Services

New Patient Evaluation
New patients to the practice undergo a comprehensive pain evaluation including review of previous care, diagnostic imaging and lab studies, careful evaluation of past medical history, and a physical examination. Following the initial evaluation a care plan is developed specifically for the patient which may include a variety of interventional procedures, medication management, physical therapy, or referral for other appropriate specialty care.

Trigger Point Injections
Trigger point injections are done primarily to treat pain related to muscle spasm. Local anesthetic and in some cases cortisone is injected into the painful muscle to relax it. These injections can provide long lasting pain relief in many types of myofascial pain.

Epidural Injections
Epidural steroid injections are designed to reduce or eliminate pain related to irritation or compression of spinal nerves, for example sciatica. These procedures can be done in the office under fluoroscopic guidance and involve injecting a long acting cortisone solution into the region of the irritated nerve.

Facet Joint Injections
The facet joints in the spine can become arthritic either due to aging or trauma. Arthritis in the facet joints can produce localized back or neck pain. Injecting these joints with cortisone can produce excellent pain relief. These injections can be performed in the office under fluoroscopic guidance.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Nerve Blocks
Specific nerve blocks can be done to diagnose, and sometimes treat certain chronic pain problems such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (or RSD), certain types of headaches, back pain, to name a few. The type and location of the nerve block is dependent of the pain problem being treated. Most of these blocks can be done in the office.

Radiofrequency Procedures
A special radiofrequency generator and probe is available to provide long lasting relief in certain chronic pain conditions. The radiofrequency generator produces heat which knocks out specific nerves that are responsible for maintaining pain. These procedures can be performed in the office with fluoroscopic guidance.

Spinal Cord Stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation is a very effective therapy for controlling pain related to nerve damage. Stimulating electrodes are placed next to the spinal cord and are attached to a pacemaker like device which can be implanted under the skin. The spinal cord is then stimulated with small electrical impulses which substitute a pleasant sensation for the pain the patient usually experiences. Spinal cord stimulation can be effective for failed low back syndrome, complex regional pain syndromes, peripheral neuropathy, and a variety of other pain states related to nerve damage. Trials of spinal cord stimulation can be done in the office.

Discography and Other Intradiscal Procedures
Minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for pain generated by the spinal discs are available.