Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) is a well-established pain treatment used in the U.S. for over 30 years. It includes a small implanted device (leads) that transmits mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord. The pulses calm the nerves and reduce pain signals to the brain. These treatments allow you to “test drive” the treatment first by placing trial leads for 5-7 days. The leading causes for this treatment plan are; failed back surgery, radiculopathy or 6 months of documented back, leg or arm pain. A large majority of patients experience more than 75% pain relief during the trial and therefore move onto the permanent implant. We perform the “trial procedure” in our in-office procedure room. We partner with the leading surgeons in Colorado to perform the implant when that step is decided by both provider and patient.
Epidural steroid injections
Epidural steroid injections help us treat irritated spinal nerve roots that cause pain in your neck, shoulders, arms, upper and lower back, buttocks, or legs. Many conditions can cause this type of pain, such as herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, and arthritis. Fluoroscopy (X-ray guidance) helps us inject low doses of long-lasting corticosteroids (potent anti-inflammatory pain medications) directly into the source of the pain. This approach decreases inflammation and helps you feel better. We perform these procedures in about five minutes and completed in our in-office procedure room.
Medial branch blocks/facet joint injections
Medial branch blocks/facet joint injections are injections, which we perform using X-ray guidance, that help us diagnose and treat pain that comes from the small joints of the spine (facet joints). Disease in these joints, including arthritis, can cause pain in the head, neck, upper and lower back, and buttocks. These procedures take about five minutes and completed in our in-office procedure room.
Radiofrequency nerve ablations
Radiofrequency nerve ablations help us treat back and neck pain. Using radiofrequency nerve ablation under X-ray guidance, we deliver precisely controlled heat to temporarily and selectively disable nerves responsible for pain. These procedures take about twenty minutes and completed in our in-office procedure room.
Major joint injections
Major joint injections help relieve pain from many causes, including osteoarthritis. We inject medications such as corticosteroids, local anesthetics, or hyaluronan (i.e., Synvisc, Hyalgan, orthovisc) directly into the source of the pain. To find the precise right location, we use either X-rays or ultrasounds. These procedures take about two minutes and completed in our in-office procedure room.
Occipital nerve blocks
Occipital nerve blocks help us treat headaches, including migraines. We inject a local anesthetic with or without a small dose of corticosteroid into the back of your head, near the greater and lesser occipital nerves. These procedures take about 30 seconds and completed in our in-office procedure room.
Muscle and joint injections under ultrasound guidance
Muscle and joint injections under ultrasound guidancehelp us relieve pain from conditions such as neck pain and tennis elbow. Using ultrasound imaging to guide us, we inject the needle under the skin directly into the source of your pain. This injection contains a local anesthetic and a low dose of steroid. The procedure takes about 15 minutes in office and we recommend seeking physical therapy within 4 hours of the injection to maximize the outcome of your pain relief.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy allows us to use your own blood to reduce your pain and help you heal from soft tissue injuries, such as ligament and tendon injuries. Plasma is the part of your blood that carries red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In this procedure, we take a little of your blood and separate out the platelets using a centrifuge. Then we inject this material into your injured tendon or cartilage, guided by ultrasound images. Within about six weeks, you should notice improved function and less pain