Interventional Pain Management
Interventional pain management is a medical specialty that treats pain at its source with precise, image-guided procedures such as epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and spinal cord stimulation. The goal is to reduce pain and restore function without surgery, and often without long-term opioid medication.
Who it helps
Interventional care is usually considered when pain has lasted several weeks, has not improved enough with rest, physical therapy, and medication, or is getting in the way of work, sleep, or activity. Many procedures also help confirm a diagnosis: if numbing a specific nerve or joint relieves your pain, we know where the pain is coming from and can plan treatment around it.
Every procedure is performed with fluoroscopy (live X-ray) or ultrasound guidance so medication reaches the exact structure involved.
Conditions treated
Procedures offered
Epidural steroid injections
Anti-inflammatory medication placed in the epidural space near irritated nerve roots. Offered at the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and caudal levels for radiating arm or leg pain from a herniated disc or stenosis.
Facet joint injections
Medication placed into the small joints along the back of the spine, a common source of neck and low back pain, especially with arthritis.
Medial branch blocks
A diagnostic injection that numbs the small nerves serving the facet joints. If your pain improves, you may be a candidate for radiofrequency ablation.
Radiofrequency ablation
Heat applied to the medial branch nerves interrupts their pain signals. Relief often lasts many months, and the procedure can be repeated.
Spinal cord stimulation
A small device sends mild electrical signals that change how pain is perceived. A temporary trial comes first; if it helps, a permanent implant can follow. Often considered for failed back surgery syndrome and CRPS.
Sacroiliac joint injections
Medication placed into the SI joint, where the spine meets the pelvis, for low back and buttock pain.
Trigger point injections
Injections into tight, tender bands of muscle to relieve myofascial pain.
Nerve blocks
Targeted injections that calm a specific peripheral or sympathetic nerve, used for both diagnosis and treatment.
Kyphoplasty
A minimally invasive procedure that stabilizes a painful vertebral compression fracture with bone cement.
What to expect at your visit
Your first visit is a consultation, not a procedure. Dr. Desai reviews your history and any imaging, examines you, and explains what he thinks is causing your pain. If a procedure makes sense, he'll walk you through how it works, the realistic benefit, and the risks, alongside non-procedural options.
Most procedures take less than 30 minutes and are done on an outpatient basis. You'll usually go home the same day with a short list of activity guidelines and a follow-up visit to check how well the treatment worked. Please bring a list of your medications, especially blood thinners, and any recent MRI or X-ray reports.
Your physician
Where this service is offered
Valencia, CA 91355Office details → Tarzana5225 Lindley Ave, Fl 2
Tarzana, CA 91356Office details → Marina del Rey4553 Glencoe Ave, Ste 140
Marina del Rey, CA 90292Office details → Santa Barbara2323 De La Vina St, Ste 205
Santa Barbara, CA 93105Office details → Sacramento500 Capitol Mall #2350
Sacramento, CA 95814Office details →
Insurance
We accept PPO plans and Medicare at our Southern California offices. Patients injured in an accident can be treated on a lien basis at any office, and workers' compensation cases are reviewed case by case. Our Sacramento office treats patients on a lien basis only.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) treatments are cash-pay. Call or text 424-301-7090 and our team will check your coverage before your visit, so you know what to expect.