Considered a minimally invasive procedure, image-guided epidural injections for back pain may be administered at a doctor’s office, surgical center or hospital imaging center.
What Is an Image-Guided Epidural Injection?
The bones composing the spine are called vertebrae. In between each lies a disc that allows for a degree of flexibility, cushioning and movement. An image-guided epidural injection involves the administration of a corticosteroid inside the spinal canal, or epidural region.
This approach has many benefits, including quick pain relief. Some patients are even able to delay surgery for a particular issue. While these injections can provide longer-lasting relief than other solutions, you may need to schedule a follow-up dose. Due to the potential risks associated with corticosteroids, no more than four injections are recommended per year.
Before this procedure, the patient receives a local anesthetic. Although the pain may return later, it’s simply a result of the anesthesia wearing off. Over the next 48 hours, longer-lasting relief begins. Although most patients can return home the same day, they may experience temporary weakening in the legs and bladder, as well as blood pressure fluctuations.
Role of Imaging In Epidural Injections
In the 1980s, radiologists began using fluoroscopy to assist with needle placement. Studies have shown that blind injections may be inaccurate 25 to nearly 40 percent of the time.
Today, CT or fluoroscopy technology helps guide the needle to the precise injection site. The approach:
- Helps visualize the needle’s path
- Allows for a quicker, more efficient procedure
- Can identify other issues potentially interfering with an injection
- Reduces the number of potential complications
- Only exposes a patient to low level radiation
When Are Image-Guided Epidural Injections Recommended?
You may undergo an image-guided epidural injection if you:
- Are experiencing extreme or chronic back pain
- Have back pain that travels down one or both legs
- Have facet joint or disc issues associated with arthritis
- Are looking for an alternative to back surgery
- Recently underwent a surgical procedure for back pain and experienced a flare-up
- Cannot effectively manage pain with analgesics and over-the-counter solutions
- Have back pain that interferes with quality of life, including the ability to sleep and participate in everyday activities
It’s important to understand these injections are not a uniform solution for back pain. Epidurals are not ideal if a patient has spinal cancer or an infection in this area.
Due to these factors, a patient may first need to have an MRI or CT scan to determine the presence of these conditions or if the pain stems from age-related causes.
Has your doctor recommended a facet joint block or another image-guided epidural injection? Contact Midstate Radiology Associates to schedule an appointment today.
