Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for pain control passes low levels of electricity to the back portion of the spinal cord by inserting a thin catheter lined with electrical wires called electrode. This blocks the sensation of pain. The device is implanted during a surgical procedure and may include a system with an external power source or a fully implanted system similar to heart pacemakers.

Using a local anesthetic, the region around the effected nerve root is isolated using a fluoroscopic X-ray picture and injected with an anti-inflammatory medication. The procedure takes 20-30 minutes.

Unlike other blocks, sympathetic nerve blocks involve injecting anesthetic into different nerves. These may include stellate ganglion, celiac plexis, hypogastric plexis, ganglion of impar and lumbar sympathetic nerve blocks. The procedure lasts 10-20 minutes.

Using x-ray guidance, a needle is placed in the discs of the spine at the level of interest. A pressure gauge is used to measure the pressure of the discs. Then, using contrast media, the shape of the disc is identified as the dye is injected. The procedure usually lasts 20 to 60 minutes.

Injections are given in the physician's office and takes approximately 10 minutes. A small needle is inserted into the trigger point and a local anesthetic (i.e. lidocaine, marcaine) with or without a corticosteroid is injected. Injection medication inactivates the trigger point and thus alleviates pain.