Chronic back, neck, and nerve pain can make everyday life exhausting — sitting, sleeping, walking, even driving becomes difficult. Many patients worry the next step is surgery, but in reality most spine-related pain can be treated with minimally invasive procedures that target the true pain source.
At Coastal Carolinas Interventional Spine, our goal is simple:
- Identify the exact cause of your pain
- Treat it precisely
- Help you return to normal activity without major surgery or long recovery
Below is a patient-friendly guide to some of the most effective interventional pain treatments available today.
What Is an Epidural Steroid Injection and How Does It Help?
An epidural steroid injection (ESI) treats inflammation around irritated spinal nerves — one of the most common causes of arm or leg pain (sciatica).
What’s actually happening?
When a disc bulges or arthritis narrows the spine, the nerve becomes inflamed.
Inflammation — not just pressure — is what creates burning, tingling, and shooting pain.
The injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly around the irritated nerve.
Conditions commonly treated
- Sciatica
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Pinched nerves
- Radiating arm or leg pain
What patients usually notice
Many patients experience:
- Reduced leg or arm pain within days
- Improved walking tolerance
- Better sleep
- Ability to participate in physical therapy
The goal is not just temporary pain relief — it’s breaking the pain cycle so healing can begin.
Are Nerve Blocks Right for Your Pain?
A nerve block is both a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure. Think of it as a precision test drive: if numbing a specific nerve stops your pain, we’ve found the source.
Why nerve blocks matter
Back pain is complicated. MRI findings don’t always match symptoms.
Nerve blocks help answer the most important question:
Which exact structure is causing the pain?
Common uses
- Facet joint arthritis
- Neck pain causing headaches
- Chronic low back pain
- Joint-related spine pain
What happens next?
If the block provides short-term pain relief, we can move to a longer-lasting treatment — most often radiofrequency ablation.
Radiofrequency Ablation: Long-Lasting Pain Relief Without Surgery
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is one of the most effective treatments for chronic spine arthritis pain.
Instead of masking pain with medication, RFA interrupts the small sensory nerve transmitting pain signals.
How it works
A specialized needle applies controlled heat to deactivate the pain-carrying nerve — without affecting strength or movement.
Why patients choose RFA
- Relief typically lasts 6–18 months
- No incisions or stitches
- Minimal downtime (usually back to normal activity in 24–72 hours)
- Reduces reliance on medications
Ideal for patients with
- Facet arthritis
- Chronic neck pain
- Chronic low back pain
- Pain returning after successful nerve blocks
For many patients, this procedure replaces years of repeated injections or daily medication use.
Spinal Injections Explained: What Patients Should Expect
A common concern is fear of the procedure itself. Most patients are surprised by how quick and comfortable these treatments are.
Before the procedure
- You’ll review imaging and symptoms with your specialist
- Light sedation may be offered
- Procedures are performed using real-time X-ray guidance for precision
During the procedure
- Typically 10–20 minutes
- Local anesthetic numbs the skin
- Most patients feel pressure, not pain
After the procedure
- Walk out the same day
- Resume normal activity within 24 hours (sometimes sooner)
- Relief may occur immediately or gradually over several days
Safety
Interventional spine procedures are considered low-risk, outpatient treatments performed thousands of times daily nationwide.
The Big Advantage of Interventional Pain Management
Instead of jumping to surgery or long-term medication use, these treatments focus on:
Targeted treatment of the pain generator
That means:
- Less downtime
- Lower risk
- Faster return to life
- Better long-term function
When Should You See a Spine Specialist?
You may benefit from an evaluation if you have:
- Pain lasting longer than 6 weeks
- Pain radiating into arms or legs
- Numbness or tingling
- Pain limiting walking or sleep
- Temporary relief from therapy or chiropractic care
- A desire to avoid surgery
Take the First Step Toward Pain Relief
You don’t have to live around your pain — and surgery is often not the first answer.
At Coastal Carolinas Interventional Spine, we specialize in diagnosing the true cause of pain and treating it with precise, minimally invasive care designed to restore your quality of life.
Schedule a consultation today with Coastal Carolinas Interventional Spine and find out which non-surgical solution is right to give you pain relief.
Coastal Carolinas Interventional Spine
416 Main Street
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
(910) 755-6060
https://www.coastalcarolinasinterventionalspine.com/
info@ccispine.com
Coastal Carolinas Interventional Spine
10 Doctor Circle
Suite #2
Supply, NC 28462
Areas Served:
Myrtle Beach SC, North Myrtle Beach SC, Little River SC, Shallotte NC, Calabash NC, Supply NC