Go to the PRISM home page
Go to the PRISM home page

Center for Spine & Pain Care Services:

Epidural Steroid Injection

Click here for more information on Cervical Epidural Injection.
Click here for more information on Lumbar / Thoracic Epidural Injections.
Click here to view a video.

Facet Joint Injection

Click here for more information.
Click here to view a video.

Sacroiliac Joint Injection

Click here for more information and to view a video.

Discography

Click here for more information.
Click here to view a video.

Radio Frequency Rhizotomy

Click here for more information.
Click here to view a video.

Spinal Cord Stimulator Trial

Click here to view a video.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cervical Epidural Injection

This outpatient procedure can help relieve neck pain and arm pain by reducing the inflammation of the nerves (swelling and irritation). An injection can also help your doctor diagnose the source of your pain. With this treatment, the medication is injected into your neck near your spine.

The cervical injection may not stop all the neck pain and soreness. However, it can reduce and break the pain cycle. This cycle may begin when the pain makes it hard to move. Lack of movement can slow down healing. By getting you back on your feet, the injection can help speed your recovery. Some people may feel more relief from an injection than others. It is also possible that some people will need more than one injection to get relief.

PREPARATION

Our doctors require the following as preparation for your procedure:

  • Provide the scheduler with a list of ALL medicines you take, including aspirin and anti-inflammatories. You may need to stop taking some of them before the injection.
  • A nurse from the center will then contact you to collect a brief medical history. The nurse will also review your medication list and may repeat some questions the scheduler reviewed with you. This information is collected and reviewed to insure your safety.
  • You will be sent a packet of information in the mail prior to your appointment. Please complete the appropriate forms and bring with you the day of your procedure.
  • Your doctor may perform a brief medical exam during pre-op.
  • You may receive an intravenous line (IV) to give you fluids during the procedure.
  • You do NOT need to stop eating or drinking prior to your injection.
  • PLEASE DO NOT BRING VALUABLES TO THE CENTER.

THE PROCEDURE

The injection takes a few minutes, but extra time is needed to get ready.

  • You will be attached to monitoring devices. These devices will measure your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing.
  • You lie on your stomach or back, depending on where the injection will be given.
  • Your skin over the injection site is cleaned and covered with sterile towels.
  • Fluoroscopy (x-ray) imaging will be used. A contrast “dye” may be injected into the region. This helps the doctor to obtain a better image.
  • A local anesthetic is used for numbing, and steroids are used for reducing inflammation. The steroid is injected into the cervical epidural space.

After the procedure, you may notice some side effects. They should go away in the first few days. They can include.

  • Briefly increased pain
  • Headaches
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Increase in blood sugar
  • Mood swings
  • Skin flushing
  • Sweats

If you have any additional questions, please contact the scheduler at 717-703-3920.

| TOP |

 

Lumbar / Thoracic Epidural Injections

This outpatient procedure can help relieve low back and leg pain by reducing inflammation (swelling and irritation). An epidural injection also can help your doctor diagnose the source of your pain by numbing a certain area of your back.

The lumbar injection may not stop all low back and leg pain. However, it can reduce and break the pain cycle. This cycle may begin when the back pain makes it hard to move. Lack of movement can slow down healing. By getting you back on your feet, the injection can help speed your recovery. Some people may feel more relief from an injection than others. It is also possible that some people will need more than one injection to get relief.

PREPARATION

Our doctors require the following as preparation for your procedure:

  • Provide the scheduler with a list of ALL medicines you take, including aspirin and anti-inflammatories. You may need to stop taking some of them before the injection.
  • A nurse from the center will then contact you to collect a brief medical history. The nurse will also review your medication list and may repeat some questions the scheduler reviewed with you. This information is collected and reviewed to insure your safety.
  • You will be sent a packet of information in the mail prior to your appointment. Please complete the appropriate forms and bring with you the day of your procedure.
  • Your doctor may perform a brief medical exam during pre-op.
  • You may receive an intravenous line (IV) to give you fluids during the procedure.
  • You do NOT need to stop eating or drinking prior to your injection.
  • PLEASE DO NOT BRING VALUABLES TO THE CENTER.

THE PROCEDURE

The injection takes a few minutes. But extra time is needed to get ready.

  • Monitoring Devices may be attached. These devices will measure your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing.
  • You lie on your stomach on the procedure table.
  • Your skin over the injection site is cleaned and covered with sterile drapes.
  • Medicine will be used to numb the skin at the injection site.
  • Fluoroscopy (x-ray) imaging will be used. This helps the doctor to obtain a better image and guide the needles.
  • A steroid to reduce inflammation is injected into the epidural space.
  • During the procedure you may feel some slight pressure or discomfort. You may experience numbness at the injection sites for 1-2 hours following your procedure.Your usual symptoms may return and may be worse than usual for a day or two. The beneficial effects of the steroid usually take 2-3 days to take hold. If there is no change in your pain pattern your doctor will have to investigate other possible sources that are causing your pain at your follow up appointment.

After the procedure, you may notice some side effects. They should go away in the first few days. They can include.

  • Briefly increased pain
  • Headaches
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Increase in blood sugar
  • Mood swings
  • Skin flushing
  • Sweats

If you have any additional questions, please contact the scheduler at 717-703-3920.

| TOP |

 

Facet Joint Injections

LUMBAR, CERVICAL AND THORACIC STEROID FACET JOINT INJECTIONS

Facet Joint Injections are used for patients with low back and neck pain, from the inflammation or irritation of the facet joints.

The facet joints are located on the back of the spine, where one vertebra connects to another. These joints guide and restrict the spine’s movement and are best described as the joints you use in twisting and bending.

Facet injections can provide relief of pain and inflammation as well as provide more diagnostic information for your physician. They can provide relief from pain that can last for days to months, and in some cases, permanently.

PREPARATION

Our doctors require the following as preparation for your procedure:

  • Provide the scheduler with a list of ALL medicines you take, including aspirin and anti-inflammatories. You may need to stop taking some of them before the injection.
  • A nurse from the center will then contact you to collect a brief medical history. The nurse will also review your medication list and may repeat some questions the scheduler reviewed with you. This information is collected and reviewed to insure your safety.
  • You will be sent a packet of information in the mail prior to your appointment. Please complete the appropriate forms and bring with you the day of your procedure.
  • Your doctor may perform a brief medical exam during pre-op.
  • You may receive an intravenous line (IV) to give you fluids during the procedure.
  • You do NOT need to stop eating or drinking prior to your injection.
  • PLEASE DO NOT BRING VALUABLES TO THE CENTER.

THE PROCEDURE

The injection takes a few minutes. But extra time is needed to get ready.

  • Monitoring Devices may be attached. These devices will measure your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing.
  • You lie on your stomach on the procedure table.
  • Your skin over the injection site is cleaned and covered with sterile drapes.
  • Medicine will be used to numb the skin at the injection site.
  • Fluoroscopy (x-ray) imaging will be used. This helps the doctor to obtain a better image and guide the needles.
  • A local anesthetic for numbing and steroids for reducing inflammation, are injected into the joints.
  • During the procedure you may feel some slight pressure or discomfort. You may experience numbness at the injection sites for 1-2 hours following your procedure.Your usual symptoms may return and may be worse than usual for a day or two. The beneficial effects of the steroid usually take 2-3 days to take hold. If there is no change in your pain pattern your doctor will have to investigate other possible sources that are causing your pain at your follow up appointment.

After the procedure, you may notice some side effects. They should go away in the first few days. They can include.

  • Briefly increased pain
  • Headaches
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Increase in blood sugar
  • Mood swings
  • Skin flushing
  • Sweats

If you have any additional questions, please contact the scheduler at 717-703-3920.

| TOP |

 

Discogram

A Discogram is a diagnostic test in which fluid is injected into the disc in your spine. The test helps pinpoint which disc is causing your leg or back pain. It is often done when certain treatments for your pain are being considered.

During this procedure, you are asked to lie on your stomach on the procedure table. You will be given medicine by an Anesthesiologist to help you relax. The region is numbed with medication. A needle is placed into each disc being tested. Then, fluid is injected into the discs in your spine that are being tested.

Upon injection of fluid into the disc space you may feel increased pain or discomfort. During this process the physician will ask you specifics regarding what you are feeling.

PREPARATION

Our doctors require the following as preparation for your procedure:

  • Provide the scheduler with a list of ALL medicines you take, including aspirin and anti-inflammatories. You may need to stop taking some of them before the injection.
  • A nurse from the center will then contact you to collect a brief medical history. The nurse will also review your medication list and may repeat some questions the scheduler reviewed with you. This information is collected and reviewed to insure your safety.
  • You will be sent a packet of information in the mail prior to your appointment. Please complete the appropriate forms and bring with you the day of your procedure.
  • Your doctor may perform a brief medical exam during pre-op.
  • You may receive an intravenous line (IV) to give you fluids and medication during the procedure.
  • DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING FOR 4 HOURS BEFORE CHECK-IN. If you take insulin or oral medications for your blood sugar, do not take your medication during those 4-5 hours you are not eating or drinking prior to the procedure. You may then take your medication after the procedure with a meal. You may need to adjust your dosage accordingly.
  • You will not be allowed to drive for 24 hours following your procedure. We require that you bring a driver with you to your appointment. This person must be a responsible adult, at least 18 years of age and MUST remain in the center for the entire procedure.
  • PLEASE DO NOT BRING VALUABLES TO THE CENTER.

THE PROCEDURE

The injection can take up to approximately 1 ½ hours.

  • The procedure will be done under IV conscious sedation and a local anesthetic.
  • Monitoring devices may be attached to your chest or side. These devices will measure your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing.
  • Your skin over the injection site is cleaned and covered with a sterile drape.
  • A local anesthetic for numbing the skin is used.
  • You will be given doses of prophylactic antibiotics before, during and after the procedure to prevent an infection.
  • Fluoroscopy (x-ray) imaging will be used. This helps the doctor to obtain a better image and guide the needles. This is also called the C-arm.
  • Your usual symptoms may return and may be worse than usual for up to five days. If the pain lasts longer be sure to notify your doctor.

RECOVERY

After the procedure, you will receive your final dose of antibiotics and specific discharge instructions. The doctor will discuss the results of your discogram following your procedure.

Please call your doctor, if you have the following symptoms:

  • Worsening pain in your back or legs
  • Fever over 100 degrees
  • New onset of numbness, tingling or weakness in your legs

If you have any additional questions, please contact the scheduler at 717-703-3920.

| TOP |

 

Radio Frequency Rhizotomy

This outpatient procedure called Rhizotomy or (Facet Nerve Denervation or Facet Nerve Ablation) is used to treat chronic pain unresponsive to more conservative measures. The pain can be either from cervical or lumbar facet joint origin. This procedure is done by using radiofrequency energy to interrupt the nerves that carry the pain signal that arises from the facet joints.

Facet joint pain is often described as back or neck pain that is worsened when one arches or twists. The pain can be dull, sharp, or throbbing and can be associated with muscle spasm. Rhizotomy or Facet nerve denervation is like any other outpatient surgical procedure and has some risks. Not everyone will find relief of their pain and over time the symptoms may recur. This procedure can be repeated as the small nerves may grow back over time.

PREPARATION

Our doctors require the following as preparation for your procedure:

  • Provide the scheduler with a list of ALL medicines you take, including aspirin and anti-inflammatories. You may need to stop taking some of them before the injection.
  • A nurse from the center will then contact you to collect a brief medical history. The nurse will also review your medication list and may repeat some questions the scheduler reviewed with you. This information is collected and reviewed to insure your safety.
  • You will be sent a packet of information in the mail prior to your appointment. Please complete the appropriate forms and bring with you the day of your procedure.
  • Your doctor may perform a brief medical exam during pre-op.
  • You may receive an intravenous line (IV) to give you fluids during the procedure.
  • You do NOT need to stop eating or drinking prior to your injection.
  • PLEASE DO NOT BRING VALUABLES TO THE CENTER.

THE PROCEDURE

The injection takes a few minutes. But extra time is needed to get ready.

  • Monitoring Devices may be attached. These devices will measure your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing.
  • You lie on your stomach on the procedure table.
  • Your skin over the injection site is cleaned and covered with sterile drapes.
  • Medicine will be used to numb the skin at the injection site.
  • Fluoroscopy (x-ray) imaging will be used. This helps the doctor to obtain a better image and guide the needles.
  • A local anesthetic for numbing is injected into the joints.
  • Motor and sensory stimulation tests are performed to ensure that the needle is placed near the medial branches, but not near unwanted nerves.
  • Once the needle is properly positioned the nerve will be numbed with local anesthetic prior to its destruction
  • You will be awake and aware during the procedure, so that you may alert the physician to the development of any extremity symptoms.
  • During the procedure you may feel some discomfort. You may experience numbness at the injection sites for 1-2 hours following your procedure.Your usual symptoms may return and may be worse than usual for a day or two. The beneficial effects of the procedure may take 2-3 days to become evident. If there is no change in your pain pattern your doctor will have to investigate other possible sources that are causing your pain at your follow up appointment.

Please call your doctor, if you have the following symptoms:

  • Worsening pain in your back or legs
  • Fever over 100 degrees
  • New onset of numbness, tingling or weakness in your legs

If you have any additional questions, please contact the scheduler at 717-703-3920.

| TOP |