Pain Management

in Memphis and Union City, TN

Pain Management

At Southern VIP (Southern Vascular and Interventional Pain-Management), we offer comprehensive pain management services designed to alleviate chronic pain and improve the quality of life for our patients. With clinics in Memphis, Union City, and Southaven, our expert team is dedicated to understanding and treating the underlying causes of pain. Whether you suffer from back pain, neck pain, arthritis, or other chronic conditions, we offer personalized treatment plans tailored to meet your unique needs. With a focus on holistic care and advanced medical techniques, we are committed to helping you achieve lasting relief and regain control over your health and well-being.

Traditional Pain Procedures

Below is a list of traditional pain management options we offer. Click on a treatment to learn more:

Lumbar, Thoracic, and Cervical Radiofrequency Facet Joint Ablation
Traditional Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections
Intra-Articular Joint Injections (Knee Only)
Occipital Nerve Block
Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Nerve Blocks
Botox Injections
Plantar Fascia Injections
SI Joint Injections
Intercostal Nerve Block/Ablation (For Rib Fractures)

Lumbar, Thoracic, and Cervical Radiofrequency Facet Joint Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive treatment that uses heat energy to target and disable specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals from the spine to the brain. This procedure is highly effective for patients suffering from chronic back or neck pain due to arthritis, injury, or degeneration of the facet joints. By disrupting nerve function, RFA can provide long-lasting pain relief, often for six months to over a year.

Traditional Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections

Transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESI) are a targeted treatment for spinal nerve inflammation. By injecting a corticosteroid and anesthetic into the epidural space near the affected nerve, this procedure helps reduce swelling and irritation caused by conditions like sciatica, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis. Patients often experience significant pain relief, improved mobility, and reduced dependence on oral medications.

Intra-Articular Joint Injections (Knee Only: Steroid and Hyaluronic Acid)

Intra-articular injections are an effective non-surgical treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Steroid injections help reduce inflammation, alleviating pain and swelling, while hyaluronic acid injections provide joint lubrication to enhance movement and decrease stiffness. These treatments can delay the need for surgery and improve knee function for months at a time.

Occipital Nerve Block

Occipital nerve blocks are designed to relieve headaches and neck pain associated with conditions like migraines and occipital neuralgia. By injecting a local anesthetic and anti- inflammatory medication around the occipital nerves at the base of the skull, this procedure can significantly reduce headache frequency and intensity. Many patients experience relief within minutes, with effects lasting for weeks or even months.

Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Nerve Blocks

Peripheral nerve blocks provide targeted pain relief by injecting anesthetic medication near a specific nerve, effectively blocking pain signals from reaching the brain. The use of ultrasound imaging ensures precision and safety, making this technique ideal for managing post-surgical pain, chronic nerve conditions, and acute injuries.

Botox Injections

Botox injections are an FDA-approved treatment for chronic migraines and muscle-related pain disorders. By temporarily relaxing overactive muscles and interrupting pain pathways, Botox can help patients suffering from severe tension headaches, cervical dystonia, and myofascial pain syndrome experience sustained relief.

Plantar Fascia Injections

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, often making walking and standing uncomfortable. Targeted steroid injections into the plantar fascia help reduce inflammation and pain, allowing patients to regain mobility and resume daily activities with less discomfort.

SI Joint Injections

Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction is a frequent cause of lower back and hip pain. A corticosteroid injection into the SI joint reduces inflammation and provides significant pain relief, improving mobility and stability in the affected area. This treatment can be particularly effective for patients with sacroiliitis or SI joint dysfunction due to injury or arthritis.

Intercostal Nerve Block/Ablation (For Rib Fractures)

Intercostal nerve blocks and ablation procedures are used to manage severe rib pain caused by fractures, post-surgical complications, or chronic intercostal neuralgia. By injecting anesthetic or using radiofrequency energy to disrupt nerve function, this treatment helps reduce pain and improve breathing mechanics, particularly in post-operative or trauma patients.

Advanced Pain Procedures

Below is a list of traditional pain management options we offer. Click on a treatment to learn more:

Genicular Artery Embolization for Chronic Knee Pain
Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial and Implant
Interspinous Device Placement (Minuteman, Stabilink) for Spinal Stenosis
Intracept Procedure (Basivertebral Nerve Ablation)
Kyphoplasty (Traditional and SpineJack)
Peripheral Nerve Stimulator Trial and Implant
Celiac Plexus Nerve Block/Ablation
Lumbar and Thoracic Vertebral Ablation for Tumors

Genicular Artery Embolization for Chronic Knee Pain

Genicular artery embolization (GAE) is an innovative, minimally invasive procedure designed for patients suffering from chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis. This technique involves blocking small blood vessels (genicular arteries) that contribute to inflammation in the knee joint, thereby reducing pain and improving function. Unlike surgery, GAE requires no incisions, and most patients experience noticeable relief within weeks.

Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial and Implant

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a cutting-edge treatment for chronic back, leg, or arm pain that has not responded to other therapies. A small device is implanted near the spinal cord, delivering mild electrical pulses to interfere with pain signals before they reach the brain. Patients first undergo a trial phase to assess effectiveness before a permanent implant is placed. SCS has been shown to significantly reduce pain and improve quality of life for individuals with conditions like failed back surgery syndrome and neuropathic pain.

Interspinous Device Placement (Minuteman, Stabilink) for Spinal Stenosis

For patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, interspinous device placement offers a non-fusion alternative to relieve nerve compression and pain. Devices such as Minuteman and Stabilink are implanted between the vertebrae to create space and reduce pressure on spinal nerves, alleviating pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs. This procedure is ideal for individuals who want to maintain mobility while avoiding more invasive spinal surgeries.

Intracept Procedure (Basivertebral Nerve Ablation)

The Intracept procedure is a specialized treatment for chronic lower back pain caused by vertebral endplate inflammation, often seen in degenerative disc disease. This minimally invasive technique targets the basivertebral nerve with radiofrequency energy, stopping pain transmission at its source. Many patients report long-term pain relief, making this a promising option for those with chronic disc-related back pain.

Kyphoplasty (Traditional and SpineJack)

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to stabilize vertebral compression fractures, which commonly occur due to osteoporosis or spinal trauma. A small balloon is inserted into the fractured vertebra and inflated to restore height before bone cement is injected for stabilization. The SpineJack® system is an advanced version of kyphoplasty that allows for more precise vertebral height restoration, reducing deformity and improving spinal alignment. Both methods significantly reduce pain and restore mobility.

Peripheral Nerve Stimulator Trial and Implant

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is an advanced pain management technique that involves placing a small electrical device near a peripheral nerve to disrupt pain signals. This treatment is effective for patients with chronic nerve pain in areas such as the arms, legs, or lower back. Similar to spinal cord stimulation, PNS begins with a trial phase before permanent implantation, allowing patients to assess its effectiveness in reducing pain and improving daily function.

Celiac Plexus Nerve Block/Ablation

A celiac plexus block is a specialized injection designed to relieve severe abdominal pain caused by conditions like pancreatic cancer or chronic pancreatitis. By injecting anesthetic or performing radiofrequency ablation on the celiac plexus nerves, this procedure significantly reduces pain signals originating from the abdominal region. It can provide long-lasting relief for patients with debilitating abdominal pain.

Lumbar and Thoracic Vertebral Ablation for Tumor Pain

Patients suffering from painful spinal tumors may benefit from vertebral ablation, a minimally invasive technique that destroys tumor tissue within the spine using heat or cold energy. This procedure reduces tumor-related pain, stabilizes the spine, and improves overall comfort. Often combined with kyphoplasty, vertebral ablation provides both pain relief and structural support for affected vertebrae.