06 Feb Interview with Dr. Brandon Claflin: Advances in Interventional Pain Management
Dr. Brandon Claflin
Dr. Brandon Claflin is a local Oklahoma osteopathic physician who has helped thousands of patients with chronic and complex pain conditions. His experience includes a double board certification in physical medicine and rehabilitation, and a fellowship in the Department of Anesthesia at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
In the discussion below, Dr. Claflin shares how modern interventional pain management focuses on identifying the source of pain and supporting long-term function.
The Shift Toward Non-Pharmacologic Pain Care
Interventional pain management aims to discover the source of the pain rather than relying on long-term symptom management. Technological advancements and diagnostic methods help detect breaks or nerve damage that might cause pain. Pain specialists can pinpoint where to start interventional treatment using imaging equipment.
According to Dr. Claflin, his pain relief method prioritizes identifying the source of the pain to reduce pain signals and support improved movement. Clinical evidence supports this strategy, including a study on spinal cord stimulation (SCS), showing that patients with chronic back or leg pain experienced greater relief with SCS than with conventional medical management (CMM).
Minimally invasive pain treatments intersect with other therapies for holistic pain management and lasting pain relief. Examples of treatments that may work together include:
- Epidural injections paired with physical therapy focused on mobility and activity progression
- Facet joint injections or medial branch blocks combined with posture training and ergonomic changes
- Radiofrequency ablation (facet or sacroiliac joint) supported by physical therapy to support long-term relief
Pain physicians aim to find a long-term, minimally invasive solution to avoid surgical intervention.
Key Advances in Interventional Pain Management
We asked Dr. Brandon Claflin of Oklahoma to share modern pain management methods with us. His answers provide insight into techniques that go beyond pain treatment and focus on building a pain management plan unique to each patient’s profile.
What Are the Most Significant Advances in Pain Treatment Today?
We’re seeing remarkable progress in several steps in the pain management process, from diagnostics through to after-treatment care. A notable mention is the precision with which technology now targets the root cause of pain.
One area that excites us is spinal cord stimulation, which disrupts pain signals before they reach the brain. For patients, this can mean:
- Reduced pain intensity
- Relief without tingling sensations associated with older stimulation systems
- Improved daily function, including walking and sitting for longer periods
- Improved sleep and overall quality of life
- Adjustable treatment options that physicians can tailor over time
Advances in real-time imaging, such as fluoroscopy and ultrasound, improve procedural accuracy and safety. Patients can also expect faster recovery and less invasiveness with interventional, non-surgical pain treatments. This shift from open surgery to outpatient settings enables same-day discharge. The hope is to get patients back to enjoying activities as soon as possible.
Which Interventions are Showing the Most Promise?
Advanced spinal cord stimulation continues to show promise for patients with neuropathic pain, particularly with newer systems designed to reduce or eliminate the pins-and-needles sensations associated with earlier technology.
Radiofrequency ablation is another effective option for certain types of joint-related pain in the lower back and pelvis. uses cooled radiofrequency to treat joint pain in the lower back and pelvis. By using targeted, image-guided energy to interrupt pain signals, this minimally invasive treatment can provide meaningful pain reduction that may last many months, and in some patients, up to two years.
How Do You Integrate Supportive Approaches?
We have a whole-patient approach to pain management, and a multimodal care framework supports our vision. We determine whether other specialists should be part of a care team from a patient’s first appointment. We focus on:
- Post-procedure rehabilitation
- Movement mechanics
- Core strengthening
Patients should approach complementary therapies with caution and only pursue alternative options with supporting evidence and their doctor’s approval. Examples of non-invasive techniques that may provide temporary relief include acupuncture, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and red light therapy for pain relief. The combination of interventional pain treatment and non-invasive adjuncts helps share the treatment load.
How Do You Define Success in Interventional Pain Care?
Medical measures, such as the Oswestry Disability Index, Neck Disability Index, and Brief Pain Inventory, determine successful pain intervention.
At Oklahoma Interventional Spine & Pain, the measure of success runs deeper. We want to know how pain management affects a patient’s daily life. Do they sleep better? Has their mental health improved? Can they participate in activities? What are the return-to-work rates?
Setting realistic expectations with patients and managing them effectively are other measures of success. Successful treatment doesn’t always mean complete pain elimination for everyone. It might mean going on vacations again or looking forward to physical activities.
We want to achieve pain reduction and functional improvement. Sometimes the quality-of-life gains outweigh the raw pain scores.
Precision, Evidence, and Patient-Centered Progress
Advances in interventional pain management reshape how physicians approach chronic and complex pain diagnosis and treatment. These advances reduce the need for surgical and long-term pain management methods by providing additional options.
As Dr. Brandon Claflin emphasizes, the future of pain management lies in thoughtful decision-making that is focused on reducing pain, restoring function, improving mobility, and boosting quality of life. With the right diagnosis and a personalized care plan, meaningful progress is possible.
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Last Updated on February 6, 2026 by Marie Benz MD FAAD