Abstract
Image-guided procedures have seen explosive growth in the past decade, and spinal
interventional procedures directed at back pain are no exception. These interventions
may provide valuable diagnostic information regarding the source of the patient's
pain, and in many cases provide therapeutic relief of symptoms. Examples of these
procedures are facet joint injections, selective and nonselective epidural injections,
sacroiliac joint injections, and vertebroplasty. This article discusses general considerations
surrounding these techniques, including medication selection. Technical aspects of
each procedure are described in detail, with separate discussions of the cervical,
thoracic, and lumbar spine applications. While not intended as a substitute for formal
training, this information is designed to serve as a reference for both practitioners
new to spinal intervention as well as more experienced operators.
Keywords:
Spinal procedures - pain management - facet joint injection - nerve root block - epidural
injection
