What should I expect during my first visit?

During your first visit, you will undergo a thorough evaluation including a medical history review, physical exam, review of tests and imaging, prior records, to create a personalized treatment plan.

Do I need a referral to see a pain management specialist?

In most cases, a referral from your primary care physician or specialist is required. Please check with your insurance provider for specific requirements.

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can schedule an appointment by calling the clinic directly or by visiting the website and sending a message.

How long do appointments usually last?

Initial consultations may take up to 30–45 minutes, follow-ups 15–20 minutes, and procedural appointments vary depending on the treatment.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Bring a valid ID, insurance card, any relevant medical records, and a list of medications you’re currently taking.

What is pain management and how does it help with chronic pain?

Pain management focuses on reducing chronic pain and improving quality of life through a combination of treatments tailored to each patient’s condition.

How long does it take for pain management treatments to work?

The timeline varies; some patients experience relief within days while others need multiple sessions before improvement is felt.

Are the treatments covered by insurance?

Most pain management treatments are covered by insurance, but coverage varies. Contact your insurance provider for specifics.

Are there alternatives to opioid medications?

Yes, a variety of non‑opioid treatment options are offered to help manage acute and chronic pain without relying on opioids.

What is MLS Laser Therapy?

MLS Laser Therapy uses two synchronized wavelengths of laser light—one to reduce inflammation and the other for pain relief—to promote healing.

Is MLS Laser Therapy painful?

No, it’s considered painless; patients usually feel a mild, soothing warmth during the session.

How long does an MLS Laser Therapy session last?

Each session typically lasts 10 to 20 minutes depending on the area and condition being treated.

Are there any side effects of MLS Laser Therapy?

MLS Laser Therapy is FDA‑cleared and considered safe with no known serious side effects; some patients may experience temporary discomfort.

Epidural Injection

Epidural Steroid Injections

An epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a common medical procedure used to treat various conditions that cause pain, particularly in the back, neck, arms, and legs. It is often recommended for patients suffering from conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, or other forms of radicular pain. The procedure involves the injection of a corticosteroid into the epidural space of the spine, which is the area surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots. To ensure precision and safety, the procedure is often performed under fluoroscopic guidance, a form of real-time X-ray imaging that helps guide the injection to the exact location of the problem.

An epidural steroid injection is performed to reduce inflammation and relieve pain caused by nerve compression or irritation. The corticosteroid medication used in the injection has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce swelling and irritation around the spinal nerves. This reduction in inflammation can provide significant relief from pain, allowing patients to regain mobility and improve their quality of life.

Conditions that may be treated with an epidural steroid injection include:

Herniated or Bulging Discs: A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes out and presses on surrounding nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness, typically in the back, buttocks, or legs (sciatica).
Spinal Stenosis: This condition refers to the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling in the back and legs.
Degenerative Disc Disease: As discs between the vertebrae wear down over time, it can lead to nerve compression and chronic pain.
Radiculopathy: This is a condition in which a nerve in the spine becomes irritated or compressed, often causing pain that radiates from the back to the limbs.
Facet Joint Arthritis: The facet joints of the spine can become arthritic and inflamed, causing localized back pain.

While the goal of an epidural steroid injection is primarily to alleviate pain, it can also allow for better participation in physical therapy or other rehabilitation efforts that may improve the long-term management of spinal conditions.

The procedure is typically done in a hospital or outpatient clinic, under the supervision of a skilled physician, often a pain management. The procedure is minimally invasive and usually takes 5-10 minutes to complete.
Before the procedure, the patient will be positioned on an examination table, usually lying face down. In some cases, the patient may be asked to lie on their side, depending on the location of the pain and the type of injection.

Rhe procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, so the patient remains awake but relaxed. The area of the spine where the injection will be given is cleaned with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection.

Fluoroscopy is used to guide the needle precisely to the epidural space. Fluoroscopy is a type of continuous X-ray imaging that allows the physician to visualize the spinal anatomy in real time, ensuring the needle is correctly positioned. The physician uses a fluoroscope, a special X-ray machine, to monitor the progress of the needle as it is inserted into the spine.

After the needle is positioned, the physician injects a mixture of a local anesthetic (to numb the area) and a corticosteroid (to reduce inflammation). Prior to injecting the steroid, contrast dye may be used which allows for better visualization under fluoroscopy. The entire procedure is performed with careful attention to avoid damaging nearby nerves or structures.
Once the injection is complete, the needle is withdrawn, and the patient is monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate complications, such as an allergic reaction or bleeding. In some cases, patients may feel an immediate improvement in pain, while in others, it may take a few days for the full effects to be felt.

While epidural steroid injections are generally considered safe, like any medical procedure, they carry some risks. The risks are relatively low when performed by a trained and experienced physician, particularly under fluoroscopic guidance, but it is important for patients to be aware of potential complications.

After the injection, some patients may experience temporary soreness or discomfort at the injection site, headaches, or dizziness. These effects are usually short-lived and resolve within a few days.
The primary benefit of an epidural steroid injection is the relief of pain, particularly for conditions involving nerve compression. For many patients, the procedure provides significant pain relief, allowing them to resume normal activities, engage in physical therapy, and improve their overall function. The benefits of an epidural steroid injection include:

Pain Relief: Reduction of inflammation around the affected nerve root leads to pain relief, which may last for several weeks to several months.
Improved Mobility: With pain relief, patients may be able to move more freely, increasing their ability to perform daily activities and engage in exercise.
Reduced Need for Oral Medications: For patients who are taking pain medications, an ESI may reduce the need for oral medications, which can have side effects when used long-term.
Minimally Invasive: The procedure is minimally invasive, involves only small incisions, and generally requires little downtime.

An epidural steroid injection under fluoroscopic guidance is a highly effective procedure for managing certain types of back and leg pain caused by conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and radiculopathy. While the procedure is generally safe and well-tolerated, it is important for patients to understand the potential risks and benefits. When performed by a skilled physician and combined with appropriate rehabilitation, an epidural steroid injection can offer substantial pain relief and improve a patient’s quality of life, helping them return to their normal activities and regain function.