Nerve blocks, or neural blockades, are procedures that can help prevent or manage many different types of pain. They are often injections of medicines that block pain from specific nerves. They can be used for pain relief as well as total loss of feeling if needed for surgery.

Spinal injections involve injecting an anesthetic and/or an anti-inflammatory medication, such as a steroid (cortisone), near the affected nerve. The needle is placed into the epidural space, which is located just outside of the membrane that protects the spinal cord. The medication reduces the inflammation and lessens or resolves the pain.

Facet joint injections are used to alleviate symptoms of Facet syndrome, one of the leading causes of lower back pain.  This is an outpatient procedure that can typically be done within a 30 minute time period.

Radiofrequency Ablation is a medical procedure in which part of the electrical conduction system of the heart, tumor, or other dysfunctional tissue is removed using the heat generated from a medium radio frequency.  RFA is generally conducted in an outpatient setting.

Disc, or Spinal, Decompression is the relief of pressure on the spinal cord or on one or more compressed nerve roots passing through or exiting the spinal column.  It has a high success rate of providing long-term relief and pain management.

Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure in which a special cement is injected into a fractured vertebra.  A successful procedure will relieve your spinal pain and restore mobility.

EMG (Electromyography) & NCS (Nerve Conduction Studies)

This is a specialized electrical test of your muscles and nerves.  It consists of two parts. First NCS (Nerve Conduction Study) is performed by a technologist using a small electrical impulse to stimulate the nerve and record the response from nerve/ muscle. Then the second part is called EMG or electromyography, which consists of a needle exam (very small, thin needle inserted into your muscles to record electrical activity) performed by the physician. The EMG part is performed in conjunction with NCS and is not always needed. Your physician’s request for the type of the test and your exam determines the need and extent of the testing.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a sample of blood plasma that contains up to eight times the normal amount of platelets. PRP therapy uses injections of a patient’s own platelets to accelerate healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. The platelets contain growth factors that can trigger cell proliferation, speed healing, and stimulate tissue regeneration in the treated area.  PRP can be an effective treatment for arthritis pain, tendon damage, tendonitis, and other muscle injuries.