Living with chronic pain can be frustrating, especially when treatment options feel unclear or ineffective. Misconceptions about interventional pain management often prevent people from seeking real relief. These myths create unnecessary fear and confusion, leaving patients stuck in pain. It’s time to separate fact from fiction. This blog breaks down common myths about interventional pain and provides accurate information to help you make informed choices about your care.
Key Takeaways
- Interventional pain targets the source, not just symptoms.
- It’s not the same as general pain medicine.
- Treats more than just spine issues.
- Procedures are safe and non-surgical.
- Can provide long-term relief.
- Must be performed by a trained specialist.
- Ideal for chronic pain unresponsive to other treatments.
How It Works: 3 Essential Steps
- Imaging & Diagnosis
Real‑time fluoroscopy or ultrasound pinpoints the exact nerve or joint causing your pain. - Targeted Intervention
A precision needle delivers medication (e.g., anesthetic, corticosteroid) or thermal energy to block or ablate the pain signal. - Results & Rehabilitation
Most patients feel relief within days; follow‑up includes physical therapy and a tailored care plan to sustain benefits for months or longer.
Pain Management in Figures
- 24.3% of U.S. adults experienced chronic pain in 2023; 8.5% had pain that frequently limited work or daily activities.
- Interventional procedures like epidurals and nerve blocks saw a 3.7% increase last year, and radiofrequency ablation grew by 2.5%.
- Among Medicare beneficiaries, interventional pain services rose 236% over two decades, averaging an 11% annual climb through 2013.
What Is Interventional Pain Management?
A specialty area of medicine called interventional pain management uses minimally invasive methods to diagnose and treat pain. Unlike traditional approaches that often rely heavily on medications, this method targets the specific source of pain using image-guided procedures such as nerve blocks, spinal injections, or radiofrequency ablation.
It’s especially effective for patients with chronic pain conditions who haven’t found relief through physical therapy or oral medications. Interventional pain treatments are designed to reduce inflammation, block pain signals, and improve mobility without the need for major surgery.
Common areas treated include the spine, joints, nerves, and muscles making interventional spine pain management a core part of this field. With the guidance of an experienced interventional pain doctor, patients receive a personalized care plan aimed at long-term relief and better function.
1: Myth – Interventional Pain Management Is the Same as General Pain Medicine
This is a common misunderstanding. General pain medicine often relies on medications to manage symptoms. In contrast, interventional pain management uses targeted, minimally invasive procedures like nerve blocks or injections to treat the source of pain directly. An interventional pain doctor focuses on diagnosing and addressing the root cause rather than just masking it with pills.
2: Myth – It’s Only for Back Pain or Spine Issues
While interventional spine pain management is a major part of the field, it’s not the only focus. Interventional pain treatments are also used for joint pain, nerve pain, migraines, and even cancer-related pain. These techniques can target shoulders, knees, hips, and other areas—not just the spine. An experienced interventional pain doctor tailors treatment based on the patient’s unique condition, no matter where the pain is located.
3: Myth – It’s Risky and Always Requires Surgery
Many people think interventional pain management involves high risks or surgical procedures, but that’s not true.The majority of interventional pain management procedures are performed as outpatients and do not involve surgery. Techniques like epidural injections, nerve blocks, and radiofrequency ablation are low-risk and often completed in under an hour. With proper evaluation from an experienced interventional pain doctor, these procedures are safe, effective, and focused on reducing pain without surgery.
4: Myth – It’s Just a Temporary Fix
Some believe interventional pain treatments only provide short-term relief, but that’s not always the case. Many procedures, like nerve ablations or spinal injections, offer long-lasting benefits when combined with a proper treatment plan. Interventional pain management isn’t meant to be a quick fix—it’s part of a long-term strategy to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore quality of life. The key is working with a skilled interventional pain doctor who builds a plan tailored to your needs.
5: Myth – Any Doctor Can Perform Interventional Pain Treatments
Not all doctors are trained to provide interventional pain treatments. These procedures require specialized skills, precise techniques, and in-depth knowledge of anatomy and imaging. An interventional pain doctor typically has advanced training in pain medicine after completing a residency in fields like anesthesiology, neurology, or physical medicine. Choosing a board-certified specialist ensures that you receive safe, effective care tailored to your specific pain condition.
When to Consider Interventional Pain Management
If pain has lasted for weeks or months despite medication, therapy, or rest, it may be time to consider interventional pain management. It’s especially helpful for conditions like herniated discs, joint pain, nerve pain, sciatica, and arthritis. You should also consult an interventional pain doctor if your pain is interfering with sleep, work, or daily activities. These treatments offer targeted relief without relying on long-term medication or invasive surgery.
Find Relief Through Interventional Pain Management Today
Tired of letting chronic pain control your life? At OC Wellness Physicians Medical Group, we specialize in interventional pain treatments designed to target the root of your discomfort. Our expert interventional pain doctors use advanced, minimally invasive procedures to help you regain comfort and mobility without unnecessary medications or surgery.
Take the first step toward lasting relief. Call us today at 714-735-0313 or contact our team to schedule your consultation. Let OC Wellness Physicians Medical Group help you live pain-free in 2025 and beyond!
Things You May Wonder About
Q1. What is the interventional approach to pain?
The interventional approach to pain involves using image-guided, minimally invasive procedures to directly target the source of pain. These may include injections, nerve blocks, or radiofrequency treatments designed to reduce inflammation, block pain signals, and improve function without relying heavily on medication.
Q2. What is the difference between interventional and non-interventional pain?
Interventional pain treatments use procedures to address pain at its source, while non-interventional methods focus on general symptom relief using medication, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes. Interventional care aims for long-term relief by targeting specific pain generators, whereas non-interventional care often manages pain more broadly.
Q3. What is considered interventional treatment?
Interventional treatments include techniques like epidural steroid injections, facet joint blocks, radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord stimulation, and nerve root blocks. These procedures are typically performed by pain specialists and are intended to treat chronic or severe pain with precision and minimal recovery time.