Ridgefield & Wallingford Pain Management Services

Cervical Pain Management Procedures

Neck and upper back pain affects nearly two-thirds of the population at some point in their lives. At Connecticut Pain Solutions, Dr. Turok offers a range of proven cervical pain interventions to address conditions such as pinched nerves, herniated discs, facet joint dysfunction, and muscle strain.

Cervical Radiofrequency Ablation (C-RFA)

Cervical radiofrequency ablation is one of the most effective minimally invasive treatments for moderate to severe cervical facet joint pain. By using targeted radiofrequency energy to interrupt the pain signals traveling from the affected nerve to the brain, C-RFA can provide lasting relief — often 12 to 15 months or longer, with many patients reporting up to two years of relief after a single procedure.

Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) have been a trusted cornerstone of neck and back pain management since 1952. By delivering corticosteroid medication directly into the epidural space, ESIs reduce inflammation around compressed or irritated nerve roots. They are especially effective when used alongside a comprehensive rehabilitation program and are commonly performed for cervical, thoracic, and lumbar pain, as well as arm and leg pain radiating from the spine.

Nerve Blocks

For cervical pain, Dr. Turok offers facet medial nerve blocks and nerve root blocks. These injections deliver anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication directly onto or near the involved nerve, temporarily interrupting pain signaling. In cases of severe, refractory pain, targeted neurolytic agents may be used to provide extended relief.

Stellate Ganglion / Sympathetic Blocks

Sympathetic nerve blocks target the autonomic nervous system pathways responsible for certain types of chronic pain. By injecting numbing medicine around the sympathetic nerve chain in the neck or lower back, the goal is to reset the sympathetic nervous system to its normal regulatory state and reduce or eliminate pain signals. Additional blocks can be administered as long as pain continues to improve.

Botox® for Pain Management

Botox® injections are a powerful option for patients suffering from chronic headaches, neck pain, back pain, and spasticity. By targeting specific overactive muscles, Botox reduces the tension and spasms that contribute to pain — without the systemic effects of oral medications. It can also improve posture, range of motion, and functional mobility.

Thoracic Pain Management Procedures

Mid-back pain can be caused by a variety of structural and neurological issues. Connecticut Pain Solutions offers several thoracic interventions to provide effective, targeted relief.

Thoracic Medial Branch Nerve Blocks

Anesthetic is injected near the small medial nerves associated with a specific facet joint in the thoracic spine. Multiple levels can be treated in a single procedure. This technique also serves as a diagnostic tool — if significant pain relief is achieved, the patient may be a candidate for a Medial Branch Radiofrequency Neurotomy for longer-term relief.

Intercostal Nerve Blocks

Intercostal nerve blocks deliver anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication onto or near the nerves of the rib cage to relieve mid-back or chest wall pain. This is especially useful for post-surgical pain, shingles-related nerve pain, and rib fractures.

Radiofrequency Rhizotomy

After diagnostic facet joint injections confirm the pain source, radiofrequency rhizotomy uses heat energy delivered through a needle electrode to deaden the nerves carrying pain signals to the brain. This procedure provides substantial, lasting relief for thoracic and lumbar facet joint pain.

Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat vertebral compression fractures — most commonly caused by osteoporosis. Using X-ray guidance, a small balloon is inflated within the fractured vertebra to restore height and create a cavity, which is then filled with bone cement to stabilize the vertebra and relieve pain. Most patients return home the same day with significantly reduced pain.

Lumbar Pain Management Procedures

Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek pain management care. Connecticut Pain Solutions offers a comprehensive range of lumbar interventions to address everything from facet joint pain and sacroiliac joint dysfunction to complex nerve pain.

Facet Joint Injections

When a lumbar facet joint is the source of pain, a facet block injection delivers numbing medication and steroids directly into the joint. This both confirms the diagnosis and provides therapeutic relief — reducing inflammation and interrupting the pain cycle.

Sacroiliac Joint Injection

The sacroiliac joint connects the pelvis to the lower spine and is a frequently overlooked source of low back and buttock pain. Dr. Turok uses fluoroscopic guidance to deliver anesthetic and steroid medication precisely into the SI joint, offering diagnostic insight and pain relief.

Lumbar Sympathetic Block

For lower limb pain conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or peripheral vascular pain, a lumbar sympathetic block interrupts the pain signals traveling through the sympathetic nerve chain in the lower back.

Transforaminal Injections

Also known as selective nerve root blocks or transforaminal epidural blocks, these injections deliver long-acting steroid medication into the area where individual nerve roots exit the spine. They are highly effective for reducing inflammation, relieving radiculopathy, and pinpointing specific pain-generating nerve levels.

Piriformis Steroid Injection

The piriformis muscle runs through the buttock near the sciatic nerve. When it becomes tight or inflamed, it can compress the sciatic nerve and cause pain radiating down the leg. A steroid injection into the piriformis muscle reduces inflammation and relieves sciatica-like symptoms.

Coccygeal Nerve Block / Ganglion Impar Block

This injection targets the ganglion impar, a small nerve cluster near the tailbone, and is used to treat coccyx pain (coccydynia), perineal pain, and distal rectal discomfort. It can be used with local anesthetic for diagnostic purposes or with longer-acting agents for sustained relief.

Neurological Pain Management Procedures

Dr. Turok’s unique dual certification in Neurology and Interventional Pain Management makes Connecticut Pain Solutions exceptionally equipped to diagnose and treat pain conditions with a neurological basis.

EMGs & EEGs

Electromyography (EMG) and electroencephalography (EEG) are key diagnostic tools used to evaluate the health of muscles, peripheral nerves, and the brain. EMG measures electrical impulses in muscles to help identify nerve damage or muscle disorders, while EEG records brain electrical activity to assist in diagnosing epilepsy, dementia, narcolepsy, and other neurological conditions.

Spinal Cord Stimulators

FDA-approved since 1989, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is the gold standard for chronic neuropathic back and limb pain. SCS devices deliver mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord to mask pain signals before they reach the brain. Dr. Turok provides full implantation, programming, and ongoing management of SCS devices for both cervical and lumbar pain.

VNG (Video Nystagmography)

VNG testing is used to evaluate balance disorders and vertigo by measuring involuntary eye movements in response to visual stimuli and head positioning. It helps Dr. Turok determine whether the cause of dizziness originates in the inner ear or the central nervous system — essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Abdominal & Pelvic Procedures

For abdominal and pelvic pain originating from visceral nerve pathways, Dr. Turok offers celiac plexus blocks, superior hypogastric plexus blocks, pudendal nerve blocks, and splanchnic nerve blocks. These targeted injections interrupt pain signals from the affected organ systems and can provide substantial relief for patients with cancer-related pain, chronic pancreatitis, pelvic pain, and more.

Additional Procedures & Treatments

Trigger Point Injections

Trigger points are tight, painful muscle knots that form when blood flow is restricted to an area of muscle tissue. These nodules can develop anywhere in the body and cause significant, often radiating pain. Trigger point injections deliver medication directly into the affected muscle to release the knot, improve circulation, reduce pain, and restore range of motion.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP therapy uses your own blood’s concentrated healing platelets to stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and promote long-term recovery. Dr. Turok uses PRP to treat tendinopathy, ligament injuries, joint pain, osteoarthritis, and surgical recovery. Many patients experience continued improvement for months after a single treatment. Learn more about our PRP therapy services.

Medication Management

Dr. Turok provides thoughtful, evidence-based medication management for patients managing chronic pain. The goal is always to maximize your quality of life while minimizing medication reliance — using interventional procedures, physical therapy, and regenerative treatments to support a gradual reduction over time.

Magnesium & Multivitamin Infusions

Magnesium infusions are a highly effective treatment for refractory migraine headaches. Multivitamin infusions can help address peripheral neuropathy by replenishing essential nutrients that support nerve health. These infusions are administered in our clinical setting for maximum safety and efficacy. Learn more about our IV infusion services.

Pain Management for Specific Conditions

Dr. Turok specializes in treating a wide range of pain conditions at our Wallingford and Ridgefield locations:

Back Pain Treatment | Carpal Tunnel Treatment | Elbow Pain Treatment | Fibromyalgia Pain Treatment | Headache Treatment | Knee Pain Treatment | Neck Pain Treatment | Osteoarthritis Treatment | Shoulder Pain Treatment | Tingling & Numbness

Frequently Asked Questions About Pain Management