Neck pain is a widespread condition with multiple underlying causes, including facetogenic pain, discogenic pain, radicular pain, and traumatic/whiplash-related injuries. When conservative treatments such as medications or physical therapy are not effective, interventional pain management may provide long-lasting relief.
At Allied Spine Institute, we offer a range of evidence-based procedures to target the root causes of neck pain with minimally to moderately invasive solutions. Treatments are arranged below from the least invasive to the most advanced.
1. Trigger Point Injections
Trigger point injections target tight bands of muscle tissue (trigger points) in the neck that refer pain to other areas. This quick, in-office procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic and corticosteroid directly into the affected muscle to relieve pain and restore mobility.
Best for: Myofascial pain, whiplash-related pain, traumatic muscular injury
Recovery: Immediate return to daily activities
2. Facet Joint Injections
Facet joint injections deliver a combination of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication into the small joints between the cervical vertebrae. This procedure is diagnostic and therapeutic, ideal for identifying and reducing pain originating from inflamed or arthritic facet joints.
Best for: Facetogenic pain
Pain Relief Duration: Weeks to months
3. Medial Branch Block
This procedure targets the medial branch nerves that supply the facet joints. A local anesthetic is injected to determine whether these joints are the pain source. If successful, patients may later undergo radiofrequency ablation for longer-lasting relief.
Best for: Diagnostic tool for facet joint-related neck pain
Duration: Short-term relief (used to guide further treatment)
4. Epidural Steroid Injections (Cervical)
Cervical epidural steroid injections involve administering corticosteroids and anesthetics into the epidural space near irritated nerves. This reduces inflammation and pain due to nerve compression from conditions such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
Best for: Radicular pain, nerve root compression
Duration: Relief lasting weeks to months
5. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
RFA uses radio wave-generated heat to destroy the sensory nerves that transmit pain signals from the cervical spine. It offers long-lasting relief for patients who have responded positively to medial branch blocks.
Best for: Chronic facet joint pain, whiplash-related conditions
Duration: 6–12 months or longer
6. Intradiscal Procedures
Intradiscal therapies treat discogenic neck pain by targeting spinal disc abnormalities:
- Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET): A catheter heats the disc to reduce nerve irritation and seal minor tears.
- Discography: A diagnostic test that injects contrast dye to identify painful discs.
- Nucleoplasty: A minimally invasive technique using radiofrequency to remove disc material and relieve nerve pressure.
Best for: Pain from degenerative or herniated cervical discs
7. Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
SCS involves implanting electrodes in the epidural space to modulate nerve signals before they reach the brain. This advanced procedure is reserved for chronic neck pain sufferers unresponsive to other treatments.
Best for: Chronic, treatment-resistant neck pain
Technology: Patient-controlled stimulation device
Why Choose Interventional Neck Pain Treatments?
Targeted Relief – Procedures address the specific source of pain
Minimally Invasive Options – Many can be performed in-office with minimal recovery time
Reduced Medication Use – Fewer side effects than systemic drugs
Improved Function & Quality of Life – Pain relief enhances sleep, movement, and mental wellness
Personalized Pain Management
At Allied Spine Institute, we tailor each treatment plan through diagnostic testing, imaging, and patient history. While interventional pain procedures offer excellent outcomes, they are most effective when combined with physical therapy, posture correction, and lifestyle changes.
Most procedures are covered by insurance, including Medicare.
Take the Next Step
Don’t let neck pain limit your life. Please schedule a consultation to learn how we can help you return to pain-free living with advanced interventional treatments.
