Interventional radiology is a medical specialty that uses imaging guidance to perform minimally invasive procedures. It is often used to diagnose and treat conditions throughout the body. For individuals experiencing back pain, interventional radiologists use advanced imaging to deliver treatments directly to the source of discomfort. Here are some ways interventional radiology reduces pain in non-surgical spinal procedures:
Recognizing Types of Treatable Back Pain
Back pain originates from various sources within the spinal column, including nerves, joints, and discs. Some common conditions are:
- Spinal stenosis: The spinal canal narrows, which may put pressure on nerves and cause pain.
- Herniated discs: These happen when the soft center of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the exterior, irritating nearby nerves.
- Degenerative disc disease: This occurs when the discs between your vertebrae wear down over time, and it can cause pain and instability.
- Vertebral compression fractures: These are tiny breaks in the bones of your spine, often caused by osteoporosis or injury, leading to sudden and severe back pain.
Getting Spinal Injections
Spinal injections are a standard procedure used in interventional radiology to address back pain. Using imaging techniques like fluoroscopy or ultrasound, a specialist guides a thin needle to a specific area in the spine. This allows for accurate placement and targets the exact source of pain. An epidural steroid injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication into the epidural space, the area surrounding the spinal cord and nerves. By reducing inflammation, the injection may relieve pressure on nerves and lessen pain. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis.
Providing Targeted Drug Delivery
Interventional radiology can deliver medication with a high degree of precision. Instead of taking oral medications that affect the entire body, targeted drug delivery sends medicine directly to the affected spinal area. This allows doctors to use potent medications at the specific site of inflammation or injury.
A targeted approach means that the treatment is concentrated where it is needed. A nerve root block involves injecting medication around a specific spinal nerve. This helps identify if a particular nerve is the source of pain and may also provide relief. The precision of image-guided delivery helps minimize exposure of other tissues to the medication.
Reducing Pain Signals
Some interventional radiology procedures work by interrupting pain signals. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a technique used for chronic back pain, often related to facet joint arthritis. During RFA, an interventional radiologist uses imaging to place a needle next to the nerves that are sending pain signals from the affected joint. When the needle is positioned, it delivers a gentle electrical current that creates a heat lesion on the nerve. This damages the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals to the brain and provides a period of pain relief.
Schedule Interventional Radiology Today
Interventional radiology offers minimally invasive options for addressing the source of certain types of back pain. These procedures use imaging to guide treatments like injections and nerve blocks with precision. If you are struggling with back pain, these non-surgical alternatives may help address the root cause of pain. Consult an interventional radiologist today to find out if these options are right for you.