STAR Health Procedures
A clear overview of diagnostic, therapeutic, and regenerative treatment options
Understanding Your Options
Pain can have many causes, and the right treatment begins with a careful evaluation. Our clinic offers image-guided diagnostic procedures and targeted treatments designed to help identify pain generators, reduce symptoms, and support function.
The descriptions below explain, in everyday language, what each procedure is intended to do. Recommendations are individualized based on your symptoms, examination, imaging, medical history, and treatment goals.
No treatment works the same way for every person. During your visit, we will discuss the expected benefits, possible risks, alternatives, and whether a particular procedure is a reasonable option for you.
Regenerative and Orthobiologic Treatments
Sometimes described in general conversation as a “stem cell” procedure, this treatment uses a patient’s own fat tissue as the source material.
A small amount of fat is collected, prepared, and placed into a targeted joint or soft-tissue area. The goal is to use naturally occurring components in the tissue as part of a broader treatment plan for selected musculoskeletal conditions.
Research and regulatory status vary by the way the tissue is prepared and used. This treatment is not proven to rebuild tissue or cure arthritis, and results vary. We will explain the specific approach, available evidence, potential risks, and alternatives before treatment.
BMAC is also sometimes described using “stem cell” terminology. More precisely, it is a concentrated preparation made from a patient’s own bone marrow.
Bone marrow is collected—usually from the pelvis—processed, and injected into a selected joint or soft-tissue area. BMAC contains a mixture of cells and signaling proteins that may be considered for certain cartilage, joint, or tendon problems.
The composition of BMAC and the evidence supporting its use vary by condition. It is not a guaranteed way to regenerate tissue or eliminate pain. We will review the rationale, risks, alternatives, and expected cost with you.
PRP is prepared from a small sample of your own blood. The sample is processed to concentrate platelets and plasma, then injected into the area being treated.
Platelets release proteins involved in the body’s healing response. PRP may be considered for selected tendon, ligament, muscle, joint, or spine-related conditions. Evidence and treatment protocols differ by diagnosis, and results vary.
A Note About Orthobiologic Treatments
Orthobiologic treatments are an evolving area of medicine. Some products or uses—including certain fat-derived and bone-marrow-derived treatments—may not be FDA-approved for orthopedic conditions. We will identify the treatment being proposed and discuss its regulatory status, supporting evidence, potential benefits, risks, and alternatives.
Diagnostic Procedures
A discography is designed to help determine whether a spinal disc is contributing to ongoing back or neck pain. Under imaging guidance, contrast material is placed into one or more discs while the physician compares the patient’s response with the imaging findings and overall clinical picture.
Facet joints are small joints at the back of the spine that guide movement. Arthritis or irritation in these joints can contribute to localized neck or back pain. A facet joint block places a small amount of numbing medication—sometimes with an anti-inflammatory medication—into the joint.
Short-term relief can provide useful information about whether the joint is contributing to the pain and may also temporarily ease symptoms.
Medial branch nerves carry pain signals from the facet joints. During a medial branch block, a small amount of local anesthetic is placed near selected nerves rather than inside the joints themselves.
If the expected pain improves for the anticipated period, the result may support the facet joints as a pain source. Radiofrequency ablation may then be considered for longer-lasting relief.
The sacroiliac joints connect the base of the spine to the pelvis. An injection places local anesthetic, anti-inflammatory medication, or both into a targeted joint under imaging guidance.
The procedure may help clarify whether the joint is contributing to lower-back or buttock pain and may also provide temporary symptom relief.
Therapeutic Procedures
An intradiscal steroid injection places anti-inflammatory medication into a spinal disc under imaging guidance. It may be considered for selected patients when a disc is thought to be contributing to back or neck pain. Relief varies from person to person.
Intercostal nerves run beneath the ribs. An intercostal nerve block places numbing and anti-inflammatory medication near one or more of these nerves to help evaluate or treat pain involving the chest wall, ribs, or upper abdomen.
Musculoskeletal ultrasound uses real-time sound-wave imaging to view muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and nearby structures while the physician performs an injection.
The live image helps guide the needle to the intended location while avoiding nearby nerves and blood vessels. Ultrasound guidance improves precision but does not remove every procedural risk.
This image-guided procedure targets the tailbone joint, the ganglion impar nerve cluster, or both. It may be considered for persistent tailbone or pelvic-region pain when these structures are suspected contributors.
A selective nerve root block places local anesthetic, steroid medication, or both near one spinal nerve. It may help identify the source of radiating pain—such as sciatica or arm pain—and may also reduce inflammation around the nerve.
Sympathetic Nerve and Ablation Procedures
A lumbar sympathetic block places local anesthetic near sympathetic nerves in the lower back. It may be used when certain chronic pain conditions affect a leg or foot, particularly when burning pain or changes in temperature or color are present.
A temporary change in symptoms can help guide diagnosis and treatment planning. The amount and duration of relief vary.
Radiofrequency ablation uses controlled heat to interrupt selected sensory nerve signals. It is commonly considered for facet-joint-related neck or back pain after diagnostic blocks provide meaningful temporary relief.
Relief may last for months, although results vary and the nerves can recover over time. Some patients receive limited or no benefit.
A stellate ganglion block places local anesthetic near sympathetic nerves in the lower neck. It may be considered for selected pain or circulation-related conditions involving the head, neck, chest, or arm.
Because these nerves lie near important blood vessels, other nerves, and the airway, the procedure is performed with imaging guidance and appropriate monitoring. Benefits and duration of relief vary.
Choosing the Right Procedure
The most appropriate option depends on the source of your pain, your health history, prior treatment, and your goals. A procedure may be diagnostic, therapeutic, or both. We will explain what the procedure involves, what benefit is reasonable to expect, its important risks, and other options before you decide how to proceed.
This website provides general educational information and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. A consultation is needed to determine whether a procedure is appropriate for you.
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