General Pain Management
Do I need a referral to be seen at The Pain Free Institute?
In many cases, a referral is not required to schedule a consultation. We recommend calling our office or submitting a contact form to confirm based on your insurance plan and specific situation.

Can pain management improve my quality of life without surgery?
Absolutely. Many patients experience significant, lasting improvement through non-surgical interventions such as spinal injections, nerve ablation, regenerative therapies, and neurostimulation — without the risks or recovery time associated with surgery.
Can The Pain Free Institute treat pain caused by a sports injury?
Yes. We offer specialized care for sports injury and trauma-related pain, including joint injections, regenerative medicine, shockwave therapy, and other targeted treatments designed to restore function and get you back to the activities you love.
Do I need a referral to be seen at The Pain Free Institute?
In many cases, a referral is not required to schedule a consultation. We recommend calling our office or submitting a contact form to confirm based on your insurance plan and specific situation.
How long does relief from nerve ablation typically last?
Pain relief following nerve ablation can last anywhere from six months to two or more years, depending on the location and type of procedure. As nerves regenerate over time, the procedure can be repeated if pain returns.
Is chronic pain a normal part of aging?
While some discomfort can accompany aging, persistent or debilitating pain is not something you simply have to accept. Chronic pain is a medical condition with effective treatment options, and our team can help you find relief regardless of age.
Is radiofrequency ablation the same as nerve ablation?
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is the most common form of nerve ablation. It uses radiofrequency energy to heat and disrupt the targeted nerve, preventing it from transmitting pain signals. The terms are often used interchangeably in a clinical context.
Is The Pain Free Institute accepting new patients?
Yes — The Pain Free Institute is currently accepting new patients. You can call us at (323) 433-7744 or submit a request through our website to schedule your first appointment.
What are minimally invasive spine procedures?
Minimally invasive spine procedures use advanced imaging guidance and small specialized instruments to access and treat specific areas of the spine with minimal disruption to surrounding tissue. These procedures offer shorter recovery times and lower complication rates compared to traditional open surgery.
What are spinal injections and who are they for?
Spinal injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the source of pain along the spine. They are highly effective for conditions such as sciatica, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and sports-related back injuries that cause nerve inflammation or compression.
What is a medial branch block?
A medial branch block is a diagnostic injection that targets the medial branch nerves supplying the facet joints of the spine. If the block provides significant relief, it confirms those nerves as the pain source and guides whether radiofrequency ablation would be appropriate.
What is a nerve block?
A nerve block involves injecting a local anesthetic — and sometimes a steroid — near a specific nerve or group of nerves to interrupt pain signals. Nerve blocks can serve both a diagnostic purpose (confirming the pain source) and a therapeutic one (providing relief).
What is interventional pain management?
Interventional pain management is a subspecialty that uses minimally invasive procedures
What is ketamine infusion therapy?
Ketamine infusion therapy delivers low-dose ketamine intravenously to interrupt chronic pain pathways in the central nervous system. It is used for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), refractory nerve pain, fibromyalgia, and treatment-resistant depression-related pain.
What is nerve ablation and when is it recommended?
Nerve ablation uses controlled energy — such as radiofrequency heat or cryotherapy — to disrupt or destroy the specific nerve fibers transmitting pain signals. It is often recommended when nerve blocks have provided temporary relief but a longer-lasting solution is needed.
What is peripheral nerve stimulation?
Peripheral nerve stimulation works similarly to spinal cord stimulation but targets specific peripheral nerves outside the spinal cord. It is used to treat localized chronic pain conditions affecting the limbs, head, or torso.
What is PRP therapy?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a form of regenerative medicine in which a concentrated solution of your own platelets is injected into damaged tissue. The growth factors in platelets help accelerate tissue repair and reduce inflammation, making it a popular option for joint pain and soft tissue injuries.
What is shockwave therapy and how does it work?
Shockwave therapy uses high-energy acoustic waves delivered to injured or painful tissue to stimulate the body's natural healing response. It can reduce inflammation, break down scar tissue, and promote tissue regeneration — making it effective for conditions like tendinopathy, heel pain, and chronic musculoskeletal injuries.
What is spinal cord stimulation?
Spinal cord stimulation involves implanting a small device that delivers mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord, interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain. It is typically considered for patients with chronic pain who have not found adequate relief through other treatments.
What is the difference between acute pain and chronic pain?
Acute pain is short-term and typically linked to a specific injury or illness, resolving as the body heals. Chronic pain persists for three months or longer and often requires a more structured, long-term treatment approach to manage effectively.
What joint injections are available for arthritis or musculoskeletal pain?
We provide a range of joint injection options including corticosteroid injections for inflammation, hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation) for knee arthritis, and PRP injections to promote joint healing — all guided by imaging for precision and safety.
What makes The Pain Free Institute different from other pain clinics?
We take a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to pain care. Rather than relying solely on medication, we prioritize non-surgical, minimally invasive treatments — including regenerative therapies and advanced neuromodulation — tailored to each patient's unique needs and goals.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please bring a valid photo ID, your insurance card, a list of current medications, any prior imaging studies (MRI, X-ray, CT scans), and relevant medical records or referral notes from your primary care provider.
What treatments are available for headaches and migraines?
We offer specialized treatments for chronic headaches and migraines, including nerve blocks such as occipital nerve blocks, trigger point injections, Botox injections for chronic migraine prevention, and ketamine infusion therapy for refractory cases.
What types of pain does The Pain Free Institute treat?
We treat a wide range of pain conditions including spine and back pain, nerve pain, joint and musculoskeletal pain, headaches and migraines, post-surgical pain, cancer-related pain, sports injuries, and chronic pain conditions affecting daily quality of life.
What types of spinal injections does The Pain Free Institute offer?
We offer a range of spinal injection therapies including epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, medial branch blocks, sacroiliac joint injections.
Where is The Pain Free Institute located?
We are located at 5757 Wilshire Boulevard, PR2, Los Angeles, CA 90036. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Who is Dr. Shahbaz Farnad?
Dr. Shahbaz Farnad is a specialist in Interventional Pain Management and the lead physician at The Pain Free Institute. He brings a comprehensive, compassionate approach to each patient, focusing on lasting relief through individualized treatment plans.
Will I need to take opioids as part of my treatment?
Our approach emphasizes non-opioid, minimally invasive treatment options whenever possible. While medications may be part of a comprehensive plan in certain cases, our goal is to reduce dependence on opioids through targeted interventional therapies.












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