The
latest x-ray technology guides each
of our diagnostic procedures
Every diagnostic procedure is conducted
using state-of-the-art fluoroscopic
x-ray technology. This allows our
specialists to view and analyze real-time,
high definition images of the spine,
joints, nerves and other structures.
It is also makes the diagnostic process
safer and more comfortable for you.
Depending on the nature and location
of your pain, your specialist may
use one or more of these techniques
to pinpoint the source of your condition:
Diagnostic Discography –The
intervertebral discs (the cushions
that sit between the vertebrae of
the spine) are a common source of
spinal pain. Carefully injecting a
contrast agent into the disc allows
us to determine whether the disc is
painful or not and accurately identify
specific areas of disc damage.
Diagnostic Nerve Blocks –
These types of procedures can be used
to pinpoint the exact source of specific
kinds of severe, chronic pain. They
include:
| • |
|
Selective
Nerve Root Block -- By temporarily
“blocking” the signals
produced by a specific nerve root,
we can determine whether the nerve
is actually causing the problem.
For example, if you’re suffering
from severe leg pain, we can use
this procedure to determine if
a herniated disc is pinching a
specific nerve and causing your
leg pain. |
| • |
|
Medial
Branch Nerve Block -- The facet
joints between your vertebrae
contain medial branch nerves that
send messages to and from your
brain. By selectively “blocking”
or numbing these nerves, we can
accurately determine which specific
joint in your spine is damaged.
|
Diagnosis of Sympathetic
Maintained Pain (including RSD and
CRPS) – Some patients,
including those who have undergone
surgery, experience severe “unexplained”
pain that is linked to the sympathetic
nervous system. Our specialists can
administer state-of-the-art, diagnostic
blocks onto sympathetic nerves to
help determine the true origin of
your pain.
|
