Emerging Trends in Interventional Pain Management: 2025 and Beyond

John K. Hong, M.D. | 5/16/2025

As the landscape of medicine evolves, interventional pain management continues to advance with innovative techniques aimed at providing long-term relief, minimizing opioid reliance, and improving quality of life for patients with chronic pain. In 2025, several cutting-edge therapies are reshaping how specialists diagnose and treat pain. Here's a look at the most promising trends:

1. Endoscopic Spine Procedures

Endoscopic techniques, particularly endoscopic discectomy and endoscopic rhizotomy, are gaining traction as minimally invasive alternatives to traditional spine surgeries. These procedures allow for:

• Smaller incisions

• Faster recovery times

• Reduced soft tissue trauma

• Precise visualization and treatment of pain generators

Pioneers in the field are now expanding indications to include facet joint syndrome, spinal stenosis, and discogenic pain.

2. Neuromodulation Innovations

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) and peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) have evolved with new waveform programming and device miniaturization. Latest trends include:

• Closed-loop stimulation, which adapts output based on real-time feedback

• High-frequency 10 kHz SCS, which avoids paresthesia and offers consistent pain relief

• Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation for focal pain syndromes like CRPS

These advancements provide tailored neuromodulation with improved efficacy for previously refractory cases.

3. Regenerative Medicine Integration

Regenerative treatments are no longer fringe options. Clinics increasingly integrate:

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

• Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)

• Alpha-2 Macroglobulin (A2M)

• Plasma Protein Concentrate (PPC)

These biologics aim to modulate inflammation and support tissue healing, particularly in tendinopathies, spinal disc degeneration, and joint arthritis.

4. Targeted Nerve Ablation and Neurolytic Techniques

Techniques like basivertebral nerve ablation (Intracept®) and endoscopic medial branch rhizotomy are offering lasting relief for specific pain sources:

• Vertebrogenic low back pain linked to Modic changes

• Chronic facetogenic pain unresponsive to standard RFA

These targeted approaches use image guidance and precise delivery systems to optimize outcomes.

5. Artificial Intelligence in Diagnosis and Monitoring

AI-assisted tools are being integrated into pain practice to:

• Predict treatment outcomes based on large datasets

• Analyze imaging and EMR data to identify pain generators

• Optimize neuromodulation programming

Expect AI to play a growing role in decision-making algorithms, remote patient monitoring, and risk stratification.

6. Personalized Pain Management Pathways

Precision medicine is pushing pain management away from one-size-fits-all approaches. Personalized care plans now include:

• Genetic profiling for opioid metabolism and treatment response

• Tailored physical therapy programs based on muscular imbalances

• Multi-modal pain pathways integrating psychological, nutritional, and pharmacologic strategies

  
  

7. Expanded Use of Scrambler Therapy

Scrambler therapy continues to gain recognition as a non-invasive neuromodulation technique for neuropathic pain. With ongoing studies showing efficacy for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), post-surgical pain, and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), more interventionalists are incorporating this device-based treatment into care plans.

Conclusion

The field of interventional pain management is in an exciting phase of innovation. Parkview Pain & Regenerative Institute is uniquely positioned to offer all these latest treatments. The goal at Parkview Is to stay ahead of these trends—by incorporating evidence-based regenerative therapies, leveraging technology, and embracing minimally invasive procedures—are better positioned to deliver meaningful, lasting relief to their patients. As the science evolves, so does the art of personalized, precise, and patient-centered pain care.

If you are experiencing chronic pain and would like more information or to schedule a consultation, contact our clinic today at (435) 714-7180. Parkview has offices in Park City and Salt Lake City to conveniently serve you!