inc. Toronto, Canada 1989-93
Consultant University of Toronto Wrestling Team 1980-83
Personal Advisor and Physician for world class athletes World figure skating champions, NHL, MLB, and PGA Toronto, Canada 1979-present
Private Practice Toronto, Canada 1979-1993
Consultant, Club Victoria Soccer Club 1979-85
Lectures & Articles:
Way of Wellbeing, curator wellness series at The Grand DelMar 2019
Beyond Performance Summit with Chopra group La Costa Resort 2018
World Golf Fitness Summit, Disney World October 2018
Multiple lectures California Chiropractic Association 2010 to present
Lecturer, World Scientific Congress of Golf 2012
Lecturer, World Golf Fitness Summit 2012
KUSI morning presentations for Way of Wellbeing 2019
Lecturer, Golf Magazine Summit, Top 100 Teaching Professionals Players at Risk 2012
Lecturer, Arnold Schwarzenegger Fitness Symposium Fitness and Injuries in Golf 2011
Lecturer, Parker Seminars Golf Fitness: Use of Jaw Splint Technology and its Affect on Performance 2011
Featured Speaker, Level 2 TPI Seminar SFMA Toronto Canada CMCC 2011
Featured Speaker, Toronto Canada CMCC Level 1 TPI Parker College 2011
Lecturer, San Diego County Superior Court How to Survive the Bench: Cross Training, Ergonomics, and Fitness 2010
Seminar Presentation for Toronto Blue Jays Differential Diagnosis of Disc Injury and Piriformis Syndrome 1993
Feature article, “Today’s Parent” Alternative health care 1993
Featured Speaker at J. MacLoughlin Golf School Vancouver, B.C. 1990
Featured Speaker at PGA Teaching-Coaching Symposium Toronto, Canada 1989
Feature articles, “Score Magazine” Golf-related injuries Toronto, Canada 1983-present
Lecturer Extensive experience teaching micro manipulation technique Various institutions across North America, including Parker Chiropractic Seminars 1980
Additional articles published in: Toronto Star, Globe & Mail, Financial Post, Financial Times, and Weekend Magazine. 1980-present
Media Presentations:
Guest Speaker, “Physical File,” TSN Sport Network Topic: Golf injuries In conjunction with Rick Smith and Grand Cyprus Golf Academy December 1993
Guest Speaker, “Eye on Toronto,” CFTO TV September 1991
Featured interview, CBS (national) Topic: Natural health care 1991
Guest Speaker, “Healthy Living” Topic: Rehabilitation of Personal Injury patients 1991
Infomercial for E.Z. Crunch, CNN 1991
ABOUT THE DOCTOR
Supraja Thota, M.D.
Board Certified Internal Medicine
Dr. Supraja Thota is an experienced internal medicine physician who recently transitioned from her role at UC San Diego to open her own private practice in Mira Mesa, San Diego. With over 11 years of clinical experience, she served as an Attending Physician in the Division of Hospital Medicine at UC San Diego from 2017 to 2024. Dr. Thota also held leadership roles as Chief Medical Resident and Resident Doctor in Internal Medicine at UC San Diego, where she honed her clinical and teaching skills.
Dr. Thota works closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive care for individuals with complex neurological conditions, including TBI. A graduate of Boston University School of Medicine, Dr. Thota completed her medical degree following a Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology from Boston University. Now in private practice, she is dedicated to providing personalized, high-quality care to her patients in the San Diego area, focusing on empowering individuals with comprehensive health management.
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