14 distinct questions to help plan a conversation with the care team.
Decision guide
These approaches both use electrical stimulation, but they target different parts of the nervous system. The useful comparison begins with the pain location, diagnosis, device indication, and whether a trial is possible.
Decision guide
A pain pump delivers medication into spinal fluid; spinal cord stimulation delivers electrical signals. They are different long-term systems, so the comparison should be tied to a diagnosis and ongoing care capacity.
Decision guide
An epidural injection and a facet procedure address different suspected pain sources. A referral that only says back or neck pain is not enough to choose between them.
Decision guide
Neck and lower-back facet procedures share a basic concept but involve different anatomy and symptoms. The exact spinal region and level should appear in the plan.
Decision guide
Pain near the low back and pelvis can overlap. A clinician should explain whether the sacroiliac joint, lumbar facets, hip, nerve root, or another structure is the stronger working diagnosis.
Decision guide
A block tests whether a suspected nerve pathway matters; ablation treats selected nerves after the diagnosis is supported.
Decision guide
These procedures are not substitutes for one another. A sympathetic block examines or affects autonomic pathways; an epidural injection targets the space around spinal nerves.
Decision guide
New or persistent pain after surgery deserves a fresh evaluation. Prior surgery can affect anatomy and choice of procedure, but it does not establish that scar tissue is the cause.
Decision guide
Preparation depends on the specific injection and medical history. A written plan from the treating team is more reliable than a generic instruction list.
Decision guide
A simple before-and-after record can make follow-up more useful, especially when a diagnostic block is expected to work only briefly.
Decision guide
A stimulator or pump changes future care. Before a trial or permanent implant, know who manages programming, refills, imaging questions, and urgent device concerns.
Decision guide
Pain during cancer care can shift quickly. A consultation works best when the pain and oncology teams share a current treatment plan and a clear contact pathway.
Decision guide
Identify the exact implanted pain device and its MRI conditions before an imaging appointment.
Decision guide
Use the first injection's observed effect, diagnosis and follow-up plan to discuss a possible next step.