Skip to Main Content

Nu Cindy Chai

MD

Pain medicine physician and neurologist

Dr. Nu Chai, who goes by Cindy, is a neurologist and pain medicine physician who cares for patients with chronic pain conditions. She has a special interest in treating pain resulting from problems with the nervous system.

Chai cares for patients who have neck and back pain, sciatica, disc herniations, headaches and many other conditions. She works closely with a team of specialists to recommend medications, physical therapy, psychological therapy and other complementary treatments. She provides a full range of interventional treatments, including epidural injections, joint injections, placement of neuromodulation devices (which send electric signals to control pain), nerve blocks (injecting an anesthetic to disrupt pain signals) and Botox injections.

Chai has published numerous papers related to neuropathic pain, migraine and other headache conditions. Her current research focuses on finding new treatments for neuropathic pain conditions, such as lumbar radiculopathy (often called sciatica) and post-herpetic neuralgia (lasting pain that can follow a shingles outbreak).

After earning her medical degree at Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Chai completed a residency in neurology at the Johns Hopkins Medical Center. She then completed a fellowship in pain management at UCSF. She is a member of the American Academy of Neurology, American Pain Society and North American Neuromodulation Society.

  • Education

    Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, 2010

  • Residencies

    Johns Hopkins Medicine, Neurology, 2014

  • Fellowships

    UCSF, Pain Management, 2015

  • Board Certifications

    Pain Medicine, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

    Neurology, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

  • Academic Title

    Associate Professor

Pain is a sensation and an experience, impacting many aspects of life. Managing pain requires the coordinated participation of the patient and many providers.

Where I see patients (3)

    My reviews

    4.8

    Overall Experience
    245 Ratings
    About our process
    Sep 21, 2024
    Dr. Chai is like an angel. She is so calm and reassuring and I totally trust her.
    Sep 20, 2024
    I was so appreciative of the thoroughness of my visit and the compassion and concern expressed by the entire team.
    Sep 14, 2024
    Doctor made sure to let me know that if I am uncomfortable with what is happening at any point, that they can stop right away.
    Sep 13, 2024
    Excellent dr. Well, he worries that my health exceeded the highest percentage in a positive way.
    Aug 01, 2024
    Excellent care!
    May 09, 2024
    Excellent care combined with diagnostic genius by Dr. Chai has been a huge gift as I now am improving under her care.
    May 09, 2024
    Very good bedside manner and very thorough
    May 09, 2024
    Wonderful experience
    May 07, 2024
    ,very good doctor.
    May 02, 2024
    Dr. Chai and Dr. Charles both are AMAZING in their practice and people skills. One of my best visits yet! Injections went so smoothly and was carefully executed. Thank you both!
    Apr 30, 2024
    Dr. Chai is an extremely knowledgeable and compassionate doctor. She took the time to listen to my questions and clearly explain the answers. She also explained additional treatment options and detailed mechanism of action and any associated risks. I have complete trust in Dr. Chai.
    Apr 18, 2024
    Very appreciative for Dr Chai, Dr Smother's, & other Drtheir presence, their care & conern!!!!
    Apr 04, 2024
    Excellent care
    Mar 20, 2024
    My treatment and my health have improved by 40% in the last 7 years of control. "Thank you."
    Mar 14, 2024
    Doctor is always so knowledgeable
    Mar 06, 2024
    I wish I could give a higher score. I have never been treated so well during this 8 1/2 years that I have been in pain. No one has ever show me such patience and care.
    Jan 06, 2024
    Dr Chai invited 3 other doctors in the room. All of these doctors so kind & listened. They were all such a blessingstrying to help me.
    Jan 05, 2024
    She patiently explained the procedures and the required follow upsTreatments helped the issues tremendously
    Jan 03, 2024
    Both doctors were helpful and allowed me time to expand
    Dec 08, 2023
    Excellent!
    Nov 25, 2023
    Excellent
    Nov 10, 2023
    Very helpful!!
    Oct 26, 2023
    I would definitely agree this care provider showed concern for my pain and suffering. I think I was pretty clear regarding the steps l need to follow in order to recover. Didn't quite like the idea of a md student sitting In on the meeting I don't feel comfortable.
    Oct 15, 2023
    Dr. Chai I S very competent and caring.
    Oct 01, 2023
    Again, the care of the staff and providers were excellent - above and beyond! I never felt rushed, and all of my questions were listened to and answered.
    Sep 26, 2023
    Dr. Chai is a great Doctor!
    Sep 17, 2023
    After having my procedure rejected by Medicare, Dr. Chai worked so hard to gain their approval. She spent time at our last appointment, thoroughly and carefully going through all the details of my chronic pain. She was able to persuade Medicare to approve procedures going forward. I could not be more pleased, as my options were down to taking opiates again. Thank you Dr. Chai and UCSF!!
    Sep 14, 2023
    Dr. Nu Cindy Chai is a fantastic Physician.
    Aug 31, 2023
    Everything about my visit was excellent.
    Aug 31, 2023
    Dr. Chai is the best! She's been a strong advocate for my condition and treatment.
    Aug 15, 2023
    Like I said before, I think Dr. Chi is excellent in listening to me and providing me with a solution.
    Aug 07, 2023
    Waiting for follow up information, hoping to hear back this week.
    Aug 03, 2023
    Dr Chai I totally trust. This medical journey I've been on for 16 months has been tough. I believe Dr Chai just might have FIXED the problem. I am so thankful!!!!
    Jul 25, 2023
    I have been seeing Dr. Chai for a while now and she is always attentive to my needs and open to trying new things and taking my feedback based on my experiences. I really appreciate it.
    Jul 06, 2023
    Superb team. Expert and friendly. Also very accommodating as I had a special need related to the procedure.
    Jun 12, 2023
    My care was excellent! My provider listened to my questions and provided information to better educate me. We problem solved together. I felt cared for and best of all, I was part of the decision making regarding my care.
    Jun 08, 2023
    Dr Chai and her resident are always very attentive and listen with the utmost patience
    Jun 02, 2023
    I have been in severe chronic pain for over 20 years. I got a 2 minute physical exam. Pushed on my SI joint and then decided it wasn't my si joint.
    May 26, 2023
    A lot of confusing instructions for X-RAYS and other possible treatments.
    May 03, 2023
    Excellent experience.
    Apr 26, 2023
    Dr. Chai is one of the best physicians I have ever had.
    Apr 20, 2023
    This is a disappointing experience. Whatever "procedure" done in the examining room (not an OR) was like useless, non-existent. I had no improvement, no change. It was like "the Emperor's new clothes"..
    Apr 07, 2023
    Dr. Chai is a lovely person, and an Outstanding Physician, who has always gone above in her efforts to make me better, in my complex case. I've known many doctors and she, Dr. Chai is one of three, who has always given me their best efforts. I thank her often.
    Mar 16, 2023
    Very kind and most knowledgeable physician. With much gratitude.
    Mar 10, 2023
    Excellent professional-I immediately felt confidence in.
    Mar 01, 2023
    Dr chui excellent
    Feb 25, 2023
    Dr. Chai is wonderful
    Feb 12, 2023
    Dr. Chu is very nice to deal with. She tries to explain and answer all my questions. She is very receptive to my concerns.I would just prefer that when I do my injections in her office that she does it herself than other medical training. I understand that she's in the room but I would appreciate it if she would do it herself. More personal treatment.
    Jan 06, 2023
    It was essential that it was in person.
    Dec 09, 2022
    Dr. Chai is an excellent physician. I feel very fortunate to be working with her.
    Dec 06, 2022
    She seems extremely rushed / hurried, the appointment lasted like less than 10 minutes. Not really seeming like she was actually listening to my needs.
    Nov 23, 2022
    Need to learn more about the solutions to my pain before answering last question.
    Nov 21, 2022
    Dr Chai rocks!

    Share