Interventional Pain Management: A Modern, Non-Surgical Path to Relief

By Dr. Joseph Mejia, DO, FAAPMR
Medical Director, Performance Ortho

What is Interventional Pain Management?

The primary goal of an interventional pain specialist is to reduce pain and/or inflammation through injection based procedures to the spine or extremity.

At Performance Ortho, we understand how chronic pain can impact all aspects of your life. Pain should not control your life, and surgery should not be your only option. The interventional pain physicians on the Performance Ortho team are specialists that have undergone advanced training in diagnosing and treating chronic pain conditions.

Unlike traditional pain management physicians, who rely heavily on oral medication including opioids (pain killers), interventional pain physicians approach pain using precise injections or advanced procedures like peripheral nerve stimulation or spinal cord stimulation to mitigate or eliminate pain.

Integral Part of the Orthopedic Team

At Performance Ortho, our interventional pain physicians are the cornerstone of our team-based approach to care. They focus on innovative, non-surgical treatments to relieve pain and restore function, often helping patients avoid spine or joint surgery altogether. Working in close collaboration with our on-site rehabilitation specialists and orthopedic surgeons, they tailor care plans that are personalized, precise, and progressive.

By combining their expertise, we ensure every patient receives the right treatment at the right time – whether that’s advanced diagnostics, targeted pain procedures, physical therapy, or surgical intervention when absolutely necessary.

Traditional Pain Management Procedures

Below is a sample of the most common pain procedures that have been used to help patients for decades.

• Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI):
  ESI is a precise injection of anti-inflammatory medication to the spine and surrounding nerves, commonly for sciatica, herniated discs, and stenosis. The injection is performed under X-ray guidance to ensure safety and proper medication placement.
• Facet Injection/Medial Branch Block:
  Injection of a steroid or analgesic to the small joints of the spine, called facet joints, which can be painful with facet syndrome, spinal arthritis, stenosis, and whiplash injuries.
• Radio Frequency Ablation/RFA/Rhizotomy:
  If the facet injection or medial branch block is successful (temporary decrease in pain), then the physician will recommend a more lasting procedure called an ablation, which utilizes radio waves to “turn off” the pain signals.
• Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS) Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS):
  After a successful PNS trial, the physician may recommend a treatment that uses electrical impulses to “shut off” pain signals. This is often used if pain persists after spine surgery or knee or shoulder replacement, where there are few effective pain options. SCS has been proven very effective in reducing pain from nerve damage caused by peripheral or diabetic neuropathy.

Advanced Pain Procedures

Consistent with Performance Ortho’s commitment to innovation, we are proud to be a regional leader in advanced, minimally invasive pain solutions. Below are some of the procedures where our patients have experienced excellent outcomes:

• MILD® Procedure
  A minimally invasive treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis that removes excess ligament tissue to restore space in the spinal canal, relieving pressure on nerves without open surgery.
• Stem Cell / PRP Therapy
  Regenerative injections that use your body’s own healing cells (stem cells or platelet-rich plasma) to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair in joints, tendons, and ligaments damaged by arthritis, ligament tears, and injury. This treatment is very effective for rotator cuff tears, tendonitis, and knee arthritis, to name a few.
• ViaDisc®
  An innovative biologic injection that replenishes the cushioning material inside degenerated spinal discs (degenerative disc disease), helping to reduce disc-related back pain and improve function.
• Intracept® Procedure
  A targeted, outpatient procedure that addresses chronic low back pain by deactivating pain-sensing nerves inside the vertebrae—ideal for patients with degenerative disc disease.

What to Expect

“The most significant impact I’ve seen over the past 15 years as an interventional pain physician,” explains Dr. Mejia, “is how these procedures can truly reduce pain while supporting the body’s natural ability to restore and heal.”

At Performance Ortho, some patients are recommended traditional or advanced interventional pain procedures as a first step, not to mask pain, but to meaningfully reduce it. This reduction allows patients to regain basic functions such as walking, standing, and sleeping, often the first milestones toward reclaiming quality of life.

From there, many patients transition into a customized rehabilitation program focused on rebuilding strength, restoring range of motion, and improving overall function. This often includes a series of in-office physical therapy treatments that eventually progress into a guided home exercise plan or a transition to one of our wellness partners for continued fitness and injury prevention.

The best part? All of this happens under one roof. At any of our five Performance Ortho locations, patients benefit from coordinated care between interventional pain specialists, orthopedic surgeons, and rehabilitation providers. This integrated model ensures timely, effective, and seamless care from start to finish.

When should I consider seeing an Interventional Pain Physician?

There are many factors to consider when determining if you should see a pain physician. Researching the physician’s experience, years in practice, and whether the doctor is fellowship-trained and board-certified is a good starting point.

You should consider seeing an interventional pain specialist if:

• Your pain has lasted longer than expected, generally 4-6 weeks.
• Pain is interfering with activities of daily living like walking, working, sleeping, or enjoying life
• You’ve tried other treatments without relief. If you’ve already seen a primary care doctor, chiropractor, or physical therapist and you’re still in pain, a pain specialist can offer advanced diagnostic tools and targeted treatments.
• You want to avoid surgery, a pain doctor that specializes in minimally invasive procedures can often avoid or delay more aggressive surgical options.
• You’re managing a chronic condition like arthritis, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, or joint pain, an interventional pain physician can provide long-term strategies to manage discomfort and improve quality of life.

Why Performance Ortho?

For over 25 years, Performance Ortho has been a trusted leader in orthopedic, spine, and pain care in Somerset County, New Jersey. Our difference lies in our integrated team approach, orthopedic surgeons, pain specialists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists all work together side by side in one facility.

With convenient locations in Watchung, Branchburg, Somerset, Hillsborough, and a state-of-the-art Surgery Center in Bridgewater, we make it easy for you to get the expert care you need.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

If spine pain is keeping you from living your life, don’t wait. Schedule a consultation with our team and explore what treatment options could be right for you. Relief is possible – without ongoing frustration, and without giving up on the life you love.

Meet Your Expert: Dr. Joseph Mejia

Dr. Mejia is a triple board-certified specialist in Pain Management, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and Sports Medicine. With over 15 years of experience, he has helped thousands of patients restore function, reduce pain, and avoid unnecessary surgery.

He currently serves as Medical Director at Performance Ortho, with offices in Watchung, Branchburg, Somerset, and Hillsborough, NJ.

Next Steps: How to Get Evaluated

At Performance Ortho, we specialize in non-surgical, evidence-based treatments that change lives. If you’re struggling with acute or chronic spine pain, we may provide the solutions you are looking for.

Schedule an Appointment or Call Today and Reclaim Your Mobility-908-756-2424
The first step toward a pain-free future starts here.