What kind of pain conditions do you treat?

We treat a wide range of acute and chronic pain conditions, including back pain, neck pain, joint pain, sciatica, arthritis, nerve pain and accident injuries or surgeries. Our goal is to help you get back to an active and pain-free lifestyle.

Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment?

In most cases, you do not need a referral to see us. We accept self-referrals and work with most insurance providers. If you are unsure, just give us a call and we will help you understand what is needed.

What is interventional pain management?

Interventional pain management uses targeted, invasive procedures such as injections, nerve blockages, and spine stimulation to treat the source of your pain, not just cover it up with medication.

Who is Dr. Blake Christensen?

Dr. Blake Christensen is an expert in pain management, certified by the board and founder of Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers. With extensive training and a personalized approach, he is known for helping patients find real, lasting relief.

Are your treatments surgical?

No. We specialize in non-surgical pain treatments. Most of our procedures are performed in-office and do not require hospital stays or long recovery times.

What are epidural steroid injections, and are they safe?

Epidural steroid injections help reduce inflammation around spinal nerves. They are safe, commonly used, and often bring relief from conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.

How long will it take to see results?

It depends on the condition and treatment plan, but many patients experience relief within days or weeks. We will guide you through each step and adjust your care as needed.

Is pain management just about medication?

Not at all. While medication can be part of a plan, we focus on treating the root cause through injections, physical therapies, nerve treatments, and lifestyle guidance.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring your ID, insurance card, a list of medications you are currently taking, and any recent imaging reports if available (X-rays, MRIs, etc.).

Where are you located, and what are your hours?

We have locations in Oklahoma City, Norman. Our clinics are open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we accept most major insurance plans. Our staff will help verify your coverage and explain any costs before your treatment.

What makes Oklahoma Pain Treatment Centers different?

We treat each patient like family. With expert care led by Dr. Blake Christensen and a dedicated staff, we combine experience, compassion, and innovative treatments by the best team for the best health and quality of life.

Effective Shoulder Pain Relief: Nerve Blocks, RFA, and Stimulation

May 27

Written By Blake Christensen

Shoulder pain can be debilitating because it interferes with your ability to perform daily tasks like lifting, reaching, or even sleeping comfortably. Our Remington pain management doctor specializes in advanced, non-surgical treatments for chronic shoulder pain.

If you have tried physical therapy, medications, or injections without lasting relief, it may be time to explore targeted solutions like axillary nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS).

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Have you explored conservative treatments and not seen the results you were hoping for? Shoulder pain can arise from a variety of issues. Targeting the axillary nerve can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility.

Common causes of shoulder pain include:

Rotator cuff injuries
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
Shoulder arthritis
Bursitis or tendonitis
Nerve impingement

The axillary nerve is a major nerve supplying the shoulder. Targeting this nerve allows us to interrupt the pain signals regardless of the underlying structural issue.

What Is the Axillary Nerve?

The axillary nerve is a key structure in the shoulder responsible for motor function and sensation to parts of the deltoid muscle and skin over the shoulder.

Location: It is located approximately 7mm distal to the acromion.
Function: It controls movement and feeling in the shoulder cap.
Sensitivity: Damage or irritation to this nerve can cause severe dysfunction.

We use precise imaging to locate this nerve during treatments. This ensures that we target the source of your pain without affecting surrounding tissues.

Axillary Nerve Block: Diagnostic and Therapeutic

An axillary nerve block is a minimally invasive injection used to numb the axillary nerve. It interrupts pain signals traveling from the shoulder to the brain.

Diagnostic value: Relief confirms the axillary nerve is the source of pain.
Therapeutic value: It provides weeks or months of relief for some patients.
Procedure: We perform these blocks under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance.

This procedure is often the first step in a long-term pain relief plan. A successful block tells us that advanced therapies like ablation or stimulation will likely be effective.

Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Long-Term Relief

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) may be the next step if a nerve block provides temporary relief. This outpatient procedure uses heat to disrupt pain signals.

Mechanism: It uses radio waves to heat the nerve tissue.
Duration: Relief can last for six months or more.
Benefits: It reduces reliance on pain medications and has minimal downtime.

RFA is ideal for patients with chronic shoulder pain who have not responded to other treatments. It offers a safe way to achieve lasting comfort without surgery.

Peripheral Nerve Stimulator (PNS)

Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a revolutionary option for patients who need longer-lasting control. It involves a small system that delivers mild electrical pulses to the nerve.

Customizable: You can adjust stimulation settings to your pain level.
Reversible: It is a drug-free and reversible intervention.
Effective: It modifies pain signals before they reach the brain.

PNS is particularly effective for nerve-related shoulder pain. It puts the control back in your hands and allows you to manage your pain level in real-time.

Schedule Your Shoulder Pain Evaluation Today

You do not have to live with limited mobility. If shoulder pain is affecting your quality of life, we can help you find the right solution.

Blake Christensen