Treatments
Trigger point injections (TPI)
A medical treatment used to relieve pain associated with trigger points, which are sensitive, tight knots of muscle that can form after injury or overuse. These trigger points can cause local pain or referred pain (pain felt in a different part of the body).
The procedure involves injecting a small amount of anesthetic (such as lidocaine), sometimes with a corticosteroid, directly into the trigger point. The goal is to relax the muscle, alleviate pain, and improve range of motion. In some cases, a saline solution or dry needling (using a needle without injecting medication) may be used.
Soft Tissue and Bursa injections
A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones, tendons, muscles, and skin, helping to reduce friction and facilitate smooth movement at joints. They are typically found in areas of the body that experience a lot of movement, such as the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. Inflammation of a bursa is known as bursitis, which can cause pain and restricted movement.
Platelet Rich Plasma Injections (PRP)
• The PRP is injected into the injured area, such as tendons, ligaments, muscles, or joints, where it can help accelerate healing by promoting the body’s natural repair processes.
• It’s commonly used in sports injuries, osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and post-surgical healing.
Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI)
Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections, Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injections, Lumbar Epidural Steroid injection, Caudal Epidural Injection
An epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a procedure in which corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory medications) are injected into the epidural space of the spine. This space surrounds the spinal cord and the nerves that branch out from it. The goal of the injection is to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, particularly pain caused by conditions affecting the spine.
Occipital Nerve Block
An occipital nerve block is a procedure used to relieve pain stemming from the occipital nerves, which are located at the back of the head and can cause headaches or neck pain when irritated or inflamed. This type of block involves injecting a local anesthetic, sometimes combined with a corticosteroid, around the occipital nerves to reduce pain and inflammation.
Intercostal Nerve Blocks
An intercostal nerve block is a medical procedure used to alleviate pain in the chest or upper abdominal area by targeting the intercostal nerves. These nerves run along the lower edge of each rib and can become irritated or damaged due to various conditions or injuries, leading to significant pain. The block involves injecting a local anesthetic, often with a corticosteroid, around the affected intercostal nerve to reduce pain and inflammation.
Caudal Steroid Injections
A caudal epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a medical procedure used to relieve pain in the lower back and legs. In this procedure, a steroid medication is injected into the epidural space near the tailbone (caudal region) to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, often related to conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis. The goal is to provide relief from pain and improve mobility. It's typically performed under fluoroscopic guidance to ensure accurate placement.
Sacroiliac Joint Injections
Sacroiliac joint injections involve injecting a mixture of anesthetic and corticosteroids directly into the SI joint. This procedure is typically performed under fluoroscopic guidance to ensure accurate placement. The anesthetic provides immediate pain relief, while the corticosteroid helps reduce inflammation over time.
Lumbar Sympathetic Block
A lumbar sympathetic block is primarily used to manage pain associated with conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), neuropathic pain, and chronic lower back pain. It targets the sympathetic nervous system, which can contribute to pain and discomfort.
Stellate Ganglion Sympathetic Block
Stellate ganglion blocks (SGB) are medical procedures used primarily for pain management and diagnostic purposes.
The stellate ganglion is a collection of nerves located in the neck, formed by the fusion of the inferior cervical and first thoracic ganglia. It plays a crucial role in the sympathetic nervous system, influencing various bodily functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow.
Joint Injections
Joint injections are commonly used to treat pain and inflammation in various joints, such as the knees, hips, shoulders, and elbows. Conditions often treated with joint injections include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, and other inflammatory joint diseases.
Superior Hypogastric Plexus Block
The superior hypogastric plexus block is primarily used to manage pain related to conditions such as chronic pelvic pain, pelvic cancer, endometriosis, and pelvic floor disorders. It targets the nerve network responsible for sensation in the lower abdomen and pelvic region.
Facet Medial Branch Blocks
Facet medial branch blocks are commonly used to diagnose and treat pain originating from the facet joints in the spine. These joints can become a source of pain due to conditions such as osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or injuries. Patients often experience localized pain in the back, and neck, or radiating pain to the arms or legs.
Radiofrequency Ablation (Neurotomy)
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), also known as neurotomy, is commonly used to treat chronic pain conditions such as facet joint pain, arthritis, and nerve pain (neuropathic pain). It’s particularly beneficial for patients who have not found relief from other treatments, such as medications or injections.
Selective Nerve Root Blocks
Selective nerve root blocks (SNRBs) are primarily used to diagnose and treat pain associated with conditions affecting the spinal nerves, such as herniated discs, radiculopathy (nerve root irritation), and spinal stenosis. These conditions often lead to pain, weakness, or numbness radiating down the arms or legs.
Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block
A sphenopalatine ganglion block is primarily used to treat chronic headaches, including migraines and cluster headaches, as well as facial pain and conditions like trigeminal neuralgia. The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) is a collection of nerve cells located behind the nose, which plays a key role in pain transmission in the head and face.
Celiac Plexus Block
A celiac plexus block is primarily used to manage abdominal pain associated with conditions such as pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis, and other malignancies affecting the abdominal organs. It targets the celiac plexus, a network of nerves that supplies sensation to the abdominal organs.
Genicular Nerve Block
A genicular nerve block is primarily used to manage knee pain, especially in conditions such as osteoarthritis, post-surgical pain, and other forms of knee joint pain. It targets the genicular nerves, which are sensory nerves that supply the knee joint.
Radiofrequency Ablation of Genicular Nerves
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the genicular nerves is primarily used to manage chronic knee pain, particularly due to conditions such as osteoarthritis, post-operative pain, or other degenerative joint diseases. This procedure can provide significant relief for individuals who have not found adequate relief from conservative treatments.
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Spinal cord stimulation is primarily used to manage chronic pain conditions, particularly in cases of failed back surgery syndrome, neuropathic pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and certain types of limb pain. It may also be indicated for conditions such as fibromyalgia or persistent pain after injury.
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)
Peripheral nerve stimulation is primarily used to treat chronic pain conditions, including neuropathic pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), post-surgical pain, and certain types of headache disorders. It may also be helpful for conditions like fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathy.
Intracept Procedure
The Intracept procedure is primarily used to treat chronic lower back pain originating from the vertebral endplates, specifically targeting pain from the basivertebral nerve. Conditions often associated with this type of pain include degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, and other spinal disorders.
Vertiflex Procedure
The Vertiflex procedure is primarily used to treat lumbar spinal stenosis, a condition characterized by narrowing of the spinal canal that can cause back pain, leg pain, and neurological symptoms. This condition often results from age-related changes in the spine, such as degeneration of the discs and joints.
Spinal Simplicity Procedure
The Spinal Simplicity procedure is designed to treat chronic lower back pain, particularly in patients suffering from conditions such as lumbar spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and other related spinal disorders. It is aimed at individuals who may not be suitable candidates for more invasive surgical options.