Interventional Radiology of the Spine for Pain Management - MedStar Health

How is this used for spine pain management?

doctor explaining spine pain to patient

At MedStar Health, our compassionate team of interventional radiologists offers a variety of treatment options to reduce or eliminate spinal pain using minimally invasive techniques.

Interventional radiology is a minimally invasive diagnosis and treatment option for patients experiencing pain in their back or spine as a result of:

  • Cancer

  • Nerve root damage or inflammation

  • Vertebral fractures

Our highly trained physicians are able to treat spine pain using advanced imaging techniques, such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to guide and deliver precise treatment through a thin tube called a catheter.

Compared to open surgery, patients who undergo interventional radiology procedures to manage spinal pain experience fewer risks and quicker recovery times, since most procedures require only a needle puncture. In fact, patients are able to return home almost immediately after they receive treatment.

In addition, interventional radiology treatments for spine pain management can replace the need for opioids and other pain medications that often carry dangerous or uncomfortable side effects.

Interventional radiology for spine pain management treatments

For safe and effective spinal pain relief, our interventional radiologists offer a variety of minimally invasive treatment options to help you feel better.

Learn more about the interventional radiology treatment options for spine pain management offered at MedStar Health below.

Intracept

Vertebrogenic pain is caused by damaged vertebral endplates — the top and bottom edges of the vertebrae in the front of the spinal column. The endplates degenerate over time due to the wear and tear of daily activities, which can cause inflammation that triggers pain from the nerves inside the vertebrae. Not all back pain is vertebrogenic—lower back pain also can be caused by arthritis, sports injuries, or bone or tissue injuries that do not affect the nerves. Intracept is designed specifically to treat vertebrogenic pain.


MedStar Washington Hospital Center is designated as an Intracept Center of Excellence by Boston Scientific.

Kyphoplasty

If you’re experiencing debilitating pain as a result of osteoporosis or a spinal fracture due to trauma, you may benefit from kyphoplasty. Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a cement mixture to reinforce fractured vertebrae, strengthening the spine for immediate pain relief and prevention of future fractures. It also is intended to improve the height of the collapsed vertebrae.

Vertebroplasty

Similar to kyphoplasty, vertebroplasty is a relatively new, minimally invasive procedure used to stabilize spinal fractures. In vertebroplasty, your interventional radiologist injects glue-like bone cement into vertebrae that are cracked or broken as a result of osteoporosis, tumors, or trauma. The cement stabilizes the cracked bone rapidly, providing immediate pain relief and improving mobility.

Our providers

Radiologist and medical technician at the computer tomography getting a scan

Expert interventional radiology care

Getting the care you need starts with seeing one of our interventional radiologists.

Our locations

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MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital

5601 Loch Raven Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21239

MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center

9000 Franklin Square Dr.
Baltimore, MD 21237

MedStar Harbor Hospital

3001 S. Hanover St.
Baltimore, MD 21225

MedStar Union Memorial Hospital

201 E. University Pkwy.
Baltimore, MD 21218

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

3800 Reservoir Rd. NW
Washington, DC, 20007

MedStar Washington Hospital Center

110 Irving St. NW
Washington, DC 20010

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center

7503 Surratts Rd.
Clinton, MD 20735

MedStar Montgomery Medical Center

18101 Prince Philip Dr.
Olney, MD 20832

MedStar St Mary's Hospital

25500 Point Lookout Rd.
Leonardtown, MD 20650