Question 1

What is interventional pain management?

Accepted Answer

Interventional pain management uses minimally invasive, image-guided procedures — like spinal injections, nerve blocks, and radiofrequency ablation — to diagnose and treat the source of chronic pain. The goal is to reduce pain and restore function without surgery or long-term reliance on opioid medications.

Question 2

Where are your offices located?

Accepted Answer

We have three Utah offices serving patients across the Wasatch Front and central Utah:

• Provo — 280 W River Park Dr., Suite 200 (801-223-4860)
• Lehi — 230 North 1200 East, Suite 201 (801-852-9555)
• Nephi — 48 West 1500 North (801-223-4860)

Question 3

Do I need a referral?

Accepted Answer

A physician referral is helpful but not required for most patients. Some insurance plans require a referral for specialist visits — please check with your plan. New patients can call us directly to schedule a consultation.

Question 4

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

We accept most major insurance plans. Coverage for specific procedures varies by plan, so we encourage you to call our office to verify benefits before your visit. Our staff can help you understand expected out-of-pocket costs.

Question 5

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a list of current medications, and any relevant imaging (MRI, X-rays, CT scans) or medical records from prior providers. New patient paperwork can be completed in advance through our patient portal.

Question 6

How are you different from other pain management clinics in Utah?

Accepted Answer

Our physicians are board-certified in both anesthesiology and pain medicine, with 27+ years of practice experience. We perform most procedures in our own state-of-the-art procedure suites with on-site fluoroscopy, lead-lined walls, and patient monitoring — meaning faster scheduling and consistent quality of care across all three offices.

Question 7

Are your procedures performed under anesthesia?

Accepted Answer

Most procedures are performed with local anesthetic only. Sedation is available upon request for a more comfortable experience. Our team will discuss anesthesia options with you during your consultation.

Question 8

How long do procedures take?

Accepted Answer

Most injections and nerve blocks take 15 – 30 minutes from start to finish. More involved procedures like radiofrequency ablation, kyphoplasty, or spinal cord stimulator placement may take 45 – 90 minutes. Plan to be at the office for about an hour, including check-in and recovery.

Question 9

What is fluoroscopy and why do you use it?

Accepted Answer

Fluoroscopy is real-time, low-dose X-ray imaging that lets the physician see exactly where the needle is throughout the procedure. It dramatically improves accuracy and patient safety, especially for spine and joint injections.

Question 10

How quickly will I feel relief?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the procedure. Local anesthetic provides immediate relief that typically lasts a few hours. Steroid injections begin working within 2 – 7 days, with peak effect around two weeks. Radiofrequency ablation results may take 2 – 3 weeks to fully appear. Your physician will set expectations based on your specific procedure.

Question 11

Are these procedures safe?

Accepted Answer

When performed by board-certified pain physicians using fluoroscopic guidance, these procedures have an excellent safety profile. Risks are low and will be reviewed in detail before your procedure as part of informed consent.

Question 12

What is your approach to opioid medications?

Accepted Answer

Our primary focus is non-opioid, interventional treatments that address the source of pain. We do not maintain patients on long-term opioid therapy as a first-line approach. For patients who already have a dependence on opioids, our addiction medicine program offers safe, effective options including Suboxone, Vivitrol, and naltrexone implants.

Question 13

What kinds of pain do you treat?

Accepted Answer

We treat a wide range of chronic pain conditions including back pain, neck pain, sciatica, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, arthritis, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), neuropathy, fibromyalgia, headaches, cancer pain, and pain following spine surgery.

Question 14

When should I see a pain specialist?

Accepted Answer

Consider seeing a pain specialist if pain has lasted more than 6 weeks, is interfering with sleep or daily activities, has not improved with rest or physical therapy, or if you are looking for alternatives to surgery or long-term opioid medication.

Question 15

Do you treat patients with substance use disorders?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our providers are experienced in treating both chronic pain and substance use disorders simultaneously. We offer medication-assisted treatment including Suboxone, Vivitrol injections, and naltrexone implants, alongside non-opioid pain management.

Question 16

Can you help with pain after a failed back surgery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Failed back surgery syndrome (post-laminectomy syndrome) is a condition we treat regularly. Options include epidural injections, spinal cord stimulators, and other targeted interventions that can provide meaningful relief without further surgery.

Question 17

What should I expect on the day of my procedure?

Accepted Answer

Plan to arrive 15 minutes early. You'll change into a gown, your physician will review the procedure with you and answer questions, and the procedure itself usually takes 15 – 30 minutes. Recovery takes another 15 – 30 minutes. Most patients are home within 1 – 2 hours of arrival.

Question 18

Can I drive home after a procedure?

Accepted Answer

If you receive sedation, you must arrange a ride home and should not drive for 24 hours. If your procedure used local anesthetic only, you can usually drive yourself home. Your physician will confirm what is appropriate for your specific procedure.

Question 19

When can I return to work?

Accepted Answer

Most patients return to normal activities the day after a procedure. For physically demanding jobs, you may want to take it easy for 1 – 2 days. Your provider will give specific guidance based on your procedure and your situation.

Question 20

How will I know if the procedure worked?

Accepted Answer

We schedule a follow-up visit to assess your response. Many patients keep a simple pain diary in the days following their procedure to help measure progress. If the response was partial or short, we'll discuss next-step options at follow-up.

Question 21

How do I refill medications or contact my provider?

Accepted Answer

Existing patients can request appointments and prescription refills through our secure patient portal. For urgent questions during business hours, please call your office directly.

Question 22

What types of spine injections are available?

Accepted Answer

We offer several types including epidural steroid injections, transforaminal injections, facet joint injections, medial branch blocks, and sacroiliac joint injections. Each targets different structures in the spine depending on the source of your pain.

Question 23

Are spine injections safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All spine injections at Spinal Interventions are performed under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance for maximum accuracy and safety. The procedures are minimally invasive and performed in our comfortable in-office procedure suites.

Question 24

How should I prepare for a spine injection?

Accepted Answer

Your physician will provide specific instructions, which may include adjusting certain medications before the procedure. You will need someone to drive you home afterward. Most patients can return to normal activities within a day or two.

Question 25

Which joints can be treated with injections?

Accepted Answer

We treat a wide range of joints including the hip, knee, shoulder, and sacroiliac joints. All injections are performed under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance to ensure precise placement of medication for the best results.

Question 26

How long does a joint injection last?

Accepted Answer

Relief varies depending on the joint and the type of injection, but many patients experience improvement lasting from several weeks to a few months. Some patients benefit from periodic injections as part of an ongoing management plan.

Question 27

Can joint injections help me avoid surgery?

Accepted Answer

For many patients, yes. Joint injections can provide significant pain relief and improved function that may reduce or eliminate the need for surgical intervention. They are an important part of a conservative treatment approach.

Question 28

How is a transforaminal injection different from a regular epidural?

Accepted Answer

A transforaminal injection targets a specific nerve root as it exits through the neural foramen, providing a more concentrated delivery of medication directly to the affected nerve. A regular epidural delivers medication more broadly into the epidural space.

Question 29

When is a transforaminal injection recommended?

Accepted Answer

This approach is particularly effective for radiculopathy (radiating pain from a pinched nerve), herniated discs, and foraminal stenosis. It may be recommended when a more targeted approach is needed to treat pain at a specific nerve root level.

Question 30

What is medication-assisted treatment (MAT)?

Accepted Answer

Medication-assisted treatment combines FDA-approved medications like Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) with behavioral counseling and ongoing support to treat substance use disorders. MAT is considered the gold standard for opioid use disorder treatment and significantly improves outcomes.

Question 31

Is addiction a medical condition?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Addiction, or substance use disorder, is a medical condition involving complex changes in brain chemistry and function. It is not a moral failing or a lack of willpower. Professional medical treatment is the most effective path to recovery.

Question 32

Can addiction medicine be combined with pain management?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Our providers are experienced in treating both chronic pain and substance use disorders simultaneously. We develop individualized plans that address pain management through non-opioid interventional procedures while supporting recovery from substance dependence.

Question 33

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on joint cartilage over time, typically affecting weight-bearing joints like knees, hips, and spine. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the joints, often starting in smaller joints like those in the hands and feet.

Question 34

Can arthritis pain be managed without joint replacement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many patients achieve significant relief through non-surgical treatments including corticosteroid joint injections, hyaluronic acid injections, medication management, and physical therapy. Our specialists develop personalized plans to reduce pain and improve function without surgery.

Question 35

How do joint injections help with arthritis?

Accepted Answer

Joint injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected joint, reducing inflammation and pain at the source. Corticosteroid injections provide powerful anti-inflammatory effects, while hyaluronic acid injections help lubricate and cushion the joint. Relief can last weeks to months.

Question 36

When should I see a pain specialist for back pain?

Accepted Answer

You should consider seeing a pain specialist if your back pain lasts longer than a few weeks, is severe or worsening, radiates down your legs, or is not responding to rest and over-the-counter medications. Our board-certified physicians at Spinal Interventions can identify the specific source of your pain and develop a targeted treatment plan.

Question 37

What causes chronic back pain?

Accepted Answer

Chronic back pain can result from many factors including herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, facet joint dysfunction, spinal stenosis, muscle or ligament strain, and arthritis. Sometimes the pain persists even after an initial injury heals due to changes in the nervous system.

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