For many people living with chronic pain, conventional treatments—like oral medications or physical therapy—don’t always go far enough. That’s where interventional pain procedures come in. These image-guided treatments are designed to target the source of pain directly, offering meaningful relief without relying on surgery or long-term medication use.
If you’re scheduled for your first interventional pain procedure at Novo Wellness Center in Aiken or Hilton Head Island, here’s everything you need to know to feel informed, confident, and comfortable walking in.
Interventional pain medicine is a specialized field that uses advanced imaging—like fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray) or ultrasound—to guide treatments directly to the area of inflammation, nerve compression, or joint dysfunction. Common procedures include:
Epidural steroid injections
Facet joint or medial branch blocks
Nerve root blocks
Radiofrequency ablation
Sacroiliac (SI) joint injections
Peripheral nerve blocks
Regenerative therapy injections using cellular biologics
“We use precision tools and imaging to deliver targeted pain relief with minimal downtime,” says Dr. William Durrett, Medical Director at Novo Wellness. “Our goal is to restore function and quality of life—not just mask symptoms.”
At our clinics in Aiken and Hilton Head Island, we help patients with a wide range of pain issues, including:
Lower back pain or sciatica
Neck pain and cervical radiculopathy
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Degenerative disc disease
Arthritis-related joint pain
Post-surgical pain
Pain following trauma or injury
Fibromyalgia or complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
For many patients, interventional procedures are part of a broader treatment plan that may include physical therapy, lifestyle changes, or regenerative medicine.
At Novo Wellness, we take time to walk each patient through their treatment plan. Still, here are a few universal tips that can help you get the most out of your procedure:
Understanding what type of procedure you’re getting and why is key. Don’t hesitate to ask your provider about:
The expected duration of relief
How long the procedure will take
What type of sedation or anesthesia is used
What to expect during recovery
Some medications may need to be adjusted before your procedure, including:
Blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin, Eliquis)
Diabetes medications
Anti-inflammatory medications
We’ll give you a complete checklist and review all medications and supplements during your pre-procedure visit.
You may be asked to:
Fast for a few hours beforehand if sedation is used
Arrange for a driver if you’ll be receiving sedatives
Wear loose, comfortable clothing
Avoid lotions or creams near the injection site
Here’s a quick overview of what happens the day of your appointment:
Check-In and Consent – You’ll review and sign consent forms, and our staff will answer any last-minute questions.
Preparation – You’ll change into a gown (if needed) and be positioned for the procedure.
Procedure – The doctor uses live imaging to guide the needle or catheter precisely to the target area. The injection usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Post-Procedure Monitoring – You’ll rest briefly afterward and receive instructions for home care and follow-up.
Most procedures are completed within an hour, and many patients are able to walk out on their own.
“It was quick, and the staff explained every step. I was nervous beforehand, but I felt taken care of—and the relief was noticeable within days,” says Roberta, a Hilton Head Island patient treated for lumbar spine pain.
You may experience temporary soreness at the injection site—ice packs and light movement can help.
Avoid strenuous activity for 24–48 hours.
Some treatments take several days to reach full effect. Be patient.
Track your symptoms—duration of relief helps guide future care.
If your procedure included regenerative or biologic treatments, you may be advised to avoid NSAIDs post-treatment.
We typically follow up within 7–14 days to evaluate results and discuss next steps.
Many interventional pain procedures are covered by insurance, including Medicare and most commercial plans. Novo Wellness provides insurance verification and benefit coordination in advance, so there are no surprises.
If you're unsure about your coverage, just call one of our offices—we’re happy to walk you through it.
South Carolina patients trust Novo Wellness for interventional pain care because we offer:
Board-certified specialists and image-guided precision
Advanced therapies including regenerative medicine
Comfort-focused, patient-first experience
Two convenient locations in Aiken and Hilton Head Island
Dr. Durrett and our experienced team create personalized care plans based on your specific diagnosis, goals, and lifestyle—because no two pain stories are the same.
Pain doesn’t have to control your life. If you’re considering your first interventional pain procedure, let the team at Novo Wellness help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Aiken, SC Location
