What is fluoroscopy?
Advances in medical technology, like fluoroscopy, are continuously enhancing the precision and effectiveness of pain management treatments. At DFW Interventional Pain Institute, Dr. Edrick Lopez uses fluoroscopy to ensure treatment accuracy and improve patient outcomes. This blog post will explain what fluoroscopy is, how it works and how it’s applied in pain management treatments.
What is fluoroscopy?
Fluoroscopy is a medical imaging technique that displays continuous X-ray images in real time, much like a live video feed of the inside of your body. It allows healthcare providers to see detailed visuals of bones, tissues and internal organs as they perform diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
The process works by projecting X-rays onto a fluorescent screen, which converts them into visible images. When used with a contrasting agent, even small structures (like nerves or joint spaces) become highly visible. This guided imaging ensures precision during minimally invasive treatments, significantly reducing risks and enhancing effectiveness.
How fluoroscopy benefits pain management
Fluoroscopy is a game-changer in the world of pain management. Using real-time imaging, pain management physicians can accurately locate the source of pain while ensuring that treatments are administered with pinpoint precision. Here’s how it transforms pain management care:
Improved accuracy: Treatments such as injections or nerve blocks can be precisely directed to the target area, reducing the likelihood of complications or errors.
Enhanced safety: With a clear view of anatomical structures, fluoroscopy minimizes the risk of damage to surrounding tissues or nerves during procedures.
Improved effectiveness: By delivering medications directly to the problem area, fluoroscopy-guided treatments are often more effective in providing pain relief.
At DFW Interventional Pain Institute, fluoroscopy is at the heart of several specialized treatments designed to address chronic pain. Below are a select few treatments in which fluoroscopy is used by Dr. Lopez.
How fluoroscopy is used in pain management treatments
Fluoroscopy plays an essential role in many minimally invasive procedures aimed at treating chronic pain. Here are a few examples of treatments Dr. Lopez and our team offer:
Epidural steroid injections
Epidural steroid injections are used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the neck, back, or legs. Fluoroscopy ensures that the needle is accurately placed in the epidural space, allowing for effective delivery of the medication to the inflamed area. This precision minimizes discomfort during the procedure and maximizes the treatment’s effectiveness.
Facet joint injections
Facet joint injections target arthritis or injury-related pain in the small joints between the vertebrae. Fluoroscopy enables precise placement of the injection into the affected joint, reducing pain and improving mobility for patients with chronic back pain.
Nerve blocks
Nerve blocks are used to temporarily interrupt pain signals sent by specific nerves. This technique is particularly useful in the diagnosis and management of conditions like complex regional pain syndrome or severe headache disorders. Fluoroscopy ensures the accurate placement of the anesthetic near the targeted nerves, improving results and minimizing side effects.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure that uses heat generated by radio waves to disrupt nerve signals responsible for pain. Fluoroscopy is used to guide the radiofrequency needle to the exact location of the nerve fibers, ensuring precise treatment. This technique provides long-lasting pain relief for conditions like arthritis or nerve-related pain in the spine.
By incorporating fluoroscopy into these treatment methods, Dr. Lopez and his team optimize accuracy and effectiveness, providing patients with more significant and longer-lasting pain relief.
Why choose DFW Interventional Pain Institute for your pain management?
When it comes to managing chronic pain, expertise and access to advanced technology make all the difference. Here’s why DFW Interventional Pain Institute is a trusted name in the DFW area:
Expertise and experience: Dr. Edrick Lopez brings years of training and clinical practice to every treatment plan. His double board certification and Harvard training ensure patients are receiving world-class care.
Advanced technology: From fluoroscopy to other cutting-edge tools, DFW Interventional Pain Institute uses the latest medical advancements to enhance treatment outcomes.
Patient-centered care: Our team at the institute believes in listening to patients, thoroughly reviewing their medical history and personalizing treatment plans to align with individual lifestyles and goals. We're also dedicated to making our patients feel at ease and helping patients understand what to expect for their first appointment.
Compassionate atmosphere: Chronic pain can affect every aspect of life. Our team is dedicated to creating a healing environment where patients feel supported throughout their treatment journey.
If you're experiencing chronic pain, Dr. Edrick Lopez can help
Fluoroscopy is a powerful tool that has revolutionized pain management, enabling doctors to deliver more precise and effective treatments. At DFW Interventional Pain Institute, Dr. Edrick Lopez uses this technology to improve the lives of patients suffering from chronic pain.
If you're ready to take the first step toward pain relief, contact us at DFW Interventional Pain Institute. Don’t wait any longer to regain control of your life—give us a call today or schedule your consultation online.
