Imaging Technology at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center: Fluoroscopy and Ultrasound

Pain management facility in Red Bank, NJ helps patients avoid surgery and unnecessary drug use through conservative medical care.

The physicians at our pain management facility use Fluoroscopy and Ultrasound—two powerful imaging tools that allow doctors to view the size, shape, and structure of a patient’s musculoskeletal system, even while in motion.

Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that allows physicians to view real-time, moving images. Intermittent x-ray is passed through the affected body part and then transferred to a monitor to be viewed in detail. Ultrasound uses the reflections of high-frequency sounds waves to obtain images of the musculoskeletal system.

While Ultrasound is primarily used for diagnosis, Fluoroscopy helps our physicians to perform image-guided injections when necessary (Ultrasound is sometimes use for this purpose as well). At Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation Center, we believe in a conservative approach to pain management and rehabilitation. However, in cases where pain and inflammation are inhibiting a patient’s ability to undergo a program of rehabilitation, Fluoroscopy and Ultrasound help our doctors to perform minimally invasive procedures (such as Epidural Steroid Injections) safely and effectively. This strategy often allows patients to undergo rehabilitation programs and avoid surgery.

Understanding Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs) are often used to treat inflammation associated with a number of conditions, including lower back pain, sciatica, herniated or bulging discs, abnormal alignment of the vertebrae, and arthritis (among others). They are used for disorders in which inflamed spinal nerves are causing pain and restricting movement. The goal of ESIs is to help patients return to normal activity and begin a program of rehabilitation.

The epidural space surrounds the spinal sac and provides cushioning for the nerves and spinal cord. When steroids are placed in this area, they produce an anti-inflammatory reaction that can decrease pain and help patients increase functioning. While Epidural Steroid Injections do not correct the actual medical condition, they work by ending the cycle of pain and inflammation in order for patients to complete rehabilitation programs and for the body to begin the healing process.

Epidural Steroid Injections are performed by placing a thin needle into position with the help of Fluoroscopic guidance. Because Fluoroscopy allows the physician to watch as injections are performed in real time, it is assured that steroid medication will be delivered both safely and as close to the inflamed nerve root as possible.

Pain Management in Monmouth County through ESI and Fluoroscopy

Studies have shown that Epidural Steroid Injections performed with the use of Fluoroscopy are more effective than without; for this reason, our Red Bank, NJ facility incorporates a cutting-edge Fluoroscopy Suite. Our medical director is board certified in Physiatry, also known as Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R).

The medical care at our Monmouth County Pain Management and Rehabilitation Center has one overall goal: to help patients rehabilitate and reduce symptoms with as little pharmaceutical or surgical intervention as possible. Epidural Steroid Injections are used only when entirely necessary. Other minimally invasive procedures offered at our office include the following:

Facet Joint Injections: Injections of a long-lasting steroid (cortisone) are administered in the facet joints, which are located between the vertebrae of each spinal segment. The purpose of this type of injection is to treat pain and inflammation in the joints.

Sacroiliac Joint Injections: The Sacroiliac Joint is located between the sacrum (the bone in the lower portion of the spine, below the lumbar spine) and the right and left iliac (pelvic) bones. Injection of a long-lasting steroid in this area reduces pain and inflammation in the lower back.

Coccyx Injections: If it is established that pain is originating from the coccyx (tailbone), injections of a long-last steroid, or cortisone, can ease symptoms.

Image-Guided Peripheral Joint Injections: This type of injection is used to relieve inflamed joints in the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees (often caused by tendonitis or arthritis).

Trigger Point Injections: Injections of a local anesthetic medication and/or cortisone into trigger points—areas of intense muscle spasm (also known as Myofascial pain)—can reduce symptoms.

Sympathetic Blocks: A local anesthetic is injected in the sympathetic nerve tissue located on either side of the spine. This purpose of this treatment is to block the nerves in order to alleviate pain and inflammation.

Patients who are seeking the healthiest, most conservative and effective methods of pain management for lower back pain, disc problems, sciatica, and other painful conditions are urged to contact our Red Bank office.