Diagnostic & Therapeutic Injections

If you’re struggling with chronic back, neck, or joint pain, injections may be the right fit for you. At Comprehensive Pain Consultants, we offer this minimally invasive procedure to help reduce inflammation, relieve nerve pain, and improve your quality of life – without surgery.

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What Are Injections?

Injections are a proven interventional pain management treatment to relieve back pain from conditions that cause inflammation and pressure on the nerves or joints in your back or neck. Injections can be used for therapeutic purposes to reduce inflammation or block signals, as well as diagnostic purposes to pinpoint the exact cause of your pain to build a treatment plan that will deliver long-term relief.

During injections, your doctor performs a targeted injection with a powerful anti-inflammatory medication, and sometimes a numbing medication, directly into the source of your pain. This reduces inflammation and irritation or blocks the pain signal to provide relief.

Injections are commonly used to diagnose or treat pain from conditions like:

  • General Low Back Pain or Spine Degeneration (Spondylosis)
  • Chronic Neck or Mid-Back Pain
  • General Low Back Pain or Spine Degeneration (Spondylosis)
  • Nerve Pain Radiating from the Spine (Sciatica)
  • Narrowing of the Spine (Spinal Stenosis)
  • Herniated Discs
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
  • Nerve Root Irritation
  • Arthritis
  • Whiplash or Spinal Injury-Related Pain
  • Inflammation of the SI Joint (Sacroiliitis)

Our Treatment Offering

We treat all types of back and spine pain. Below are some common conditions that irritate the back and spine:

Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection
Caudal Epidural Steroid Injections (CESIs) are a minimally invasive procedure in which a combination of corticosteroid and local anesthetic is injected into the epidural space at the tailbone (sacral) area. This approach targets inflamed or irritated nerves in the lower back and legs, helping to reduce pain, inflammation, and nerve compression caused by conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or sciatica. Performed under X-ray guidance, the injection can provide pain relief, improve mobility, and potentially delay or avoid the need for surgery.
During a Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection, you’ll lie on your stomach or side while the lower back is cleaned and numbed. Using X-ray guidance, the doctor inserts a needle near the tailbone and injects steroids and anesthetic into the epidural space. The procedure typically takes 15 – 30 minutes, and you may feel temporary pressure or mild discomfort.
Most patients can resume normal activities within a day, though mild soreness at the injection site may last a few days. Full pain relief can take several days to a week.
Celiac Plexus Block
A Celiac Plexus Block is a procedure where anesthetic and sometimes steroids are injected near a nerve bundle in the upper abdomen to relieve chronic abdominal or upper back pain, often from pancreatic cancer or pancreatitis. It’s done under imaging guidance and can reduce pain and the need for strong pain medications.
During a Celiac Plexus Block, you’ll lie on your stomach while the doctor numbs the area. Using X-ray or CT guidance, a needle is inserted near the celiac plexus, and medication is injected. The procedure usually takes 30 – 60 minutes, and you may feel brief pressure or discomfort.
Most patients can resume normal activities within a day, though mild soreness at the injection site or temporary abdominal discomfort may last a few days. Full pain relief can take several days.
Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection
Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections (CESIs) are minimally invasive procedures in which a combination of corticosteroid and local anesthetic is injected into the epidural space of the cervical spine (neck area). They are used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain caused by nerve compression from conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease. By targeting the irritated nerves in the neck, these injections can improve pain, mobility, and function, often providing relief without the need for surgery. The procedure is performed under fluoroscopy (X-ray) guidance to ensure precise placement of the medication.
During a Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection, you’ll lie on your stomach or side while the neck area is cleaned and numbed. Using X-ray guidance, the doctor carefully inserts a needle into the epidural space in the cervical spine and injects steroids and anesthetic. The procedure usually takes 15 – 30 minutes, and you may feel brief pressure or mild discomfort.
Most patients can resume normal activities within a day, though mild soreness or stiffness at the injection site may last a few days. Full pain relief may take several days to a week.
Discograms
A discogram (or discography) is a diagnostic procedure used to identify whether a specific spinal disc is the source of back or neck pain. During the test, a contrast dye is injected into the center of one or more spinal discs under X-ray or CT guidance. The doctor then evaluates the disc’s structure and may ask the patient to report any pain experienced during the injection. Discograms help pinpoint damaged or painful discs, guide treatment decisions, and determine whether surgery or other interventions may be necessary.
During a discogram, you’ll lie on your stomach while the skin over the spine is cleaned and numbed. Using X-ray or CT guidance, a needle is inserted into the target disc, and contrast dye is injected. The doctor monitors the disc’s structure and asks you to report any pain. The procedure typically takes 30 – 60 minutes.
After a discogram, you may experience mild soreness or stiffness at the injection site for a few days. Most patients can resume normal activities within 1 – 2 days, though strenuous activity should be avoided for several days.
Epidural Steroid Injection
Epidural injections are minimally invasive procedures in which a combination of corticosteroid and anesthetic is injected into the epidural space around the spinal nerves. They are used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain caused by conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or nerve irritation in the neck, back, or legs. Epidural injections can improve pain, mobility, and function, often providing relief without the need for surgery, and are typically performed under X-ray or fluoroscopic guidance to ensure accurate placement.
During an epidural injection, you’ll lie on your stomach or side while the injection area is cleaned and numbed. Using X-ray or fluoroscopic guidance, the doctor carefully inserts a needle into the epidural space and injects steroid and anesthetic. The procedure usually takes 15 – 30 minutes, and you may feel brief pressure or mild discomfort.
Most patients can resume normal activities within a day, though mild soreness at the injection site may last a few days. Full pain relief can take several days to a week.
Facet Joint Injections
Facet joint injections are minimally invasive procedures in which a combination of corticosteroid and local anesthetic is injected directly into the facet joints of the spine, which are small joints that connect the vertebrae. These injections are used to diagnose or relieve pain caused by inflammation, arthritis, or injury in the neck or back. By reducing inflammation in the facet joints, the injections can alleviate pain, improve mobility, and help guide further treatment. They are typically performed under fluoroscopy (X-ray) guidance for precise placement.
During a facet joint injection, you’ll lie on your stomach or side while the skin over the target joint is cleaned and numbed. Using X-ray guidance, the doctor inserts a needle into the facet joint and injects steroids and anesthetic. The procedure usually takes 15 – 30 minutes, and you may feel brief pressure or mild discomfort.
Most patients can resume normal activities within a day, though mild soreness at the injection site may last a few days. Full pain relief may take several days to a week.
Inferior Hypogastric Nerve Block
An Inferior Hypogastric Nerve Block is a minimally invasive procedure in which an anesthetic, sometimes combined with a steroid, is injected near the inferior hypogastric plexus, a network of nerves in the pelvis that transmit pain signals from the bladder, rectum, prostate, uterus, and other pelvic organs. This block is used to diagnose or relieve chronic pelvic pain, such as pain from interstitial cystitis, endometriosis, or post-surgical pelvic pain. The procedure is performed under fluoroscopy, CT, or ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate placement and can help reduce pain, improve function, and guide further treatment.
During an Inferior Hypogastric Nerve Block, you’ll lie on your stomach or side while the pelvic area is cleaned and numbed. Using X-ray, CT, or ultrasound guidance, the doctor carefully inserts a needle near the nerve plexus and injects anesthetic and sometimes steroid. The procedure typically takes 30 – 60 minutes, and you may feel brief pressure or mild discomfort.
Most patients can resume normal activities within a day, though mild soreness at the injection site or temporary pelvic discomfort may last a few days. Full pain relief may take several days.
Intercostal Nerve Block
An Intercostal Nerve Block is a minimally invasive procedure in which an anesthetic, sometimes combined with a steroid, is injected near the intercostal nerves that run along the ribs. These nerves transmit pain signals from the chest wall, upper abdomen, and surrounding structures. The block is used to relieve or diagnose pain caused by conditions such as rib fractures, shingles (postherpetic neuralgia), or chronic chest wall pain. Performed under ultrasound or X-ray guidance, the injection can reduce pain, improve mobility, and help guide further treatment.
During an intercostal nerve block, you’ll lie on your side while the skin over the target area is cleaned and numbed. Using ultrasound or X-ray guidance, the doctor inserts a needle near the intercostal nerve and injects anesthetic and sometimes steroids. The procedure usually takes 15 – 30 minutes, and you may feel brief pressure or mild discomfort.
Most patients can resume normal activities within a day, though mild soreness or bruising at the injection site may last a few days. Full pain relief can take several days.
Intralaminar Infusion
An Intralaminar Infusion is a medical procedure in which medication, often anesthetic, steroid, or other therapeutic agents, is delivered directly into the epidural space of the spine through a specialized catheter placed between the laminae of the vertebrae. This approach targets multiple nerve roots at once and is typically used to manage chronic back or leg pain, post-surgical pain, or severe nerve inflammation. The infusion allows for continuous or repeated delivery of medication over time, providing sustained pain relief and reducing the need for oral pain medications. The procedure is performed under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance for precise catheter placement.
During an intralaminar infusion, you’ll lie on your stomach while the skin over the spine is cleaned and numbed. Using X-ray guidance, the doctor inserts a needle between the vertebrae and places a small catheter into the epidural space. Medication is then delivered through the catheter, either as a single dose or continuous infusion. The procedure typically takes 30 – 60 minutes, and you may feel brief pressure or mild discomfort.
Most patients can resume light activities within a day, though mild soreness at the insertion site may last a few days. Full pain relief may develop gradually over several days to a week.
Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection
Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections (LESIs) are minimally invasive procedures in which a combination of corticosteroid and local anesthetic is injected into the epidural space of the lower back (lumbar spine). They are used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain caused by conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or nerve irritation that affects the lower back and legs. Performed under fluoroscopy (X-ray) guidance, these injections can improve pain, mobility, and function, often providing relief without the need for surgery.
During a lumbar epidural steroid injection, you’ll lie on your stomach or side while the lower back is cleaned and numbed. Using X-ray guidance, the doctor inserts a needle into the epidural space and injects steroids and anesthetic. The procedure usually takes 15 – 30 minutes, and you may feel brief pressure or mild discomfort.
Most patients can resume normal activities within a day, though mild soreness at the injection site may last a few days. Full pain relief may take several days to a week
Lumbar Sympathetic Plexus (Ganglion) Block
Lumbar Sympathetic Plexus (Ganglion) Blocks are minimally invasive procedures in which an anesthetic, often combined with a steroid, is injected near the lumbar sympathetic nerves in the lower back. These nerves regulate pain signals, blood flow, and sweating in the lower extremities. The block is used to diagnose or treat chronic leg, foot, or pelvic pain, including conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), vascular pain, or neuropathic pain. Performed under fluoroscopy or CT guidance, the injection can reduce pain, improve circulation, and help guide further treatment.
During a lumbar sympathetic plexus block, you’ll lie on your stomach while the lower back is cleaned and numbed. Using X-ray or CT guidance, the doctor inserts a needle near the lumbar sympathetic nerves and injects anesthetic and sometimes steroid. The procedure usually takes 30 – 60 minutes, and you may feel brief pressure or mild discomfort.
Most patients can resume normal activities within a day, though mild soreness at the injection site or temporary leg warmth or flushing may last a few days. Full pain relief may take several days.
Medial Branch Blocks
A. A medial branch block is a diagnostic injection used to pinpoint the source of your pain to small joints in your back. These joints, located between each vertebra, are connected to nerves called medial branch nerves, which transmit pain signals to the brain.

B. During the procedure, a physician injects a numbing medication, sometimes combined with a steroid, near the small medial branch nerves that carry pain signals from the facet joints. By temporarily blocking these nerves, the injection can help reduce pain, confirm the source of discomfort, and guide further treatment options.

During a medial branch block, you’ll lie on your stomach while the skin on your back or neck is cleaned and numbed. Using X-ray guidance, the physician carefully inserts a thin needle near the medial branch nerves and injects the medication, which may include a local anesthetic and sometimes a steroid. The procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes, and most patients go home the same day. Pain relief from the numbing medicine is often immediate, while the steroid may take a few days to reduce inflammation and provide longer-lasting relief.
Recovery from a medial branch block is usually quick. Pain relief may occur within hours and last up to several days. Because this is a diagnostic injection, the effects are temporary – but it will allow your physician to determine the right next steps for long-term relief.
Nerve Root Blocks
Nerve Root Blocks are minimally invasive procedures in which a combination of corticosteroid and local anesthetic is injected near a specific spinal nerve root. These nerves transmit pain from the spine to other areas, such as the arms or legs. Nerve root blocks are used to diagnose or relieve pain caused by nerve compression or inflammation from conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or sciatica. Performed under fluoroscopy (X-ray) guidance, the injection can reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, improve mobility, and help guide further treatment decisions.
During a nerve root block, you’ll lie on your stomach or side while the skin over the target area is cleaned and numbed. Using X-ray guidance, the doctor inserts a needle near the affected nerve root and injects anesthetic and steroid. The procedure usually takes 15 – 30 minutes, and you may feel brief pressure or mild discomfort.
Most patients can resume normal activities within a day, though mild soreness at the injection site may last a few days. Full pain relief may take several days to a week.
Occipital Nerve Block
Occipital Nerve Blocks are minimally invasive procedures in which an anesthetic, often combined with a steroid, is injected near the greater and/or lesser occipital nerves at the back of the head. These nerves transmit pain signals from the scalp and upper neck. Occipital nerve blocks are used to relieve or diagnose headaches and neck pain, including migraine, cluster headaches, or occipital neuralgia. Performed under palpation or imaging guidance, the injection can reduce pain, decrease headache frequency, and help guide further treatment.
During an occipital nerve block, you’ll sit or lie face down while the back of the head and neck is cleaned and numbed. The doctor injects anesthetic, sometimes with steroids, near the occipital nerves. The procedure usually takes 10 – 20 minutes, and you may feel brief pressure or mild discomfort.
Most patients can resume normal activities the same day, though mild soreness at the injection site or temporary numbness may last a few days. Full pain relief can take several days.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy is a medical treatment that uses a concentration of a patient’s own platelets to promote healing and tissue regeneration. Blood is drawn from the patient, processed to isolate the platelets, and then injected into the injured or affected area, such as joints, tendons, ligaments, or muscles. PRP contains growth factors that can reduce inflammation, stimulate tissue repair, and improve recovery from conditions like tendon injuries, osteoarthritis, or chronic musculoskeletal pain. It is considered a minimally invasive alternative to surgery for certain injuries and degenerative conditions.
During PRP therapy, a small amount of your blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. The target area is then cleaned and numbed, and the PRP is injected directly into the injured tissue. The procedure typically takes 30 – 60 minutes, and you may feel brief pressure or mild discomfort at the injection site.
Most patients can resume light activities within a day, though mild soreness or swelling at the injection site may last several days. Full healing and pain relief typically develop over 4 – 6 weeks as the tissue regenerates.
Spinal Injections
Spinal injections are minimally invasive procedures in which medications, typically a corticosteroid and local anesthetic, are injected into specific areas of the spine to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. They target structures such as the epidural space, facet joints, or nerve roots and are used to treat conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, arthritis, or nerve irritation. Performed under fluoroscopy (X-ray) or CT guidance, spinal injections can improve pain, mobility, and function, often helping patients avoid or delay surgery.
During a spinal injection, you’ll lie on your stomach or side while the injection area is cleaned and numbed. Using X-ray or CT guidance, the doctor inserts a needle into the targeted area of the spine and injects medication. The procedure usually takes 15 – 30 minutes, and you may feel brief pressure or mild discomfort.
Most patients can resume normal activities within a day, though mild soreness at the injection site may last a few days. Full pain relief may take several days to a week.
Stellate Ganglion Block
A Stellate Ganglion Block is a minimally invasive procedure in which an anesthetic, sometimes combined with a steroid, is injected near the stellate ganglion, a collection of nerves located in the neck that help regulate pain signals, blood flow, and sympathetic nervous system activity in the head, neck, chest, and arms. This block is used to diagnose or treat chronic pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), nerve injuries, or circulatory issues. Performed under fluoroscopy or ultrasound guidance, the injection can reduce pain, improve circulation, and help guide further treatment.
During a stellate ganglion block, you’ll lie on your back while the neck area is cleaned and numbed. Using X-ray or ultrasound guidance, the doctor inserts a needle near the stellate ganglion and injects anesthetic, sometimes with steroids. The procedure usually takes 20 – 30 minutes, and you may feel brief pressure or mild discomfort.
Most patients can resume normal activities the same day, though mild soreness or temporary warmth and flushing in the neck, face, or arm may last a few days. Full pain relief can take several days.
Superior Hypogastric Nerve Block
A Superior Hypogastric Nerve Block is a minimally invasive procedure in which an anesthetic, sometimes combined with a steroid, is injected near the superior hypogastric plexus, a network of nerves located in the lower abdomen that transmit pain signals from pelvic organs. This block is used to diagnose or relieve chronic pelvic pain, including pain from conditions such as cancer, endometriosis, or post-surgical pelvic pain. Performed under fluoroscopy, CT, or ultrasound guidance, the injection can reduce pain, improve function, and help guide further treatment.
During a superior hypogastric nerve block, you’ll lie on your stomach while the lower abdominal area is cleaned and numbed. Using X-ray, CT, or ultrasound guidance, the doctor inserts a needle near the nerve plexus and injects anesthetic, sometimes with steroids. The procedure typically takes 30 – 60 minutes, and you may feel brief pressure or mild discomfort.
Most patients can resume normal activities within a day, though mild soreness at the injection site or temporary pelvic discomfort may last a few days. Full pain relief may take several days.
Sympathetic Blocks
Sympathetic blocks are minimally invasive procedures in which an anesthetic, often combined with a steroid, is injected near the sympathetic nerves, a network of nerves that control involuntary functions like blood flow, sweating, and pain signaling in specific regions of the body. These blocks are used to diagnose or relieve chronic pain, improve circulation, and treat conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), neuropathic pain, or vascular pain. Performed under fluoroscopy, CT, or ultrasound guidance, sympathetic blocks can reduce pain, improve function, and help guide further treatment.
During a sympathetic block, you’ll lie on your stomach or side while the skin over the target area is cleaned and numbed. Using X-ray, CT, or ultrasound guidance, the doctor inserts a needle near the sympathetic nerves and injects anesthetic, sometimes with steroids. The procedure usually takes 30 – 60 minutes, and you may feel brief pressure or mild discomfort.
Most patients can resume normal activities within a day, though mild soreness at the injection site or temporary warmth, flushing, or numbness in the treated area may last a few days. Full pain relief can take several days.
Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection
A Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection (TFESI), also called a Selective Nerve Root Block, is a minimally invasive procedure in which a combination of corticosteroid and local anesthetic is injected directly into the foraminal space where a spinal nerve exits the vertebra. This targeted approach is used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain caused by conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or nerve root irritation affecting the neck, back, or legs. Performed under fluoroscopy (X-ray) guidance, the injection provides precise delivery of medication to the affected nerve, improving pain, mobility, and function, and helping guide further treatment decisions.
During a transforaminal epidural steroid injection, you’ll lie on your stomach or side while the skin over the target area is cleaned and numbed. Using X-ray guidance, the doctor carefully inserts a needle into the foramen where the nerve exits the spine and injects steroid and anesthetic. The procedure usually takes 15 – 30 minutes, and you may feel brief pressure or mild discomfort.
Most patients can resume normal activities within a day, though mild soreness at the injection site or temporary numbness may last a few days. Full pain relief may take several days to a week.
Ultrasound Guided Injections
Ultrasound-Guided Blocks are minimally invasive procedures in which an anesthetic, often combined with a steroid, is injected near specific nerves or nerve clusters using ultrasound imaging to guide needle placement. The ultrasound allows the doctor to see nerves, blood vessels, and surrounding structures in real time, increasing precision and safety. These blocks are used to diagnose or relieve pain from conditions such as chronic musculoskeletal pain, joint pain, or nerve irritation, and can improve mobility, reduce inflammation, and help guide further treatment.
During an ultrasound-guided block, you’ll lie in a position that gives the doctor access to the target area. The skin is cleaned and numbed, and the doctor uses real-time ultrasound imaging to guide a needle near the targeted nerve or nerve cluster. Anesthetic, sometimes with steroids, is then injected. The procedure typically takes 15 – 30 minutes, and you may feel brief pressure or mild discomfort.
Most patients can resume normal activities within a day, though mild soreness or bruising at the injection site may last a few days. Full pain relief may take several days.

Benefits of Injections

Stay on your feet – non-surgical and minimally invasive

Targets inflammation at the source

Reduces pain in the back, neck, arms, or legs

May result in quick, lasting relief

Improves mobility and daily function

May delay or prevent the need for surgery

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Is an Injection
Right for You?

Injections are often recommended for patients who haven’t found relief through conservative treatments like medication or physical therapy. During your consultation at Comprehensive Pain Consultants, our board-certified pain management specialists will determine if this treatment is appropriate for your condition and goals.

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Back pain affects millions of Americans every year. Whether it’s the result of an injury, aging, or a medical condition, back pain can seriously impact your quality of life. At Comprehensive Pain Consultants, our board-certified spine specialists conduct a thorough evaluation of your spine to find out what’s causing your symptoms. They investigate your pain’s origin, how severe it is, and whether your range of motion is limited. If needed, they may get X-rays or imaging tests that provide doctors with more detailed information to create your personalized treatment plan.

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