Our Services
We specialize in determining those root causes to create a customized treatment plan for your specific needs, leading the way in comprehensive, invasive, and non-invasive spine, and more. The Pain Center of Illinois is here to help!
INJECTIONS
Atlanto-occipital and Atlanta-axial Joint Injection
What is it?
The atlanto-axial joint is formed by the two highest neck vertebrae and it is a common cause of neck pain. The pain typically starts at the base of the scalp and can radiate to behind the eye. The atlanto-occipital joint is the joint between the skull and the highest neck vertebrae. It is a less
How it is performed
X-ray is used to help guide a needle to the joint space.
Atlanto-occipital and Atlanta-axial Joint Injection
What is it?
Botox is a neurotoxin produced by bacteria. It is used for a variety of cosmetic and medical procedures. When injected into muscle, it can be used to control severe muscle spasm.
How it is performed
he botox is prepared by mixing it and injected into the muscle in very small amounts. The location of the injection depends on which muscles are experiencing spasm.
Caudal Adhesionolysis of Scar Tissue
What is it?
This is a type of epidural injection that is used to break up scar tissue that may be trapping nerves and causing pain.
How it is performed
The epidural space (a place close to but outside of the spinal cord) is entered through the sacral hiatus (near the tail bone). X-ray is used to guide the needle to the right spot. A catheter then may be inserted through the needle. Dye is injected and pictures are taken to look for areas of scar tissue. Once the scar tissue areas are determined, medications such as hypertonic saline or local anesthetic and steroid may be injected to break up scar tissue and alleviate pain.
NERVE BLOCKS
Celiac Plexus Block
What is it?
The celiac plexus is a network of interconnecting fibers behind the stomach. It can be a source of chronic abdominal pain. It gives rise to a number of smaller nerve bundles, including for the liver, spleen, stomach, pancreatic, and near the kidney.
How it is performed
X-ray is used to help guide a needle through the lower back to the celiac plexus. Sedation can be given for our patient's comfort.
Intercostal Nerve Blocks
What is it?
This procedure is performed to target inflamed nerve roots that may be causing pain.
How it is performed
X-ray guidance is used to help place a needle near the intercostal nerve(s). Then a combination of local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication is injected
Median Branch Nerve Blocks
What is it?
This procedure is performed to target the nerves that provide sensation for the small joints in the spine. These joints are prone to developing arthritis with advancing age or after injury.
How it is performed
X-ray is used to help guide a needle to the area near the facet joint. Once the needle is in the right place, an appropriate amount of anesthetic and steroid is injected into the joint. Sedation can be given for our patient's comfort.
Occipital Nerve Blocks
What is it?
This procedure is performed to target inflamed nerve roots that may be causing pain.
How it is performed
A needle near the occipital nerve at the base of the scalp is identified. Then a combination of local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication is injected.
DISC-RELATED TREATMENTS
Discogram
What is it?
This procedure is used to identify which, if any, intervertebral discs in the neck or back are pain generators for a patient.
How it is performed
X-ray is used to help guide a needle into the intervertebral discs at the levels being studied. A pressure gauge is used to take readings. Dye is also injected and pictures taken to evaluate the shape of the disc. Sedation can be given for our patient's comfort.
IDET (lntradiscal Electrothermal Annuloplasty)
What is it?
This is a procedure that is used to treat intervertebral discs that may be causing pain.
How it is performed
X-ray is used to help guide a needle and thermo-coupled electrode into the painful disc. Once proper placement is confirmed, the electrode is heated destroying painful fibers in the disc. Sedation can be given for our patient's comfort.
Nucleoplasty Percutaneous Disc Decompression
What is it?
This procedure is performed to remove disc material from the spine in the hopes of the decompressing the intervertebral discs. Discs that are compressed may be bulging out and pressing on nerves, irritating them.
How it is performed
X-ray is used to help guide a needle into the intervertebral disc. Once the needle is in the right place, a special device is used to remove the disc material. Sedation can be given for our patient's comfort.
MORE SERVICES
Implantable Baclofen Pumps
What is it?
This procedure is performed to implant a drug delivery device for patients who have chronic pain or spasticity.
How it is performed
X-ray guidance is used and sedation is given during this procedure. A catheter is placed in the back and a reservoir is implanted in the fatty tissue of the belly. The reservoir can then be refilled easily and medication can be delivered directly to where it is needed.
Pain Medication Management
A balanced multi-modal approach to chronic pain medication is used. This involves finding the right type of medication to treat your specific type of pain. This may or may not include opiate therapy.
Radiofrequency Ablation
What is it?
A pain management technique involving pulsed or thermal enegery that changes nerves so that they don't transmit painful impulses.
How it is performed
The painful nerves are isolated and heated up so that painful impulses are hid.
Spinal Cord Stimulators
What is it?
This is a technique that is used for patients with chronic pain, specifically nerve pain. Oftentimes, this pain has not responded to other more conservative treatments.
How it is performed
Using X-ray guidance, a lead is implanted in the epidural space, a space close to but outside of the spinal cord. The lead stimulates sensory fibers that override the painful signals that are coming in from the affected part, resulting in less perception of the pain.
Vertebroplasty
What is it?
This is a procedure that is used to address painful vertebral body compression fractures. It involves injection of medical grade cement into the vertebral body under careful conditions.
How it is performed
Using X-ray guidance, a small needle is inserted through the back into the vertebral body. Bone cement is then injected into the vertebral body and allowed to harden. The needle is removed. The procedure is performed under sedation for our patient's comfort.
​
