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Pain Management Procedures
At Coastal Medical Imaging, we focus on making pain management injections as comfortable and effective as possible. These procedures are designed to reduce pain and inflammation, offering relief for a variety of conditions. Our interventional pain management services serve both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, utilizing CT or ultrasound guidance for maximum accuracy. All procedures are performed by specialist-trained radiologists, supported by our experienced technicians.
Coastal provides a comprehensive range of pain management injections, including steroid and anaesthetic injections for conditions like bursitis, tendinopathy, fluid aspirations, and spine-related issues. Spine procedures include nerve root, facet joint, and epidural injections. Image guidance ensures precision and optimizes patient safety and comfort during every procedure.
FAQs
Yes, all interventional procedures require an appointment. To schedule, contact our team via phone, in person, or by submitting your referral. Typically, a diagnostic scan of the area to be treated is also required before the procedure.
Preparation instructions will be provided during booking. Please bring relevant details about previous exams to assist in scheduling. Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit and arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
Please ensure you have:
- Your referral form.
- Any previous imaging reports.
- Your Medicare or DVA card if applicable.
- WorkCover claim details if the injury is work-related.
Our team will guide you to the procedure room, explain the process, and assist with preparation. Using real-time image guidance, the radiologist will perform the injection. Most procedures are quick and minimally invasive. After the procedure, a radiologist will prepare a detailed report for your referring doctor.
Most Medicare-eligible procedures are bulk-billed, though some may incur additional fees. Our booking staff will inform you if any costs apply.
The anaesthetic used in the injection typically provides immediate relief lasting 3 to 12 hours. The steroid may take 2 days to 2 weeks to reach its full effect. You may experience temporary symptom return after the anaesthetic wears off before the steroid starts working, with gradual relief developing over time.
Most injections are completed within a minute, although CT-guided procedures may take 5 to 10 minutes. Additional time is allocated to explain the process and address any questions you may have.
We offer a variety of injections, including:
- Lumbar Spine Injections: Facet joint, perineural/foraminal, translaminar epidural, and transforaminal epidural injections.
- Joint and Tendon Injections: For bursitis, tendinopathy, and similar conditions.
- Fluid Aspirations: Removal of excess fluid in joints or tissues.
For facet joint injections, you may experience a mild sting from the anaesthetic and slight pressure during the injection. Nerve root or epidural injections may cause a brief moment of back or leg pain in some patients as the needle approaches the nerve. These sensations are temporary and subside quickly.
It’s natural to feel anxious, especially for first-time procedures. Our radiologist will explain the process in detail beforehand and answer any questions. If you decide not to proceed, that’s completely okay. Knowing that similar procedures are performed daily, often without the precision of image guidance, may help reassure you of our focus on safety and accuracy.
Yes, recent imaging such as a CT or MRI scan (conducted within the last two years) is required to ensure the correct area is targeted and to rule out other potential causes of pain.
Reports are usually available within 24 to 48 hours. If your doctor has requested immediate follow-up, let our staff know. Urgent cases are prioritized, and our team works closely with the radiologist to expedite reporting when necessary.
