Pain
- Many people suffer from musculoskeletal and / or spine pain. Pain may be the result of inflammation, trauma, arthritis, a degenerative condition or a complex combination of these. The secret to finding long-term relief starts with a complete and accurate diagnosis and then working with your provider to implement a treatment plan. Imaging Associate’s Musculoskeletal and Spine experts, Dr. Christopher Reed and Dr. Scott Naspinsky are fellowship trained in diagnosing musculoskeletal disorders through medical imaging and performing minimally invasive imaging-guided therapies.
- AVAILABLE THERAPIES INCLUDE:• Joint, Tendon and Bursa Injections • Arthrograms • Epidural Injections • Nerve Root Blocks • Facet Joint Injections • Myelograms
- WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
- Get answers to some of the most common questions about pain intervention procedures.
WHAT IS A MUSCULOSKELETAL RADIOLOGIST?
A Musculoskeletal Radiologist is a medical doctor who has completed a residency in Diagnostic Radiology and is then fellowship trained in the diagnosis and treatment of bone, joint, muscle and connective tissue conditions using state of the art imaging equipment and through the use of minimally invasive imaging-guided procedures.
HOW DOES IMAGING ASSOCIATES HELP TREAT MUSCULOSKELETAL AND SPINE PAIN?
Obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the critical first step to developing an effective treatment plan. We work closely with your provider to:
Accurately diagnose the source(s) of your musculoskeletaland/or spine pain.
Discuss potential minimally invasive treatments with your provider.
Formulate an individualized patient treatment plan with your provider which may include joint or tendon injections, nerve blocks or other minimally invasive interventions.
Accurately diagnose the source(s) of your musculoskeletaland/or spine pain.
Discuss potential minimally invasive treatments with your provider.
Formulate an individualized patient treatment plan with your provider which may include joint or tendon injections, nerve blocks or other minimally invasive interventions.
WHAT KINDS OF EXAMS MIGHT BE USED?
Musculoskeletal Radiologists use a variety of imaging tools to aid in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
• Computed Tomography (CT or CAT scan)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Arthrography (Special type of MRI)
• X-ray
• Ultrasound
• Nuclear Medicine Bone Scan
• Myelogram (Usually in conjunction with CT or MRI)
• Computed Tomography (CT or CAT scan)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Arthrography (Special type of MRI)
• X-ray
• Ultrasound
• Nuclear Medicine Bone Scan
• Myelogram (Usually in conjunction with CT or MRI)
WHAT ARE IMAGING GUIDED MUSCULOSKELETAL AND SPINE INTERVENTIONS?
Available imaging-guided procedures include therapeutic and diagnostic steroid injections (joints, tendons, bursa), Synvisc injections, epidural steroid injections, and nerve blocks. In each case the Radiologist will use imaging guidance, often fluoroscopy or ultrasound, to guide the procedure, ensuring a safe and accurate injection.
Joint, Tendon and Bursa Injections
Joint, tendon and bursa injections, typically with steroids, to help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
Arthrograms
Contrast fluid injected into a joint followed by an MRI examination. Arthrograms are helpful in diagnosing persistent or unexplained joint pain or discomfort. Often used for detecting shoulder and/or hip labral tears.
Epidural Injections
Anesthetic and steroid medications injected into the epidural space (the area outside the spinal cord but inside the spinal column) to relieve back pain caused by spinal stenosis or nerve root compression.
Nerve Root Blocks
Injections done to treat spinal nerve root compression and radicular pain.
Facet Joint Injections
Injection done between vertebrae to treat pain from facet joint disease, usually osteoarthritis.
Myelograms
Injection of contrast fluid into spinal canal, followed by CT or MRI, to evaluate the spinal cord and nerve roots for suspected compression.
Joint, Tendon and Bursa Injections
Joint, tendon and bursa injections, typically with steroids, to help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
Arthrograms
Contrast fluid injected into a joint followed by an MRI examination. Arthrograms are helpful in diagnosing persistent or unexplained joint pain or discomfort. Often used for detecting shoulder and/or hip labral tears.
Epidural Injections
Anesthetic and steroid medications injected into the epidural space (the area outside the spinal cord but inside the spinal column) to relieve back pain caused by spinal stenosis or nerve root compression.
Nerve Root Blocks
Injections done to treat spinal nerve root compression and radicular pain.
Facet Joint Injections
Injection done between vertebrae to treat pain from facet joint disease, usually osteoarthritis.
Myelograms
Injection of contrast fluid into spinal canal, followed by CT or MRI, to evaluate the spinal cord and nerve roots for suspected compression.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY PROCEDURE?
Preparation will vary, depending on what type of procedure you’ll have. You’ll be given specific instructions ahead of time. Be sure to review them carefully, as some require that you do not eat or drink anything starting four hours prior to your exam. You should continue medications prescribed by your provider unless informed otherwise. For all procedures, we ask that you dress comfortably. For some exams, you’ll be asked to change into scrubs supplied for you.
WE WELCOME YOUR QUESTIONS...
Imaging Associates offers expertise in a full range of diagnostic medical imaging services and interventional procedures. Each of our facilities is staffed by sub-specialized board-certified radiologists, skilled technologists and an exceptional support staff. Regardless of the type of exam you need, you can rest assured that you will receive exceptional care in a comfortable and compassionate environment.
HOW DO I GET RESULTS?
A final report, produced by one of Alaska Radiology Associate’s local specialized radiologists, will be available for most exams within two hours. Questions about your results should be directed to your referring health care provider. For any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us directly.