FAQs in INTERVENTIONAL PAIN CARE
FAQs in INTERVENTIONAL PAIN CARE
Your spinal discs act as shock absorbers between your vertebrae. They consist of a tough outer layer and a jelly-like center. A herniation occurs when a tear in the outer layer (annulus) allows that inner material (nucleus) to push out, which can irritate or compress nearby nerves.
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While the impact of a herniation depends on the size of your specific spinal canal, physicians generally use the following measurements to describe the protrusion:
Small (1–3 mm): These are often contained and may only cause localized aching or no symptoms at all.
Moderate (4–6 mm): These are more likely to make contact with nerve roots, often resulting in radiating pain, tingling, or numbness.
Large (Over 6 mm): These represent significant displacement. A large herniation has a higher likelihood of causing mechanical compression of the nerves.
The symptoms you experience depend on where the disc is located:
Cervical (Neck): Pain typically radiates into the shoulders, arms, or hands. You may feel "electric shocks" down your arm or weakness in your grip.
Lumbar (Lower Back): This is the most common site for herniations. Pain usually travels into the buttocks and down the leg (often called Sciatica). It may also cause numbness or tingling in the feet.
In the vast majority of cases, the answer is no. Most herniated discs resolve with conservative, non-surgical interventional care. As board-certified pain physicians, our goal is to reduce the inflammation around the nerve and manage your pain while your body naturally heals.
If conservative treatments like physical therapy haven't provided enough relief, an ESI is often the next step. This procedure delivers powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the source of your pain.
The procedure is performed in our clinic and typically takes 15–30 minutes. You will lie on your stomach, and the physician will use Fluoroscopy (Live X-ray) to ensure the needle is placed with millimeter precision. A local anesthetic is used to numb the skin, so you should feel pressure rather than sharp pain.
Most patients describe a "fullness" or a temporary replication of their typical leg or arm pain as the medication is injected. This is normal and usually subsides within a few minutes.
Some patients feel immediate relief from the local anesthetic, but the steroid itself typically takes 2 to 7 days to begin reducing inflammation. You may feel slightly sore at the injection site for a day or two.
We generally recommend "taking it easy" for the remainder of the day. Most patients can return to their normal daily routine and work the following day.
While most herniations are managed in an office setting, you should seek immediate emergency medical attention if you experience:
Sudden loss of bowel or bladder control.
Numbness in the "saddle area" (groin, buttocks, inner thighs).
Sudden, severe weakness that makes it impossible to stand or walk.
Your spinal discs act as shock absorbers between your vertebrae. They consist of a tough outer layer and a jelly-like center. A herniation occurs when a tear in the outer layer (annulus) allows that inner material (nucleus) to push out, which can irritate or compress nearby nerves.
Shutterstock
While the impact of a herniation depends on the size of your specific spinal canal, physicians generally use the following measurements to describe the protrusion:
Small (1–3 mm): These are often contained and may only cause localized aching or no symptoms at all.
Moderate (4–6 mm): These are more likely to make contact with nerve roots, often resulting in radiating pain, tingling, or numbness.
Large (Over 6 mm): These represent significant displacement. A large herniation has a higher likelihood of causing mechanical compression of the nerves.
The symptoms you experience depend on where the disc is located:
Cervical (Neck): Pain typically radiates into the shoulders, arms, or hands. You may feel "electric shocks" down your arm or weakness in your grip.
Lumbar (Lower Back): This is the most common site for herniations. Pain usually travels into the buttocks and down the leg (often called Sciatica). It may also cause numbness or tingling in the feet.
In the vast majority of cases, the answer is no. Most herniated discs resolve with conservative, non-surgical interventional care. As board-certified pain physicians, our goal is to reduce the inflammation around the nerve and manage your pain while your body naturally heals.
If conservative treatments like physical therapy haven't provided enough relief, an ESI is often the next step. This procedure delivers powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the source of your pain.
The procedure is performed in our clinic and typically takes 15–30 minutes. You will lie on your stomach, and the physician will use Fluoroscopy (Live X-ray) to ensure the needle is placed with millimeter precision. A local anesthetic is used to numb the skin, so you should feel pressure rather than sharp pain.
Most patients describe a "fullness" or a temporary replication of their typical leg or arm pain as the medication is injected. This is normal and usually subsides within a few minutes.
Some patients feel immediate relief from the local anesthetic, but the steroid itself typically takes 2 to 7 days to begin reducing inflammation. You may feel slightly sore at the injection site for a day or two.
We generally recommend "taking it easy" for the remainder of the day. Most patients can return to their normal daily routine and work the following day.
While most herniations are managed in an office setting, you should seek immediate emergency medical attention if you experience:
Sudden loss of bowel or bladder control.
Numbness in the "saddle area" (groin, buttocks, inner thighs).
Sudden, severe weakness that makes it impossible to stand or walk.
WHAT ARE NEWTON'S LAWS?
Easy Memory Trick for Newton's Laws | "Stay, Push, Push-Back"
STAY - Things stay put or keep moving unless pushed. Law 1: Objects resist changes in motion (inertia)
PUSH - Push harder = go faster (F = ma). Law 2: Force creates acceleration (F = ma)
PUSH-BACK - Everything you push, pushes back equally Law 3: All forces have equal opposite reactions
These laws explain virtually all classical mechanics and everyday motion we experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What types of procedures does Dr. Newton perform?
Dr. Newton is a board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain physician. He performs advanced pain management procedures including nerve blocks, spinal injections, regenerative therapies, and other minimally invasive interventions tailored to your condition.
2. How should I prepare for my procedure?
Preparation varies depending on the procedure. In general:
You may eat and drink normally unless instructed otherwise.
Take medications only as directed by Dr. Newton’s office.
Wear comfortable clothing and bring any necessary paperwork or imaging.
3. Will I need anesthesia or sedation?
No. Procedures at Total Pain Relief (Jacksonville, FL) are performed with local anesthesia only. Sedation is not used at this location.
4. How long does a procedure take?
Most procedures last between 15 and 45 minutes. Please allow up to 1–2 hours for check-in, the procedure itself, and observation afterward.
5. What can I expect after my procedure?
Temporary soreness at the injection or treatment site is common.
Pain relief may occur within hours to days, depending on the treatment.
You may return home the same day and resume most normal activities shortly after.
6. Are there risks or side effects?
All medical procedures carry some risk. Common, usually mild effects include soreness or bruising at the injection site. Rare risks, such as infection or nerve irritation, are minimized with strict safety protocols. Dr. Newton will review these with you before your procedure.
7. Will insurance cover my procedure?
Most interventional pain procedures are covered by insurance if deemed medically necessary. Our office staff will verify coverage and provide an estimate of any out-of-pocket costs before scheduling.
8. What should I bring on the day of my procedure?
Please bring:
A valid photo ID and insurance card.
A list of your current medications.
Any imaging studies (MRI, CT, or X-rays) relevant to your condition.
9. How soon can I return to work or normal activities?
Because no sedation is used, most patients return to work or light activities the same day or the next day, unless otherwise instructed.
10. How do I schedule a follow-up?
Our team will schedule your follow-up visit before you leave. You can also call our office or use the patient portal to request an appointment.
Clinic Location:
Total Pain Relief
10175 Fortune Pkwy, Unit 803
Jacksonville, FL 32256
Phone Number: (904) 374-0353
⚕️ This FAQ section is intended for general guidance. Dr. Newton will provide personalized instructions based on your health status and specific procedure.