Spine Interventional Radiology What is Spine Interventional Radiology ? Interventional radiologists can use CAT scan and fluoroscopes to very accurately inject medicine into nerves, joints, or discs which may be the source of chronic back pain. These procedures can be performed to relieve pain, to better isolate the cause of back pain, or to provide key information allowing optimum planning before back surgery. What patients benefit from this test ? Epidural injections or selective nerve root injections can provide pain relief in patients who experience back pain resulting from pressure on spinal nerves. How do I prepare for the procedure? During the procedure you will be given intravenous sedatives. You should not eat anything starting the night before the procedure. An MRI scan is used for planning purposes to assess which level requires treatment. How is the procedure performed? The physician places a needle through the skin into the area of the spine needing treatment. X-rays are used to help guide the needle. Once the needle is positioned properly, A concentrated form of prednisone and anesthetic are injected. The procedure usually takes about one hour. What should I expect after the procedure? After the injection, you will be instructed to rest on you back for an hour before getting up. This technique has a very incidence of procedural complications and can be very effective in reducing pain within 24 hours of the procedure. More Information Link Spine Interventional Radiology is available at the following locations: California Advanced Imaging at CPMC (San Francisco) Seton Neuroskeletal Imaging (San Mateo County) Marin General Hospital (Marin County)