Conditions We Treat
Comprehensive interventional pain management for back, neck, and limb conditions. Dr. Bhakta creates individualized treatment plans for each patient.
Accurate Diagnosis Drives Effective Treatment
Chronic pain rarely has a single, obvious cause. Pinpointing exactly which structure (nerve, disc, joint, muscle, or soft tissue) is generating your symptoms is the first step toward lasting relief.
Dr. Bhakta begins every evaluation with a full medical history and focused physical exam, testing reflexes, strength, sensation, and range of motion. He reviews any prior imaging you've had (MRI, CT, or X-ray) to identify anatomical contributors and orders additional studies only when they will change the treatment plan.
Symptoms in this group of conditions often overlap. Sciatica, facet joint pain, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction can all radiate through the buttock. Cervical radiculopathy can mimic shoulder impingement. Hip arthritis can refer pain to the knee. When the source of pain is unclear, Dr. Bhakta uses targeted diagnostic injections under fluoroscopic guidance to confirm the pain generator before pursuing longer-term treatment, so you're never treating the wrong area.
Learn more about Dr. Bhakta's training and credentials or what to expect at your first visit.
Back Pain
Sciatica
Radiating pain from lower back through buttock and down the leg.
Lumbar Herniated Disc
Disc material pressing on spinal nerves, causing pain and numbness.
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses nerves.
Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease
Age-related disc breakdown causing chronic pain and stiffness.
Lumbar Facet Joint Syndrome
Arthritis or inflammation of the spinal facet joints.
Radiculopathy
Pinched nerve causing radiating pain, tingling, or weakness.
Sacroiliac Joint Pain
SI joint dysfunction causing lower back and buttock pain.
Osteoarthritis
Progressive joint degeneration causing pain and stiffness.
Scoliosis
Abnormal spinal curvature causing chronic back pain.
Spondylolisthesis
Vertebral slippage compressing nerves.
Neck Pain
Neck Arthritis
Cervical joint inflammation causing neck stiffness and pain.
Cervical Radiculopathy
Pinched neck nerve causing arm pain and numbness.
Cervical Spondylosis
Age-related neck degeneration causing pain and headaches.
Cervical Disc Disease
Disc degeneration in the neck causing pain and stiffness.
Cervical Facet Syndrome
Neck facet joint inflammation causing pain and restricted motion.
Cervical Herniated Disc
Neck disc herniation compressing nerves.
Cervical Stenosis
Narrowing of the cervical spinal canal.
Whiplash
Neck injury from sudden head motion, often from auto accidents.
Limb Pain
Shoulder Pain
Rotator cuff, arthritis, bursitis, and frozen shoulder.
Elbow Pain
Tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and joint arthritis.
Wrist & Hand Pain
Arthritis, carpal tunnel, and tendinitis.
Hip Pain
Osteoarthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis of the hip.
Knee Pain
Osteoarthritis, meniscus injuries, and tendinitis.
Ankle & Foot Pain
Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and arthritis.
Joint Arthritis
Degenerative joint disease affecting any major joint.
Sprains & Strains
Chronic ligament and muscle injuries.
Tendinitis
Chronic tendon inflammation and degeneration.
Bursitis
Inflammation of joint cushioning bursae.
When to See a Pain Specialist
Most people start with their primary care doctor when pain appears. That's usually the right call, many episodes resolve with rest, anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, or a short course of targeted care.
Certain warning signs suggest it's time to see an interventional pain specialist:
- Pain that hasn't improved after 4–6 weeks of conservative treatment (PT, NSAIDs, rest)
- Radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in an arm or leg
- Sleep disruption or significant impact on daily activities
- Pain that repeatedly returns after seeming resolved
- Oral medications no longer providing adequate relief
- Imaging (MRI, CT, X-ray) shows structural issues matching your symptoms
- Your PCP or orthopedist has referred you for interventional care
Dr. Bhakta works alongside your primary care physician, orthopedist, or neurologist, not in place of them. Many patients come to PDTC by physician referral; others self-refer directly. Both paths are welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is chronic pain diagnosed at PDTC?
Dr. Bhakta begins with a thorough medical history and focused physical examination, testing reflexes, strength, sensation, and joint range of motion. He reviews any prior imaging you bring (MRI, CT, or X-ray) and may order additional studies if needed. When the anatomical source of pain is unclear, he uses targeted diagnostic injections under fluoroscopic guidance to confirm the pain generator before recommending long-term treatment.
When should I see a pain specialist instead of my primary care doctor?
If your pain has persisted more than 4–6 weeks despite physical therapy, rest, and over-the-counter medications (or if you're experiencing radiating pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or sleep disruption) an interventional pain specialist can help. Dr. Bhakta focuses on diagnosing the exact source of pain and delivering image-guided treatment that primary care and general orthopedic practices typically don't offer in-office.
Can these conditions be treated without surgery?
In most cases, yes. The vast majority of back, neck, and joint conditions respond to minimally invasive interventional treatments, including epidural injections, radiofrequency ablation, regenerative PRP therapy, viscosupplementation, and targeted nerve blocks. Surgery is reserved for structural problems that truly cannot be managed any other way, and Dr. Bhakta coordinates with spine surgeons when that rare path is appropriate.
Do I need imaging (MRI, CT, or X-ray) before my first visit?
Not necessarily. Bring any imaging you already have, it helps Dr. Bhakta build a complete picture of your condition. If you don't have imaging yet, that's fine. He can order what's needed after your evaluation if it will change the treatment plan. Some patients get a clear diagnosis from physical exam alone.
What if physical therapy hasn't worked for my condition?
PT is a valuable first step, but it's not the right fit for every condition. Certain sources of pain (nerve compression, facet joint arthritis, SI joint dysfunction, joint arthritis with bone-on-bone contact) often need to be addressed directly with a procedure before therapy can fully succeed. Dr. Bhakta frequently recommends a combined approach: interventional treatment to calm the pain generator, followed by PT to restore function and prevent recurrence.