Dr. Monika Misak
Dr. Monika Misak is an interventional pain specialist at Empire Minimally Invasive Spine and Pain. She cares for patients with chronic back, neck, and joint pain across the practice's New York and New Jersey locations, using minimally invasive, image-guided treatments and a step-up approach that reserves surgery for when it's truly needed.
Are Epidural Steroid Injections Worth It? An Honest Look
Are epidural steroid injections worth it? An honest look at what an ESI does, who it helps most, how long relief lasts, why you may feel worse for a few days first, and where injections fit in a treatment plan.
How Long Does a Pinched Nerve Take to Heal? Recovery Timeline
Most pinched nerves heal within a few weeks to a couple of months. Learn the typical recovery timeline, what speeds it up, the signs it's healing, and the red flags that mean you shouldn't wait.
Occipital Neuralgia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
In this article What is occipital neuralgia? Symptoms Occipital neuralgia vs. migraine What causes it How it’s diagnosed Treatment options When to see a doctor Frequently asked questions If you get sharp, electric-shock-like jolts of pain in the back of…
Spinal Cord Stimulator: Pros and Cons You Should Know
A spinal cord stimulator can help chronic pain, but it's a big step. See the honest pros and cons and how the trial period lets you test it first.
Facet Joint Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Facet joint syndrome causes neck or back pain that worsens when you lean back or twist. Learn the causes, symptoms, and treatments that help.
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Pain: Treatment Options and What to Expect
If you have stubborn pain low in your back that sits to one side and spreads into your buttock or hip, the problem may not be a disc or your hip joint at all – it may be your sacroiliac…
Medial Branch Blocks vs. Facet Joint Injections: What’s the Difference?
Facet joint injections and medial branch blocks sound alike but do different jobs - one treats the joint, one diagnoses the pain source and sets up radiofrequency ablation.
Epidural Steroid Injection Cost, Coverage, and Safety: An Honest Guide
What an epidural steroid injection really costs with and without insurance, whether Medicare covers it and how many it allows, plus an honest look at the risks and side effects.
Which Doctor to Consult for Lower Back Pain? A Pain Management–Focused Treatment Guide
Pain management specialists play a critical role in diagnosing the source of lower back pain and delivering non-surgical, image-guided treatments designed to relieve nerve compression, reduce inflammation, and restore spinal stability. Lower back pain is one of the most common…
Medicare, Workers Comp,
No Fault & Others.
We accept most major insurance plans across our New York and New Jersey offices. Select your state to see accepted plans.
Accepted at our New York Locations
Workers' Compensation
No-Fault (NY & NJ)
Lien Cases
Medicare
Empire BCBS
BCBS / Anthem
Cigna
Aetna
Empire NYSHIP
Oxford (PPO)
United Health Care
GHI / Emblem Health
Humana (PPO)
Magnacare (PPO)
Northwell Direct
1199 SEIU
Self Pay
Accepted at our New Jersey Locations
No-Fault (NJ)
Lien Cases
Horizon BCBS
Empire NYSHIP
BCBS / Anthem (PPO)
Cigna
Aetna (PPO)
GHI / Emblem (PPO)
Port Authority UHC
Verizon Plan
Carpenter & Trade Unions
Self Pay
Medicare and Medicaid are not accepted at our New Jersey locations. Not sure about your plan? Call us and we'll verify before your visit.
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Meet Our Pain Management & Orthopedic Specialists
Board-certified physicians dedicated to accurate diagnosis and minimally invasive care.
Pain Management
John Akhnoukh, M.D.
Board Certified Anesthesiologist & Interventional Pain Management Physician
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Pain Management
James Yu, D.O.
Board Certified Anesthesiologist & Interventional Pain Management Physician
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Pain Management
Benjamin Souferi, D.O.
Fellowship-Trained Interventional Pain Medicine Physician (Cleveland Clinic)
Visit ProfilePain Conditions Affecting Daily Life
Improve your quality of life with our comprehensive approach to pain management
We are dedicated to finding individualized treatment options tailored to fit your needs. Our team is dedicated to helping you lead a productive and active life, free from pain and disruption.
Our Locations
Pain management and orthopedic care across New York and New Jersey.