For appropriate patients, Dr. Nasiek injects steroid medications percutaneously into the epidural space, using fluoroscopic guidance, allowing the medication to be placed precisely where inflammation is presumed to exist. The advantage of epidural steroid injections is that Dr. Nasiek can deliver a greater concentration to and around the inflamed area than would be possible with oral medications. A great many patients presenting to Dr. Nasiek respond to injection therapy alone and do not require additional treatment. There are, however, those who, due to the nature and extent of their underlying disease, may be candidates for other procedures that are somewhat more invasive than a steroid injection, but are still significantly less invasive than traditional surgery.
For the non-surgical treatment of a herniated disc, Dr. Nasiek performs a percutaneous discectomy to remove the herniated disc. Using local anesthesia and with the aid of X-ray fluoroscopy and magnified video imaging as a guide, Dr. Nasiek percutaneously inserts a small, specially designed introducer needle between the vertebrae into the herniated disc. Through the introducer needle, a Stryker Decompressor instrument is inserted, and once activated, a fragment of disc material is removed. This procedure, lasting on average about an hour, causes little, if any, discomfort. Once completed, the probe is removed, and a small bandage is placed over the incision. The amount of nucleus tissue removed varies, but it does not affect the load-bearing structure of the disc.
Another minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed by Dr. Nasiek for the treatment of discogenic back pain is Intradiscal Electrothermal Annuloplasty (IDET). This is a rather advanced procedure that uses special electrothermal catheters which allow for careful and precise temperature control. The procedure involves cauterizing nerve endings in the disc wall, which helps block pain signals. Performed in about an hour, IDET is done with local anesthesia and mild sedation. A hollow introducer needle is inserted into the painful disc space using X-ray guidance. An electrothermal catheter then passes through the needle and is positioned along the posterior inner wall of the disc (annulus). The catheter is slowly heated to 90 degrees Celsius. The heat shrinks and thickens the collagen fibers that make up the disc wall. This promotes the closure of tears and fissures. The tiny nerve endings in these tears are cauterized, resulting in less sensitivity. The catheter and needle are then removed, and after a short rest, the patient can go home. Recovery takes several weeks to allow the disc to heal properly, after which physical therapy can begin. The goal of IDET, as with all pain relief procedures performed by Dr. Nasiek, is to return patients to balance and normal activities as quickly as possible.
When performing these procedures or using any of the many minimally invasive pain treatment techniques in which Dr. Nasiek has gained extensive experience, he collaborates with surgical clinics that are recognized as some of the best in our state. Affiliation with such an outpatient facility ensures that the protection of his patients’ rights and well-being will be paramount during every procedure he performs. Above all, that his patients are treated with respect, consideration, and dignity. The facility also has appropriate procedures in place to verify the qualifications of every person involved in care before, during, and after the procedure, to ensure the continuous protection of patient safety and well-being. In the unlikely event of an emergency, Dr. Nasiek can be confident that the facility has the necessary personnel, equipment, and procedures to handle any situation, and that appropriate mechanisms are in place to transfer the patient to a hospital if needed.
Undergoing even a minimally invasive outpatient procedure is a serious undertaking, and the patient must make a careful decision.
Throughout his professional career, Dr. Nasiek has focused on leading, minimally invasive pain treatment, with a particular emphasis on spinal techniques. It is extremely important for him to provide care in a sensitive and compassionate manner and to expect all his staff to adhere to the same philosophy. He continues to update his skills in the most innovative and cutting-edge spinal interventions, including disc decompression, nucleoplasty, IDET, and radiofrequency neurolysis, as well as spinal implants and endoscopic discectomy. New technology has opened many new doors for pain treatment. Pain is divided into specific pain-generating factors to identify very specific treatments for each component of overall pain. Dr. Nasiek eagerly anticipates implementing new technology as it develops to continue providing the highest available level of pain treatment.
Dr. Nasiek’s specialized knowledge in pain management procedures and interventions allows him to teach fellow physicians and surgeons the latest techniques and methods in interventional pain management. Dr. Nasiek conducts workshops and courses in percutaneous decompression, IDET, and provocative discography.
Dr. Nasiek completed his residency and fellowship at St. Vincent Hospital and Medical Center in New York. Dr. Nasiek has been in private practice in New Jersey and New York since 1996.
Dr. Nasiek is one of the leading specialists in the field of pain management.
His credentials include: Diplomate American Board of Pain Medicine, Diplomate American Board of Anesthesiology, Diplomate American Academy of Pain Management, and Diplomate American Board of Interventional Pain Physicians.
Dariusz J. Nasiek, a unique triple board-certified pain management physician and anesthesiologist in New Jersey who specializes in minimally invasive pain treatment, serves as Medical Director of Anesthesiology at Bergen Passaic Ambulatory Surgical Center and Hackensack Surgical Center.
Dr. Nasiek and his partners at Allied Neurology and Interventional Pain Practice, PC have six conveniently located offices in northern and central New Jersey. Along with experienced and well-trained associates, Dr. Nasiek adheres to the philosophy of developing an individualized approach for each patient treated and a multidisciplinary approach with multiple specialties.
