What is a CT Spinal Injection?

In this procedure, CT imaging is used to provide high resolution, 3D images of your spinal structures. These images allow our expert radiologists (doctors) to accurately guide steroid injections:

  • Around spinal nerve roots
  • Into the epidural space (“epidural injection”)
  • Into the intrathecal space (“lumbar puncture”)
  • Into facet joints 
  • Other more complex spinal areas. 

These injections are specifically targeted to treat abnormalities that cause pain.

 

Understanding your procedure

Before your procedure:

On the day of your CT Guided Spinal Injection:

  • You may be asked to fast prior to your appointment.
  • Please wear loose, comfortable clothing with easy access to the site being treated, although it is likely you will change into a gown

When you arrive:

  • Please check in with reception.  We’ll make sure your details are correct and ask you to complete any appropriate consent forms. 
  • Please let us know if you are:
    - Pregnant.
    - Diabetic.
    - Are taking any medication including blood thinners such as Warfarin.
  • You will be taken to the procedure room where our Medical Imaging Technologists and Radiologist will explain your procedure and ask for your consent.

 

During your procedure:

  • You will be asked to lie on your stomach, side or back on the treatment table, ready to be moved into the CT scanner, which is a short, donut shaped ring.
  • We will take a planning CT scan.
  • Before you receive your spinal injection, we will numb the treatment area with a local anaesthetic. 
  • Using the CT images as a guide to ensure accuracy, your radiologist will insert a very thin needle into the correct location.
  • The medication is then injected into the spine – in most cases this includes an anaesthetic combined with an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid.

 

After your procedure:

  • We will monitor you for a short period after your procedure to ensure it has been well-tolerated. 
  • You may experience numbness, tingling or weakness in your legs or arms.
  • The anaesthetic should begin to take effect quickly and will wear off after approximately 8 hours. 
  • The anti-inflammatory medication provides long-term relief of up to 12 months - but it does not take effect immediately. You can expect a gradual improvement over the 2 weeks following the injection.
  • You will not be able to drive following your procedure, so please arrange for a friend or family member to pick you up and ensure you get home safely. 
  • You can return to your usual routine the next day, but you should avoid exercise and strenuous activities for up to 2 weeks.

Frequently asked questions

  • CT guided spinal injections provide quick pain relief without surgery.
  • These injections of powerful anti-inflammatory steroids along with a local anaesthetic can provide long lasting pain relief for patients who suffer from severe sciatica, radiculopathy (nerve pain) in arms, or neck and back pain.

Complications from CT-guided spinal injections are rare. In some cases, you may experience:

  • No improvement of your symptoms or an initial increase in your pain.
  • An allergic reaction.
  • Bleeding at the injection site.
  • Infection in the epidural space.
  • Headache.
  • Spinal cord injury.

If you are concerned about any side effects, please contact your GP as soon as possible.

A support person may accompany you to your appointment but typically cannot enter the scan room.

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