Treatment Comparison
Compare Your Treatment Options
A side-by-side look at the nonsurgical treatments we offer, so you can understand how each one works and which may fit your condition.
| Treatment | Best For | How It Works | Duration | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epidural Steroid Injection | Herniated disc, spinal stenosis, radiculopathy | Fluoroscopy-guided steroid delivery to the epidural space | 15–30 minutes | Return to normal activity within about 24 hours |
| Facet Joint Injection | Facet arthritis, axial neck and back pain | Image-guided injection into or near the facet joint | 15–30 minutes | Short recovery, same-day discharge |
| Radiofrequency Ablation | Longer-term relief after positive diagnostic nerve blocks | Heat energy applied to pain-carrying nerves | 30–60 minutes | Mild soreness for a few days |
| PRP Therapy | Tendon, ligament and joint conditions | Concentrated platelets from your own blood injected under guidance | 45–60 minutes | Gradual improvement over weeks |
| Spinal Cord Stimulation | Chronic back and leg pain not relieved by other care | Implanted leads deliver electrical pulses to the spinal cord | Trial first, then permanent implant if successful | Activity limits for several weeks after implant |
| Peripheral Nerve Stimulation | Localized nerve pain, post-surgical pain | Electrical pulses delivered to a specific peripheral nerve | Short outpatient procedure | Quick return to daily activity |
| Trigger Point Injection | Myofascial pain and muscle knots | Direct injection into the tight muscle band | 10–15 minutes | Immediate return to activity |
| Acupuncture | Drug-free relief of chronic musculoskeletal pain | Fine needles placed at targeted points | 30–45 minutes per session | No downtime |
Epidural Steroid Injection
- Best For
- Herniated disc, spinal stenosis, radiculopathy
- How It Works
- Fluoroscopy-guided steroid delivery to the epidural space
- Duration
- 15–30 minutes
- Recovery
- Return to normal activity within about 24 hours
Facet Joint Injection
- Best For
- Facet arthritis, axial neck and back pain
- How It Works
- Image-guided injection into or near the facet joint
- Duration
- 15–30 minutes
- Recovery
- Short recovery, same-day discharge
Radiofrequency Ablation
- Best For
- Longer-term relief after positive diagnostic nerve blocks
- How It Works
- Heat energy applied to pain-carrying nerves
- Duration
- 30–60 minutes
- Recovery
- Mild soreness for a few days
PRP Therapy
- Best For
- Tendon, ligament and joint conditions
- How It Works
- Concentrated platelets from your own blood injected under guidance
- Duration
- 45–60 minutes
- Recovery
- Gradual improvement over weeks
Spinal Cord Stimulation
- Best For
- Chronic back and leg pain not relieved by other care
- How It Works
- Implanted leads deliver electrical pulses to the spinal cord
- Duration
- Trial first, then permanent implant if successful
- Recovery
- Activity limits for several weeks after implant
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
- Best For
- Localized nerve pain, post-surgical pain
- How It Works
- Electrical pulses delivered to a specific peripheral nerve
- Duration
- Short outpatient procedure
- Recovery
- Quick return to daily activity
Trigger Point Injection
- Best For
- Myofascial pain and muscle knots
- How It Works
- Direct injection into the tight muscle band
- Duration
- 10–15 minutes
- Recovery
- Immediate return to activity
Acupuncture
- Best For
- Drug-free relief of chronic musculoskeletal pain
- How It Works
- Fine needles placed at targeted points
- Duration
- 30–45 minutes per session
- Recovery
- No downtime
This comparison is for general education only and is not medical advice. Individual results vary. Your provider will recommend the right option after a full evaluation.
Not Sure Which Is Right?
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Our board-certified pain management team will evaluate your condition and recommend the most appropriate nonsurgical treatment.
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