This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The questions featured reflect real patient inquiries; answers are intended to be educational. We always recommend a thorough evaluation with one of our licensed professionals to ensure you receive the appropriate care for your individual needs. YOU CAN REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT HERE.
Your Pain Management Questions, Answered.
Radiofrequency Ablation
“My first radiofrequency ablation for chronic lower back pain didn’t work. Does it make sense to have another one?”
If your first radiofrequency ablation (RFA) did not provide meaningful relief, simply repeating the same procedure is unlikely to produce a different outcome. Chronic lower back pain is often multifactorial — meaning several structures can be contributing to your symptoms simultaneously, and RFA targets only one specific pain pathway.
Rather than defaulting to a repeat procedure, the most effective next step is a fresh, comprehensive evaluation to identify what is actually driving your pain. Depending on what that assessment reveals, alternative treatment pathways may include (but not limited to):
- Trigger point injections — to address muscular pain sources that RFA does not target
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint intervention — if the SI joint is contributing to lower back or buttock pain
- Epidural steroid injections — delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area
- Regenerative treatments (PRP) — aims to heal damaged tissue rather than simply suppress symptoms
- Stem cell treatments — similar to PRP, extracting your own body’s stem cells can be used to provide targeted relief
- Spinal cord stimulation — a powerful option for persistent, complex lower back pain that has not responded to other treatments
- A full pain reassessment — to map the specific structures generating your symptoms and determine the most precise treatment plan
If RFA did not work, the key is understanding why — not repeating an approach without that information. We encourage you to schedule an evaluation so we can dig deeper and find the approach that is right for your specific pain.
Epidural Steroid Injection
“I’m scheduled for a lumbar epidural steroid injection at L4-L5. I have buttock pain, sciatica, and tingling in the bottom of my foot. Will it help, and how long will relief last?“
The symptoms you describe — deep buttock pain, radiating nerve discomfort, and tingling in the sole of your foot — represent a classic pattern of lumbar radiculopathy, which occurs when a nerve root in the lower spine becomes compressed or irritated. A lumbar epidural steroid injection (ESI) delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space surrounding the affected nerve roots, targeting the exact source of your symptoms.
For patients with similar symptoms, ESI has a strong track record — and many of our patients report meaningful pain relief following an injection.
How long does relief last? Relief typically begins within 3–7 days as the corticosteroid reduces nerve inflammation. Duration varies by individual:
- Some patients experience relief lasting several weeks to a few months
- Others achieve longer-term improvement of 6 months or more, especially when combined with physical therapy
- If your first injection provides partial relief, a second injection is often recommended
Long-standing symptoms do not diminish the likelihood of a meaningful response. Our care team will monitor your progress and discuss next steps based on how you respond. We look forward to helping you with your treatment.
Long-Term Pain Relief
“I injured my lower back from heavy lifting at work, and the pain keeps coming back. How do I get lasting relief without relying on cortisone shots??“
Recurring pain after a workplace injury is one of the most common patterns we see — and the fact that it keeps returning is telling us something important: the root cause has not been fully identified or addressed. Cortisone injections can calm inflammation, but they do not repair damaged tissue or correct the underlying mechanical problem that keeps triggering your pain.
Depending on your evaluation findings, here are a few long-term solutions to consider:
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) — if facet joint nerves are the source, RFA can provide relief lasting 12 months or longer by interrupting the pain signal at its origin
- Regenerative treatments (PRP) — aims to heal damaged tissue rather than simply suppress symptoms
- Spinal cord stimulation — for persistent, difficult-to-treat lower back pain, this technology modifies how pain signals reach the brain with strong long-term outcomes
- Targeted physical rehabilitation — strengthening deep spinal stabilizing muscles reduces the mechanical load that keeps reactivating the injury
- Ergonomic and occupational intervention — addressing how your body handles load is essential to breaking the cycle if heavy lifting is ongoing
- Stem cell treatments — similar to PRP, extracting your own body’s stem cells can be used to provide targeted relief
Every patient is different, a full pain assessment is required so we can address the best treatment pathway. We highly recommend requesting an appointment for a thorough consultation so we can determine exactly what is driving your recurring pain and build a plan that gives you real, lasting relief.
Arthritis · Lower Back
“My doctor told me my chronic lower back pain is caused by arthritis. Is there anything a pain management specialist can do to help?“
Absolutely — arthritis-related lower back pain is one of the most treatable conditions we see. Being told you have arthritis in your spine can feel like a dead end, but it is actually a clear, actionable diagnosis that gives us a precise roadmap for treatment.
Spinal arthritis — most commonly referred to as facet joint arthritis or lumbar osteoarthritis — involves the gradual breakdown of cartilage within the small joints that run along the back of the spine. If you received a diagnosis for spinal arthritis, you are probably experiencing some of the most common symptoms: chronic aching pain in the lower back or neck, stiffness in the morning that loosens as you move, pain that worsens with prolonged standing or position changes, reduced flexibility, and in some cases radiating discomfort into the hips or buttocks. Here are some treatments we commonly offer for chronic lower back pain:
- Lumbar facet joint injections — precise anti-inflammatory injections directly into the affected joints, providing meaningful relief and confirming them as your pain source
- Medial branch nerve blocks — diagnostic injections that identify exactly which nerves are carrying pain signals from your arthritic joints
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) — once pain generators are confirmed, RFA can provide relief of 12 months or more by interrupting nerve signals at their origin
- Epidural steroid injections — if arthritis has led to spinal narrowing or nerve irritation, targeted injections can reduce inflammation and restore function
- Regenerative medicine (PRP) — aims to slow the degenerative process and promote healing within affected joints
If you have been told your back pain is arthritis and you are still hurting, come in for a comprehensive evaluation and let us build a plan specifically around your pain.
Spinal Diagnosis
“I was diagnosed with degenerative spinal enthesopathy. What is it, and what are my treatment options?“
Degenerative spinal enthesopathy refers to deterioration at the entheses — the points where tendons, ligaments, and joint capsules attach to the vertebrae of the spine. Over time, these attachment sites can become inflamed, structurally compromised, and painful, leading to chronic spinal stiffness, reduced mobility, and discomfort. It is most commonly associated with aging, repetitive mechanical stress, and underlying inflammatory conditions.
Because this condition affects soft tissue attachment points and spinal joints, the care of a rheumatologist is often an important part of the overall management plan — particularly to address any inflammatory component.
From an interventional pain management perspective, common symptoms associated with this condition — such as joint-related pain, nerve irritation, and localized spinal inflammation — may be addressed through:
- PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy — targets inflamed attachment sites to promote healing at the tissue level
- Medial branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation — if facet joint involvement is confirmed, these can provide meaningful and longer-lasting relief
- Epidural steroid injections — when inflammation is affecting nerve roots in the surrounding area
We strongly recommend coming in for a thorough evaluation — ideally with any existing imaging — so we can assess what treatment options are most appropriate for your particular case.
Chronic Neck Pain
“I have chronic neck pain that keeps getting worse despite doing physical therapy twice a week. What other treatment options are available?“
Staying consistent with physical therapy takes real commitment — and when pain continues to worsen despite regular PT, it is a clear signal that something structural or neurological may be driving your symptoms that stretching and strengthening alone cannot resolve.
Chronic and worsening neck pain is often rooted in cervical disc degeneration, facet joint arthritis, nerve root compression, or myofascial pain syndrome. If the underlying pain generator has not been identified and the pain is not improving, we will partner with your PT team and discuss next steps, which may include:
- Cervical epidural steroid injection — reduces inflammation around compressed nerve roots, particularly effective when neck pain is accompanied by headaches or arm symptoms
- Cervical medial branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) — if your facet joints are the pain source, diagnostic blocks confirm this and RFA provides longer-lasting relief
- Trigger point injections — targets significant muscle tightness and myofascial involvement that PT has been unable to resolve
- Spinal cord stimulation — for severe chronic cervical pain that has not responded to conservative treatments
- Regenerative medicine (PRP) — focused on healing disc and soft tissue damage in the cervical spine
Worsening pain despite active treatment is a reason to escalate your care, not ignore it. A comprehensive pain management evaluation will allow us to pinpoint exactly what is driving your pain and take care to the next steps.
Cervical Pain
“I have severe chronic neck pain that is getting worse over time. What are my treatment options?“
Worsening chronic neck pain is a signal that something structural or neurological needs proper evaluation — not just day-to-day symptom management. There are highly effective, minimally invasive treatment options available well before surgery ever needs to be considered. Depending on what is driving your pain, options may include:
- Cervical epidural steroid injections — reduces inflammation around compressed nerve roots, particularly effective when neck pain radiates into the shoulders or arms
- Cervical medial branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) — if your facet joints are the source, diagnostic blocks confirm it and RFA provides lasting relief by interrupting the pain signal at its origin
- Spinal cord stimulation — for severe, persistent cervical pain that has not responded to other treatments, with strong long-term outcomes
- Regenerative medicine (PRP) — focused on healing disc and soft tissue damage in the cervical spine
- Trigger point injections — effective when significant muscle tightness and myofascial involvement are contributing to your pain
The most important first step is a thorough cervical spine evaluation to identify exactly what is driving your pain. Request an appointment with our office and let us build a plan focused on long-term relief.
Base of Skull · Neck Pain
“I have chronic pain at the base of my skull that runs down the left side of my neck but doesn’t radiate into my arm or shoulder. I’ve tried acupuncture but feel I need more advanced treatment. What are my options?“
The fact that you have already tried conservative care and are seeking a deeper evaluation shows exactly the right instinct. Pain that originates at the base of the skull and travels down one side of the neck — without radiating into the arm — is a distinctive pattern that may point to one or more of the following:
- Occipital neuralgia or cervicogenic headache — irritation or compression of the nerves at the base of the skull, particularly the occipital nerves or upper cervical nerve roots
- Upper cervical facet joint dysfunction — the small joints in your neck can be a source of localized neck pain
- Myofascial pain — deep muscle tension and trigger points in the suboccipital region can produce exactly this pattern
- Upper cervical disc involvement — even without arm symptoms, disc changes at these levels can generate persistent local pain
Everyone is different, so a thorough evaluation would begin with a clinical assessment and we will review any prior imaging. We would love to help you find a clear path forward — come in for an evaluation and let us get to the root of it.
Stellate Ganglion Block
“How does a Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) work, and what should I expect from the procedure?“
The stellate ganglion is a collection of sympathetic nerve tissue located in the neck, on either side of the voice box. These nerves are part of the body’s “fight or flight” system — regulating stress responses, pain signaling, and involuntary functions throughout the upper body. A Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is an injection of local anesthetic directly into this nerve cluster, temporarily interrupting overactive signals. Think of it as resetting a nervous system that has been stuck in overdrive.
What to expect: Using real-time imaging guidance, your pain specialist will precisely position a thin needle alongside the stellate ganglion and inject a small volume of local anesthetic. The procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes and is well-tolerated by most patients.
How long does relief last? This varies by condition and individual. Some patients experience relief lasting weeks to months after a single injection, while others report longer-lasting effects. A series of blocks is sometimes recommended for sustained results.
If you would like to understand whether SGB is the right step for your specific situation, our team at APMG is happy to walk you through it. Please call our offices to discuss the procedure or you can request an appointment.
Stellate Ganglion Block
“What is the difference between a unilateral and bilateral Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB)?“
The stellate ganglion exists on both sides of the neck. The distinction is simply how many sides are treated:
- Unilateral SGB — performed on one side only, based on where your symptoms originate or which side your provider determines is most appropriate. This is the standard starting point and is preferred to minimize procedural risk.
- Bilateral SGB — performed on both sides, either in the same visit or across two appointments. This is typically considered only when symptoms are bilateral or when a systemic sympathetic nervous system condition warrants broader intervention.
Bilateral SGB carries a higher risk profile than a unilateral approach — including a small risk of temporary swallowing difficulty — which is why we may start with a unilateral block and evaluate response before considering bilateral treatment. Performing both sides simultaneously is not standard practice at our clinic.
For most patients, a unilateral block is the recommended and safest starting point. Request an appointment with our team to review your specific situation to discuss what is most appropriate for you.
Headache · Long COVID
“I’ve been suffering from chronic headaches since getting COVID. I’ve heard a Stellate Ganglion Block may help — can you tell me more?“
You are not alone. Persistent headaches, brain fog, and fatigue that linger long after a viral infection can be genuinely debilitating, especially when they do not respond to standard treatments.
These symptoms are often connected to the autonomic nervous system — the system responsible for regulating circulation, inflammation response, and pain signaling. In many patients, the sympathetic nervous system becomes persistently overactivated, remaining in a heightened state and driving symptoms like chronic headaches, cognitive difficulty, fatigue, and widespread pain. A Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) works by temporarily interrupting this overactive sympathetic signaling — giving the nervous system the opportunity to reset to a more balanced baseline.
- Persistent headaches and migraines that have not responded to medications
- Brain fog and cognitive symptoms with an autonomic component
- Fatigue and dysautonomia-related symptoms
- Heightened stress response that has been difficult to resolve
The procedure is minimally invasive, performed under imaging guidance, and typically takes under 30 minutes. At APMG, we treat these symptoms directly. Call our offices or request an appointment online to get started.
Peripheral Nerve Block
“What is a supratrochlear nerve block and is it available for self-pay patients?“
Yes — this procedure is available to self-pay and private pay patients at Advanced Pain Medical Group.
A supratrochlear nerve block is a minimally invasive injection targeting the supratrochlear nerve — a small sensory nerve that runs along the forehead and supplies feeling to the upper face, forehead, and scalp. When this nerve becomes irritated or inflamed, it can be a significant driver of chronic frontal headaches that do not respond well to medication alone.
The procedure involves injecting a small amount of local anesthetic — sometimes combined with a corticosteroid — just above the inner corner of the eyebrow. It is quick, well-tolerated, and typically performed under 15 minutes. It is most commonly considered for patients experiencing:
- Chronic frontal headaches or migraines that have not responded to oral medications
- Post-traumatic headaches following head or facial injury
- Nerve-related facial pain or neuralgia in the forehead region
It is worth noting that this block is more commonly performed in surgical contexts, and its application in pain management depends on a patient’s specific presentation. We recommend a full consultation first so our team can determine whether this is the most appropriate treatment for your headache pattern.
Please call our office directly and our team will be happy to discuss your options.
Knee Arthritis
“I have knee arthritis and want to delay surgery for as long as possible. What non-surgical treatment options are available?“
You are absolutely right to explore every option before considering surgery — and there is a meaningful range of non-surgical treatments that can significantly reduce pain, restore function, and genuinely delay or even eliminate the need for an operation.
Knee osteoarthritis involves the progressive breakdown of cartilage cushioning the knee joint. While it is a degenerative process, the rate of progression and level of pain can be meaningfully influenced with the right treatment plan. Here are some of the non-surgical options at APMG:
- Corticosteroid injections — targeted anti-inflammatory injections directly into the knee, providing rapid relief from pain and swelling
- Hyaluronic acid injections (viscosupplementation) — restores the natural lubricating fluid within the knee joint, reducing friction and improving mobility with longer-lasting relief than steroids alone
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy — uses your body’s own healing factors to reduce inflammation and stimulate tissue repair, actively slowing the degenerative process
- Genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation (RFA) — targets the specific sensory nerves supplying the knee joint for significant longer-lasting pain relief without surgery or systemic medication
Many patients benefit from a layered approach combining tissue support with targeted pain management. Come in for a comprehensive knee evaluation and let us build a plan tailored to your needs and goals.
SI Joint
“I had a sacroiliac injection on my right side and felt immediate improvement. Now I’m experiencing severe new pain on my left side that worsens when I stand. Why is this happening? “
It is great to hear your right side is feeling relief — that confirms the treated joint was indeed a significant source of your pain. What you are now experiencing on the left side is more common than you might expect, and there is a clear explanation.
When one side of the body has been in chronic pain for an extended period, the opposite side often quietly compensates — absorbing extra load and stress to protect the painful side. This compensation can go relatively unnoticed while the dominant pain masks it. Once the treated side is relieved, the compensatory strain on the untreated side is no longer masked, and the pain that was building there becomes much more pronounced.
This is sometimes referred to as contralateral pain emergence — and while it can feel alarming, it is a recognized and treatable pattern. Do not wait through severe pain. Contact our office promptly so we can evaluate whether a left-sided SI joint injection or further diagnostic workup is the appropriate next step. Based on how well your right side responded, there is every reason to be optimistic about the left side as well.
Hip & Nerve Pain
“I have chronic scar tissue, nerve pain, and inflammation along my left side and hip from a prior injury complicated by hypermobility. I’m interested in corticosteroid injections to manage my pain. Can you help?“
Yes — your instinct is well founded. When scar tissue and chronic inflammation are compressing or irritating surrounding structures, a precisely placed corticosteroid injection can be highly effective at reducing the inflammatory burden and creating a window of reduced pain that allows the surrounding tissue to begin recovering more effectively. Depending on where your pain is concentrated, options may include:
- Hip joint corticosteroid injection — directly targets inflammation within the hip joint itself, particularly relevant if deep hip pain is a dominant feature
- Iliopsoas bursa injection — addresses inflammation in the bursa and surrounding soft tissue along the inner hip, a common site of scar tissue accumulation following injury
- Nerve block — if burning or sharp nerve pain runs along the outer thigh and hip, a targeted nerve block can calm the irritated nerve directly
- PRP therapy — given hypermobility as a contributing factor, platelet-rich plasma is worth serious consideration alongside corticosteroids, as it actively promotes connective tissue repair and reduces chronic inflammation at the tissue level
Request an appointment for a thorough evaluation and let us map out exactly where the scar tissue and nerve involvement are most concentrated, so we can place treatment precisely where your tissue needs it most.
Rotator Cuff · Cervical Spine
“My rotator cuff is severely damaged and surgery is not an option. My doctor believes the pain in my shoulder and arm is actually coming from my spine. Are there non-surgical treatments that can help? “
This is a very common — and often misunderstood — pain pattern. The fact that your providers are pointing to the spine as the source is actually an important and actionable finding. Shoulder and arm pain that originates from the cervical or upper thoracic spine is called cervical radiculopathy, and it responds very well to non-surgical treatment.
The nerves that control sensation and function in your shoulder, arm, and hand originate in the cervical spine. When these nerve roots become compressed or irritated, pain can radiate all the way down the arm — mimicking what feels like a shoulder problem. This is why treating the shoulder alone often does not resolve it. Targeted non-surgical options include:
- Cervical epidural steroid injection — delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected nerve roots, reducing compression-related pain and restoring function in the shoulder and arm
- Cervical medial branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) — if facet joint involvement is contributing, diagnostic blocks confirm the pain source and RFA provides longer-lasting relief
- Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) — if your arm pain has a sympathetic component, including burning, color changes, or temperature sensitivity, an SGB can reset overactive nerve signaling
- Spinal cord stimulation — modifies how pain signals reach the brain, with strong outcomes for cervical radiculopathy and persistent arm pain
- PRP therapy — regenerative treatment aimed at reducing inflammation and supporting tissue healing at the affected cervical levels
Being a non-surgical candidate does not mean you are out of options — it means we need to be strategic and precise. Request a comprehensive evaluation and let us find the right combination of treatments.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
“I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and chronic widespread pain. I’m interested in an evaluation for sympathetic nerve blocks and/or a spinal cord stimulator. Can your practice help? “
Yes — and coming in with a clear sense of what you are looking for is exactly the right approach. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a connective tissue disorder that affects the stability of joints, ligaments, and soft tissue throughout the body. Because structural integrity is compromised at a systemic level, pain in EDS is typically widespread, multifactorial, and often involves both peripheral and central sensitization — meaning the nervous system itself becomes amplified in its pain response over time.
Sympathetic nerve blocks can be a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tool for patients whose widespread pain has a significant autonomic or sympathetic nervous system component. Depending on pain distribution, options may include:
- Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) — for upper body, neck, and head pain with autonomic involvement
- Lumbar sympathetic block — for lower extremity pain, burning, or vascular-type symptoms
- Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is one of the most promising interventional options for patients with chronic widespread pain and central sensitization. SCS delivers gentle electrical impulses to the spinal cord that modify how pain signals are interpreted by the brain — turning down the volume on an overactive pain system rather than relying on systemic medications. A trial period is always conducted before any permanent implant decision, giving you the opportunity to evaluate your response with no long-term commitment.
Patients deserve a care team that understands the nuance of their diagnosis. We are committed to taking the time to do this right — call our office or request an appointment to schedule your evaluation.
Complex Multi-Diagnosis
“I’m managing Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, Degenerative Disc Disease, and Hashimoto’s Disease simultaneously. Can a pain management specialist help?“
Managing multiple serious diagnoses simultaneously is physically and emotionally exhausting — and finding a pain specialist who truly understands the complexity of your situation matters enormously. The answer is yes, interventional pain management can play a meaningful and carefully coordinated role in treating symptoms associated with these conditions.
Each of these conditions contributes to your pain experience in a distinct way:
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is a blood cancer that can cause bone pain, joint discomfort, and fatigue-related pain amplification. Treatment side effects are also known to cause musculoskeletal pain, muscle cramps, and joint stiffness.
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) causes the gradual breakdown of spinal discs, leading to chronic neck or back pain, nerve compression, and reduced mobility. When combined with systemic inflammatory conditions, disc-related pain can be significantly more pronounced.
- Hashimoto’s Thyroid Disease is an autoimmune condition that causes widespread inflammation, muscle aches, joint pain, and fatigue. Because it affects the body’s overall inflammatory baseline, it can amplify pain signals from other conditions — meaning symptoms from your disc disease may feel considerably more intense than they would in isolation.
Our goal is not to replace your oncologist or endocrinologist — it is to work alongside your existing care team to target musculoskeletal and neurological pain sources with precision, minimizing the need for systemic medications that may interact with your other treatments. Before recommending any treatment, our team will conduct a thorough review of your complete medical history and active treatments to ensure your safety and the integrity of your existing care plan.
You deserve a pain management team that sees the whole picture. Call our office to schedule a comprehensive evaluation.
Post-Procedural Symptoms
“After nerve ablation and PRP treatments following a car accident, I’ve noticed significant muscle weakness, poor posture, and difficulty activating stabilizing muscles in my upper back and shoulders. Could this be related to my prior treatment? “
This is a really important question—and what you are describing is actually more common than many patients realize following interventional procedures for traumatic injuries. It is important to clarify that the treatment did not cause this shift; the original injury did. When you experience a traumatic event like a car accident, the body creates a cascade effect where the nervous system, muscles, and joints all adapt to protect the injured area.
By the time a patient reaches pain management, they have often been “compensating” for months or years, meaning secondary muscles have been recruited incorrectly while others have weakened or “shut down” to avoid pain.
Nerve ablation and PRP target the specific pain generators, but they do not automatically retrain muscles that have been inhibited by years of trauma. The body is an interconnected system, and while many patients find significant relief, others may find that relief is partial or wears off over time as those underlying compensations persist. Pain management addresses the neurological and structural sources, but dormant or “disconnected” muscles require their own targeted rehabilitation pathway. This is why interventional treatment and physical therapy work best in tandem as part of a “layered” approach to recovery involving a team of specialists.
Depending on your specific needs, next steps may include:
- Trigger Point Injections to release muscles in chronic spasm
- Follow-up PRP if residual soft tissue damage remains
- Coordinated Physical Therapy to retrain stabilizing muscles
- A full pain reassessment — to map the specific structures generating your symptoms and determine the most precise treatment plan
Lasting recovery from complex injuries, especially a car accident, is rarely a “one-and-done” event. Please remember that the abnormal impact of a car accident creates a highly complex injury profile, and these types of traumas require a truly comprehensive recovery plan It requires a strategic approach that evolves as you heal. Please call our office directly so we can assess your progress and determine the most effective path forward for your specific recovery.
Insurance
“Do your pain management doctors and nurses accept Blue Shield PPO? “
Yes — Advanced Pain Medical Group accepts Blue Shield PPO. On our website you can see a list of the major insurances we accept and you can click here to see it. However, you may also request an appointment or calling our office directly to verify your specific plan and confirm coverage for the procedure or consultation you are seeking, as benefits can vary depending on your individual policy. Our team is happy to walk you through your options and make the process as straightforward as possible.
Telehealth · Minors
“Can my teenage child be seen via telehealth for back pain at a pain management clinic, and what is the process? “
Yes — teenage patients can be evaluated via telehealth for back pain at Advanced Pain Medical Group. While an in-person evaluation is always our preferred starting point when scheduling permits, a telehealth visit is an excellent first step. During the virtual appointment, our pain specialists can:
- Conduct a thorough medical history review and symptom evaluation
- Assess the nature, duration, and severity of your child’s back pain
- Review any existing imaging, records, or prior treatments
- Determine whether the pain is muscular, postural, stress-related, or potentially structural
- Provide initial recommendations and determine whether an in-person evaluation or imaging is the appropriate next step
Because your child is a minor, a parent or legal guardian must be present for the telehealth appointment. Consent for treatment must also be provided on their behalf prior to or at the time of the visit.
Back pain in teenagers is more common than many parents realize — and early evaluation with the right specialist makes a meaningful difference in long-term outcomes. Call our office to schedule your child’s appointment.
Pain Pump Management
“Do you manage Medtronic intrathecal pain pumps? “
While some specialized pain management practices offer pump refill and management services, this is not a service that Advanced Pain Medical Group currently provides. If you have an existing Medtronic intrathecal pain pump, we recommend contacting the implanting physician or practice directly, as ongoing pump management, programming, and refills are typically handled by the specialist who originally placed the device.
That said, if you are experiencing unmanaged pain alongside your pump or are exploring other complementary treatment options, we would love to help. Come in for a consultation and our team can assess what additional support may be appropriate for your situation.
Treatment Approach
“Do you offer Ketamine infusions or Procaine IV therapy?“
We appreciate you asking — both treatments have been gaining attention and we understand why patients exploring every option may come across them. Here is what you should know, and why Advanced Pain Medical Group has made a deliberate choice not to offer these services at this time.
Ketamine infusion therapy is an anesthetic drug that at low doses has been explored for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and some chronic pain conditions. While it has gained popularity, it remains controversial in interventional pain management due to inconsistent long-term outcome data, the need for extensive patient screening, risk of psychological dependence, and limited evidence supporting its use as a standalone chronic pain solution.
Procaine IV therapy is a local anesthetic used in some integrative and anti-aging medicine practices for chronic pain and fatigue. It sits in the functional medicine space rather than evidence-based interventional pain management, and the clinical data supporting its effectiveness for chronic pain remains limited.
At APMG, we focus exclusively on interventional approaches with a strong, consistent, and well-studied clinical track record. Without a clear diagnostic pathway identifying the root cause of your pain first, systemic treatments risk masking symptoms rather than resolving them. There are highly effective, targeted alternatives — including radio frequency ablation, spinal cord stimulation, nerve blocks, regenerative medicine (PRP), and Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) — that address the underlying condition more precisely. We would encourage you to come in for a thorough evaluation first.