Sarah Miller, MD

Dr. Sarah Miller, a board-certified physician specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), treats a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, from simple degenerative problems to more complex disorders such as scoliosis and spondylolisthesis. With the ultimate goal of restoring functionality and maximizing each patient’s quality of life, she embraces a conservative, precise and personalized approach, fusing Western medicine with an awareness of Eastern philosophies.

 

Surgery is considered a last option for Dr. Miller, who prides herself on identifying the correct diagnosis and exploring all non-surgical treatment options for patients with neck and back pain.

 

She is well-versed in the use of electromyography studies (EMGs) to diagnose neuropathies (nerve disorders), myopathies (muscle disorders), and radiculopathies (known as "pinched nerves," the most common concern in disorders of the spine). In conjunction with a patient’s clinical history and imaging (X-rays, MRIs), the EMG provides functional, real-time information on the muscles and nerves. This means a more accurate diagnosis, extra targeted treatment and a better prognosis.

 

Committed to forward-thinking medicine, Dr. Miller was also trained in a newer technique called Proliferative Therapy (or “Prolotherapy”), which has been known to alleviate chronic musculoskeletal pain through nonsurgical ligament reconstruction.

 

If surgery is required, she works closely with DISC’s spine surgeons to facilitate smooth transitions and continues to manage and follow up with her patients after their procedures.

 

After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Wesleyan University, Dr. Miller taught Power Yoga in New York City before deciding on a career in medicine. She attended Columbia University’s Postbaccalaureate Premedical Program, and subsequently matriculated to USC’s Keck School of Medicine. Dr. Miller completed her internship at Harbor-UCLA and was Chief Resident as a senior in her PM&R residency at the UCLA/VA Multicampus program.

 

Dr. Miller, who has practiced Hatha yoga for the past 15 years, spent time observing acupuncture with physicians at UCLA’s Center for East-West Medicine, studied nutrition with Dr. David Heber at UCLA’s Center for Human Nutrition, and became a certified spinning® instructor—all of which round out her unique holistic awareness.

 

An adventure enthusiast who has scaled Africa’s Mt. Kilimanjaro, she is grateful to work within the multidisciplinary paradigm of DISC, which shares her thoughtful and comprehensive approach to sports medicine and spinal disorders.