A Careful Evaluation Before Any Procedure
Interventional pain management begins with understanding the full story of your pain. Dr. Yousefi combines neurology and pain medicine training to look at how your brain, spine and nerves may be contributing to your symptoms before discussing injections or procedures.
During your consultation, he reviews how long your pain has been present, how it started, what has already been tried and which activities you would most like to return to. Prior imaging and reports are carefully reviewed, and additional studies may be recommended when they can change the plan.
The goal is to identify likely pain generators and create a stepwise plan that may include lifestyle changes, medications, physical therapy and, when appropriate, targeted interventional procedures.
What we review in a pain visit
- Location, pattern and intensity of pain (neck, low back, limbs, head, face)
- Previous treatments, injections, surgeries and medications
- Imaging such as MRI or CT of the spine and joints
- Red-flag symptoms such as weakness, numbness or changes in bladder/bowel function
- Impact on sleep, mood, work, school and family life
Interventional Pain Procedures We Offer
When conservative care is not enough, interventional pain management can target specific nerves, joints or spinal levels to help reduce pain and improve function. Recommendations are individualized after a thorough assessment—no single procedure is right for every person.
Radiofrequency ablation & medial branch blocks
- Medial branch blocks to identify painful facet joints in the neck or low back
- Radiofrequency ablation for back pain in Los Angeles when joints are confirmed sources
- Typical candidates include chronic neck or low back pain that worsens with extension or twisting
- Often paired with physical therapy to restore mobility and strength
Epidural steroid injections & nerve blocks
- Epidural steroid injections in Los Angeles for sciatica and radiating leg or arm pain
- Nerve root blocks for pinched nerves from disc herniation or spinal stenosis
- Occipital nerve blocks for migraines and neck-related headaches
- Image-guided techniques designed to maximize precision and safety
Advanced neuromodulation & infusion options
- Spinal cord stimulator evaluations for chronic neuropathic back and leg pain
- Peripheral nerve stimulation for focal nerve pain in the limbs or head
- Ketamine infusion for chronic pain in Los Angeles and Pasadena–when clinically appropriate
- Coordination with your other physicians to ensure a cohesive plan
Chronic Back, Neck & Nerve Pain We Commonly Treat
Patients come to this interventional pain management clinic from Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, Encino, Sherman Oaks and Orange County for help with difficult pain conditions that have not responded to basic measures.
Spine & joint pain
- Chronic neck pain and low back pain
- Sciatica treatment for radiating leg pain in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles
- Facet joint pain and sacroiliac joint pain
- Post-surgical spine pain
Neuropathic & CRPS pain
- Neuropathic pain with burning, tingling or electric sensations
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in the arms or legs
- Central pain after stroke or traumatic brain injury
- Nerve pain after surgery, trauma or shingles
Headache, fibromyalgia & overlapping symptoms
- Migraine and neck pain treatment in Los Angeles
- TMJ-related headaches and face/neck tension
- Fibromyalgia treatment in Los Angeles and Santa Monica as part of a multidisciplinary approach
- Pain complicated by anxiety, depression or sleep problems
Why Work With a Double Board-Certified Pain Specialist
Many interventional pain clinics focus solely on procedures. Dr. Yousefi’s training in neurology, psychiatry and interventional pain management allows him to consider not only where you hurt, but how your nervous system and mood are working together.
This combination is particularly helpful for central pain after stroke, neuropathic pain after traumatic brain injury, and chronic pain that coexists with anxiety, depression or cognitive changes. Instead of viewing pain and brain function separately, your evaluation looks at the whole picture.
What this means for you
- A single specialist who understands both neurology and interventional pain procedures
- Better differentiation between joint pain, nerve pain and central pain syndromes
- Closer coordination between medications, therapy and injections
- Attention to mood, sleep and cognitive function as part of your pain plan
Interventional Pain Clinics Across Los Angeles & Southern California
Interventional pain management visits and procedures are available at several offices, with telehealth consultations offered when appropriate for patients throughout California.
Patients often travel from Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Orange County and other Southern California communities for interventional pain management care.
How Interventional Pain Management Has Helped Patients
Frequently Asked Questions About Interventional Pain Management
What is interventional pain management?
Interventional pain management uses procedures—such as injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation and neuromodulation—to target specific sources of pain. These techniques are usually used alongside medications, physical therapy and lifestyle changes as part of a comprehensive plan.
Who is a candidate for radiofrequency ablation or nerve blocks?
Patients with chronic neck or low back pain, especially pain linked to the facet joints, may benefit from medial branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation. A careful evaluation, including exam and imaging, is needed to determine whether these options are appropriate for you.
Do you perform spinal cord stimulator evaluations?
Yes. Dr. Yousefi evaluates patients with chronic neuropathic back and leg pain, post-surgical spine pain or complex regional pain syndrome to see whether a spinal cord stimulator trial might be reasonable. Not every patient is a candidate, and decisions are made together after thorough discussion.
Will I still need pain medications?
Some patients are able to reduce their reliance on medications after successful procedures; others continue to use medications at lower doses as part of a balanced plan. All decisions about medications are made carefully, with attention to safety, function and your personal goals.
Is ketamine infusion for chronic pain right for everyone?
No. Ketamine infusion is considered only in select cases of chronic pain and requires careful screening, informed consent and close monitoring. It is not appropriate for all patients, and other options are usually explored first.
Is this page a substitute for emergency care or personal medical advice?
No. The information on this page is for general education only and does not replace a visit with a medical professional. If you experience red-flag symptoms—such as sudden weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, chest pain, new seizures or sudden vision loss—call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Ready to Talk About Interventional Options for Your Pain?
If chronic neck or back pain, sciatica, neuropathic pain or complex regional pain syndrome are limiting your life, a consultation with a double board-certified neurologist and pain specialist may help clarify your options.