Justin Wasserman, MD in Baltimore: Interventional Pain Management for Chronic and Spine Conditions

The Pain Treatment Center, led by Dr. Justin Wasserman, is an interventional pain management practice in Baltimore that performs image-guided injections, nerve blocks, and other minimally invasive procedures to treat chronic pain stemming from spine, joint, and neuropathic conditions. Unlike primary care physicians who manage pain primarily through medication, Wasserman specializes in procedures designed to reduce or eliminate pain by targeting the underlying anatomical source.

What the practice actually is

Dr. Wasserman is board certified in anesthesiology and pain management. The Pain Treatment Center operates as an outpatient clinic focused on interventional techniques rather than surgery or long-term inpatient care. Patients are typically referred by their primary care doctor, orthopedist, or neurologist after conservative treatment (physical therapy, medication) has not resolved their pain. The practice handles spine pain (neck, mid-back, lower back), joint pain (knee, shoulder, hip), nerve-related pain (neuropathy), and headache conditions. Baltimore residents with chronic pain seeking an alternative to escalating medication doses or surgery often begin at practices like this before considering more invasive options.

Services and typical procedure costs

The practice performs epidural steroid injections (into the space around the spinal cord), facet joint injections (targeting the small joints along the spine), sacroiliac joint injections, trigger point injections, and various nerve blocks using ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance. Costs for a single injection procedure typically range from $800 to $2,000 out of pocket, depending on the specific procedure and imaging required; patients with insurance coverage often pay a copay or coinsurance amount instead. Some procedures are bundled when multiple sites are treated during one session. Verify current pricing and insurance coverage directly with the office, as facility fees and anesthesia charges can vary.

How this compares to other Baltimore pain management options

Baltimore hosts several other interventional pain practices. Sinai Hospital and University of Maryland Medical Center operate their own pain management departments with multiple physicians and residents; those settings offer academic-affiliated care and may have shorter waits for certain procedures, though scheduling can be slower. Some Baltimore orthopedic practices include in-house pain injections for their surgical patients but do not offer standalone interventional pain services. Primary care physicians and neurologists in the city can prescribe pain medication and refer to physical therapy but cannot perform image-guided injections. Choose The Pain Treatment Center if you need focused interventional care from a single specialized physician; choose a larger hospital-based program if you want access to multiple pain specialists or if your condition may require imaging or diagnostic clarity available on-site.

Who it suits and who it does not suit

The practice suits patients with confirmed or suspected structural spine or joint problems (disc herniation, facet arthritis, sacroiliac joint dysfunction) that have not resolved with physical therapy or medication, and patients who want to avoid or delay surgery. It also suits people seeking to reduce opioid doses under medical supervision. The practice does not suit patients with acute injuries requiring emergency care, patients whose pain is primarily muscular or functional (rather than structural), or patients seeking long-term pain medication management without procedures. Candidates for specific procedures must meet imaging and clinical criteria; not every patient is a candidate for every injection type.

What the first visit involves

New patients should expect to bring imaging (MRI or CT scans) if available and a list of current medications and past pain treatments. The appointment includes a history and physical exam, review of imaging, and a discussion of whether and which procedures may help. Not all first visits result in a procedure on the same day; many require scheduling the injection for a separate visit. Patients must arrange for someone to drive them home if sedation is used, though some procedures are performed with local anesthesia alone. Arrive 15 minutes early to complete paperwork.

Hours, location, and parking

Confirm current hours and parking details directly with the office by phone or website, as clinic schedules can shift seasonally. The practice is located in Baltimore and accepts most major insurance plans, though verification of coverage before the appointment is recommended to avoid surprise bills.

The Pain Treatment Center fills a gap for Baltimore patients caught between primary care and surgery, offering a structured pathway to reduce pain through precisely targeted procedures rather than medication alone.