Pain Management Injections
What is an image-guided steroid injection? It is an injection into an area in your body that is causing you pain, using a sterile technique and fluoroscopy. Fluoroscopy is a live x-ray using a C-Arm machine operated by a registered imaging technologist. The images allow our radiologist to guide the medication to the exact location requested. These procedures can be helpful for many areas in our spine, and our large joints, most commonly our hips and shoulders.
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Additionally, if your doctor requests an arthrogram of a joint, we use this image-guided injection technique to administer contrast into a joint, then pair it with imaging scans of MRI or CT. These are preferred for specific suspected injuries but not necessary for all joint imaging. If you have questions about your injection or would like to schedule one, give us a call.
In Preparation
LESI /NRB - Please plan to have a driver for any spinal injections.
Myelogram - Please be prepared to lay at home after the exam to avoid headaches.
What to Expect
Injections for contrasts will be administered via an IV. Both IV placement and injection will be performed by our trained medical professionals. Therapeutic steroid injections will be injected at the site of pain directly and do not require an IV. Rest assured that our staff and technology here at Valley Imaging Center are some of the best in the state.
Imaging Preps
Mammogram
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Please arrive without any perfumes, deodorizers or powders.
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Ultrasound
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For Children - These exams vary, please call our office for instructions.
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For Abdominal, Aorta studies, Renal Arteries & Elastography - please refrain from eating or drinking for 6-8 hours prior to your exam.
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For Renal, Pelvic, OB (1st Trimester) - please drink 24-32 ounces of water 1 hour prior to your exam. *try to have a full bladder at the time of the exam
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Other OB exams - for the two days prior to your exam stay well hydrated. Please arrive with a full bladder. Please drink 24-32 ounces of water and eat 30 minutes prior to your exam.
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Echocardiogram
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Prior to your study please refrain from caffeine or other stimulants and any exercise prior to the exam.
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CT Imaging
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CT Scan with Contrast - This exam requires and IV to be placed, please arrive well-hydrated for your exam.
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Calcium Scoring Exam - Prior to your study please refrain from caffeine or other stimulants. Please refrain from strenuous exercise for at least 12 hours prior to your study.
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Myelogram - Please be prepared to lay at home after the exam to avoid headaches.
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MRI Exams
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Please arrive in comfortable, nonrestrictive clothing. You will be asked to complete a screening form for your safety and may be asked to change clothes. We provide lockers to secure valuables and sweatpants or shirts if needed.
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**If you are requiring medication to complete your MRI due to Claustrophobia, please contact your ordering provider for a prescription and take as instructed prior to your exam.
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Injections
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LESI /NRB - Please plan to have a driver for any spinal injections.
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Myelogram - Please be prepared to lay at home after the exam to avoid headaches.
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X-Ray Imaging
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Please be prepared to remove all metal in the area of exam (Bra, jewelry, belts, clothing with metal, etc.)
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We provide lockers to secure valuables and sweatpants or shirts if needed.