From the American Society of Interventional Pain Physi-

The practice guidelines for interventional techniques in the management of chronic pain are systematically developed statements to assist physician and patient decisions about appropriate health care related to chronic pain. These guidelines are professionally derived recommendations for practices in the diagno-sis and treatment of chronic or persistent pain. They were developed utilizing a combination of evidence and consensus based techniques, to increase patient access to treatment, improve outcomes and appropri-ateness of care, and optimize cost-effectiveness. The guidelines include a discussion of their purpose, ra-tionale, and importance, including the patient popula-tion served, the methodology and the pathophysiologic basis for intervention. Various interventional tech-niques will be discussed addressing the rationale for their use in chronic pain with analysis of the outcomes data and cost effectiveness. These guidelines do not constitute inflexible treatment recommendations. It is expected that a provider will establish a plan of care on a case-by-case basis, tak-ing into account an individual patient’s medical con-dition, personal needs, and preferences, and the physician’s experience. Based on an individual patient’s needs, treatment different from that outlined here could be warranted