Frequently Asked  Pain Management Questions

No, we currently do not accept health insurance.

No. Unfortunately, we do not treat work-related injuries sustained on the job.

Yes, we specialize in treating injuries common after motor vehicle accidents, including whiplash, SIJ injuries, and concussions.

Yes, we provide second opinions on diagnoses and treatment plans for spine, brain, and joint injuries.

We take a comprehensive approach, combining physical therapy, interventional procedures, and medical management tailored to each patient.

No. Our physicians can diagnose and treat your pain or injury without a general practitioner’s referral.

Our physicians hold the following certifications:

• American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR)
• American Board of PMR, Brain Injury Medicine
• American Board of PMR, Pain Medicine

In some cases, we may be able to work with you to establish a payment plan. Please contact our office to discuss your options.

SBJI treats injuries to the spine, brain (traumatic brain injury/concussion), and various joints.

It’s best to seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent complications and chronic pain.

Interventional pain management involves the use of injections such as epidurals, nerve blocks, and steroids to treat the source of acute and chronic pain in the body resulting from injury, age, or disease. These techniques may be used alone or as part of a multidisciplinary approach to managing pain.

Yes. All the procedures performed at SBJI are proven safe and effective at treating a variety of chronic pain conditions. For many, interventional pain management is a preferable alternative to surgery and/or potentially addictive prescription drugs.

Interventional pain management is commonly used to treat many forms of chronic pain throughout the body. Examples include pain in the back, shoulders, neck, arms, legs caused by irritated spinal roots; joint pain caused by arthritis or other diseases; general back and neck pain; headaches; pain from injuries such as tennis elbow; and many others. Contact us to set up a consultation to determine if interventional pain management is right for you.

Our office currently performs the following procedures:

• Nerve blocks
• Epidurals
• Joint facet injections
• Radiofrequency therapy
• Nerve stimulation
• Joint injections

Interventional pain management is an evolving field and we are constantly adding new techniques once they are proven safe and effective. Contact us to set up a consultation to discuss your options.

We frequently treat facet joint injuries, disc injuries, and sacroiliac joint (SIJ) injuries.

Whiplash is caused by rapid acceleration and deceleration, common in vehicle accidents but can also result from falls or direct trauma.

Facet joints stabilize and allow movement in the spine. They are prone to injury, especially in whiplash cases.

It is pain in the facet joints, treated with physical therapy, medications, and procedures like radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Facet joint injuries can often be missed as a source of pain.

No, RFAs may need to be repeated based on individual response.

Yes, if left untreated, facet joint injuries can cause chronic pain.

The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) connects the spine to the pelvis and can be a source of pain if injured.

Yes, SIJ injuries are common in MVAs and are often an overlooked source of pain.

SIJ pain is often sharp and affects the lower back and buttocks. Treatment includes physical therapy, injections, and sometimes surgery.

A spinal disc is a cushion between the bones of your spine, providing flexibility and absorbing shock.

A herniation occurs when the disc’s inner gel leaks through a tear in the outer layer.

It may cause neck or back pain and nerve irritation (radiculitis/radiculopathy). Diagnosis is confirmed with imaging, such as MRI.

It can range from a dull ache to sharp pain. If nerves are involved, pain may radiate into an extremity.

Treatments include physical therapy, medications, interventional procedures, and sometimes surgery.

Epidural steroid injections are used to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.

A pinched nerve (radiculitis or radiculopathy) causes neuropathic pain, often felt as shock-like, burning, or tingling sensations.

Sciatica is a type of radiculopathy affecting the lower back and legs, often with pain, numbness, or tingling.

A concussion is a mild TBI caused by a blow to the head or sudden movement disrupting brain function.

No, TBIs can occur without a direct blow, such as from whiplash.

No, you can have a TBI without losing consciousness.

Symptoms include headache, confusion, dizziness, and cognitive changes. Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation and imaging.

Treatment varies but may include rest, medication, and therapy depending on severity.

Radiculopathy is irritation or compression of a spinal nerve, causing pain, numbness, or weakness along the path of the nerve.

Radiculitis refers to nerve root inflammation, while radiculopathy includes both inflammation and nerve dysfunction, such as weakness or sensory loss.

Neuropathic pain is caused by nerve damage or irritation and is often described as burning, shooting, or electric-like pain.

Yes, injuries to the cervical spine (neck) can lead to cervicogenic headaches.

Cervicogenic headaches originate from the neck and radiate to the head, often mistaken for migraines.

Treatment includes physical therapy, medications, targeted injections, and sometimes nerve blocks.

Nerve blocks involve injecting medication near specific nerves to reduce pain and inflammation.

No, nerve blocks provide temporary relief but can be repeated if needed.

Yes, nerve compression from spinal injuries can lead to weakness in associated muscles.

Post-concussion syndrome is when concussion symptoms persist for weeks or months after the initial injury.

Treatment focuses on symptom management, including physical therapy, cognitive therapy, medications, and rest.

Yes, TBIs can lead to mood changes (e.g., anxiety, depression) and sleep disturbances.

A bulging disc occurs when the disc protrudes outward but does not rupture like in a herniation.

No, a bulging disc involves outward disc pressure, while a herniated disc involves a tear with material leaking out.

Yes, if the disc presses on a nerve, it can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness.

MRI is most common for soft tissue injuries. CT scans and X-rays may also be used depending on the injury.

Yes, we treat sports-related injuries to the spine, brain, and joints.

Whiplash is caused by rapid acceleration and deceleration, common in vehicle accidents but can also result from falls or direct trauma.

Yes, without treatment, spine injuries can worsen and lead to long-term pain and mobility issues.

RFA uses heat generated by radio waves to target nerves and reduce chronic pain.

Relief may last several months to over a year, depending on the individual.

Yes, we perform epidural steroid injections for disc herniations and nerve-related pain.

Yes. Damage to your ulnar nerve can cause cubital tunnel syndrome (CTS) can develop after a car accident due to trauma to the wrist or hand, potentially leading to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Image guidance involves the use of ultrasound, fluoroscopy, and other methods to achieve pinpoint accuracy that allows us to deliver injections directly to the source of your pain.