What We Do

Cervical steroid injections are a medical procedure used to treat pain and inflammation in the neck, specifically in the cervical spine. The cervical spine refers to the seven vertebrae that make up the neck. These injections involve the delivery of a corticosteroid medication into the space around the spinal cord and the nerves in the cervical region. Typically, a local anesthetic is also included in the injection to provide immediate pain relief. The corticosteroid medication has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce swelling and irritation of the nerves, discs, and surrounding tissues in the cervical spine. This can alleviate pain caused by various conditions including:

Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure used to provide longer-term pain relief for chronic knee pain caused by osteoarthritis or surgery. This can be used to control knee pain when someone is not a candidate for total knee arthroplasty. Genicular nerves are sensory nerves that innervate the knee joint. RFA uses radiofrequency energy to heat and disrupt the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals. A specialized needle and electrode are inserted near the target nerves, and then radiofrequency energy is applied to generate heat and ablate the nerves. Patients can expect six months to six years of pain relief depending on the severity of the condition.

Lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections are minimally invasive procedures used to relieve pain and inflammation in the lower back caused by conditions that affect the spinal nerve roots. A combination of local anesthetic and corticosteroid medication is injected. The local anesthetic provides immediate pain relief, while the corticosteroid aims to reduce inflammation and decrease nerve irritation over a more extended period. The corticosteroid medication helps reduce inflammation and suppresses the immune response, alleviating inflammation and subsequent pain.

During an RFA procedure, a specialized needle and electrode are inserted near the affected nerve under the guidance of imaging techniques like fluoroscopy or ultrasound. The electrode emits a high-frequency current that generates heat. This heat creates a lesion and ablates the target nerve disrupting the transmission of pain signals. The pain relief achieved with RFA can be long-lasting, often ranging from several months to several years. This procedure has transformed spine care and can provide relief without the need for surgery.

Long COVID:

Long COVID refers to a range of persistent symptoms that some individuals experience after recovering from an acute COVID-19 infection. These symptoms can include fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, and various neurological and autonomic dysfunctions. While the underlying cause of long COVID are still not fully understood, research suggests that dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a role. The stellate ganglion is part of the ANS and by blocking the ganglion the procedure helps regulate the uncontrolled autonomic activity and alleviates the symptoms associated with long COVID.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS):

Stellate ganglion blocks are used to treat individuals with CRPS, a chronic condition characterized by severe pain, swelling, and changes in skin color and temperature. This block interrupts the abnormal sympathetic nerve activity associated with CRPS and provides pain relief.

Sympathetically Maintained Pain:

Stellate ganglion blocks can be used to manage pain originating from sympathetic nerves, Examples include pain caused by nerve injuries, phantom limb pain, and postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain after shingles).

Vascular conditions:

Stellate ganglion blocks can be utilized in the treatment of certain vascular conditions like vascular insufficiency, thoracic outlet syndrome, acute frostbite, etc. It can also be useful for the treatment of Raynaud’s disease, which causes narrowing of blood vessels in response to cold temperatures or stress. By blocking sympathetic nerve activity, blood flow to the affected area can be improved.

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis):

Stellate ganglion blocks have been used to treat excessive sweating in the upper extremities by inhibiting the sympathetic nerves responsible for regulating sweat production.

Trigger point injections are a medical procedure used to alleviate pain and muscle tension associated with trigger pints. Trigger points are specific areas of muscle that can become tight, tender, and painful. They often develop as a result of muscle overuse, injury, or stress. The injection aims to relieve pain and promote muscle relaxation by inactivating the trigger point and reducing inflammation. These injections can be beneficial for various conditions including muscle pain and tension (often in throughout the back), fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Lumbar Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injections are designed to provide relief from lower back pain and associated leg pain caused by conditions such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis. During the procedure, a corticosteroid medication is delivered directly into the epidural space in the lumbar spine, reducing inflammation and alleviating pain. This minimally invasive treatment can help improve mobility and quality of life by addressing the root causes of pain and discomfort in the lower back.

Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar: Medial Branch Blocks target pain relief in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine by injecting a local anesthetic or corticosteroid near the medial branch nerves that supply the facet joints. This procedure helps diagnose and treat pain originating from the facet joints, often caused by arthritis or injury. By blocking nerve signals, it provides temporary relief, allowing us to better understand the source of pain and tailor a comprehensive treatment plan to enhance your comfort and mobility.

Sacroiliac Joint Steroid Injections are designed to alleviate pain and inflammation in the sacroiliac (SI) joint, which connects the lower spine to the pelvis. This procedure involves injecting a corticosteroid directly into the SI joint to reduce inflammation and provide relief from discomfort often caused by conditions like arthritis or injury.

Caudal Epidural Steroid Injections are designed to relieve pain and inflammation in the lower back and legs. This procedure involves injecting a corticosteroid into the caudal epidural space at the base of the spine. By targeting the area where nerves exit the spinal canal, this injection can help reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve mobility. It is commonly used to address conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.

Intraarticular Facet Joint Injections target pain and inflammation within the facet joints of the spine. This procedure involves injecting a combination of corticosteroid and local anesthetic directly into the facet joint to provide relief from pain, stiffness, and swelling. It is particularly effective for treating conditions such as facet joint arthritis or facet syndrome, which can cause localized back pain and discomfort. By targeting the source of the pain, this injection helps improve joint function and ease symptoms.

Greater, Lesser, and Third Occipital Nerve Blocks are designed to provide relief from headache and neck pain by targeting specific nerves at the back of the head. These injections deliver a combination of anesthetic and corticosteroid to the greater occipital nerve, lesser occipital nerve, or third occipital nerve to alleviate pain associated with conditions such as migraines, cluster headaches, and occipital neuralgia.

Bertolotti Joint Injections are designed to relieve pain and inflammation associated with the Bertolotti’s syndrome, a condition where there is an extra joint or fusion between the lumbar spine and the sacrum. This injection targets the Bertolotti joint with a combination of corticosteroid and local anesthetic to reduce pain, improve mobility, and address symptoms such as lower back pain or sciatica.

Peripheral Nerve Entrapment Hydrodissection targets pain and discomfort caused by nerve entrapments in various parts of the body. This procedure involves injecting fluid around the affected nerve to gently separate it from surrounding tissues and reduce compression. It is particularly effective for treating conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and other forms of nerve entrapment. By relieving the pressure on the nerve, hydrodissection aims to alleviate pain, improve function, and restore normal nerve activity.

Comprehensive Intraarticular Joint Injections are designed to address pain and inflammation within specific joints throughout the body. This procedure involves injecting a combination of corticosteroid and local anesthetic directly into the joint space to reduce swelling and relieve pain. It is particularly effective for treating conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, and joint injuries. By targeting the affected joint, this injection aims to improve mobility, reduce discomfort, and support overall joint health.

Cervical and Lumbar Selective Nerve Root Injections are aimed at diagnosing and alleviating pain originating from the nerve roots in the neck and lower back. This procedure involves injecting a combination of anesthetic and corticosteroid around specific nerve roots to reduce inflammation and block pain signals. It is particularly effective for conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and radiculopathy. By pinpointing the exact nerve root responsible for your symptoms, these injections help diagnose the source of your pain and guide further treatment.

Celiac Plexus Blocks are a minimally invasive procedure designed to manage severe abdominal pain, especially from pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis. This treatment involves injecting medication into the celiac plexus—a bundle of nerves in the upper abdomen responsible for transmitting pain signals to the brain. By targeting these nerves, the block helps reduce pain and improve comfort for those suffering from chronic abdominal pain.

Hypogastric Plexus Blocks are a minimally invasive procedure aimed at managing chronic pelvic pain. By injecting medication into the hypogastric plexus—a network of nerves in the lower abdomen responsible for transmitting pain signals—this treatment helps alleviate discomfort from conditions like endometriosis or post-surgical pain.

Diagnostic Hip Injections and Radiofrequency Ablation are advanced, minimally invasive procedures designed to manage hip pain effectively. The diagnostic hip injection involves assessing the source of discomfort in the hip area, providing precise insights into underlying issues. Following diagnosis, Radiofrequency Ablation targets specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals. Using radiofrequency on these nerves, this treatment helps disrupt pain signals, offering significant relief from conditions such as arthritis or chronic hip pain. This approach improves comfort and mobility for those suffering from persistent hip discomfort.

Chronic pelvic pain encompasses persistent pain lasting for at least three months and localized in the pelvic region. This condition can be caused by various factors such as pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, or pelvic floor dysfunction. Symptoms may include dull aching, sharp or stabbing pain, discomfort during intercourse, and urinary or bowel dysfunction.

Post-spine surgery syndrome refers to persistent pain and discomfort following spinal surgery. This syndrome can manifest as localized pain around the surgical site, radiating pain, or nerve-related symptoms such as tingling or numbness. It may result from scar tissue formation, nerve damage, or incomplete healing processes.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition characterized by severe and disproportionate pain typically affecting an arm or leg. CRPS involves abnormalities in the peripheral and central nervous systems and may or may not be associated with injury or trauma. Symptoms include constant, intense pain, swelling, changes in skin color or temperature, and impaired motor function.

Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a complex condition where individuals experience sensations of pain in a limb that has been amputated. This condition varies in intensity and character, often described as stabbing, shooting, or burning. Effective management starts with a thorough assessment by a pain specialist to tailor treatment to the patient's specific symptoms and medical history.

Lumbar radiculopathy refers to pain that radiates from the lower back down one or both legs. It stems from compression or irritation of spinal nerve roots in the lumbar spine, often due to conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease. Symptoms include sharp or shooting pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the legs.

Cervical radiculopathy refers to pain that radiates from the neck down into the shoulder, arm, and sometimes into the hand. It occurs due to compression or irritation of nerve roots in the cervical spine (neck region), often caused by conditions such as herniated discs, cervical spondylosis (degenerative changes in the spine), or spinal stenosis. Symptoms include sharp or electric-like pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected arm or hand.

Spinal stenosis refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal that can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected area. This condition commonly occurs in the neck (cervical spine) or lower back (lumbar spine) due to degenerative changes like bone spurs or thickened ligaments.

Neurogenic claudication is a condition often associated with spinal stenosis, where the narrowing of the spinal canal compresses nerves in the lower back. This compression can lead to symptoms like pain, cramping, or weakness in the legs, which typically worsens with standing or walking and improves with sitting or bending forward.

Chronic low back pain is a persistent discomfort or ache in the lower back that lasts for more than three months. It can result from various factors, including muscle strain, herniated discs, arthritis, or underlying conditions like osteoporosis. This type of pain can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.

Facet arthropathy is a condition characterized by the degeneration of the facet joints in the spine, which are small joints that help stabilize and allow movement between vertebrae. This degeneration can lead to pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the affected area. Facet arthropathy is commonly associated with aging and repetitive stress or trauma to the spine.

Sympathetically mediated pain is a chronic pain condition resulting from dysfunction in the sympathetic nervous system, which regulates involuntary bodily functions like blood flow and sweating. This type of pain often arises from conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). In these cases, pain can be persistent and out of proportion to any visible injury or inflammation, as the sympathetic nervous system becomes abnormally activated or sensitized. The experience of pain may include symptoms like swelling, temperature changes, and hypersensitivity in the affected area.

Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions and reduces friction between bones, tendons, and muscles around a joint. This condition typically causes pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area, commonly impacting joints like the shoulder, elbow, or hip. Bursitis often results from repetitive motion, prolonged pressure, or injury.