Definition
CT-guided pain therapy is a special procedure to combat pain, which can be used in particular in the case of wear and tear diseases of the spine that lead to back pain. It can also be considered for the treatment of pain due to cancer that cannot be treated in any other way. Under imaging control by means of computer tomography (CT), a needle is inserted through the skin into the area causing the pain. There, pain-relieving medication can be administered.
Indications for CT-guided pain therapy
CT-guided pain therapy can be considered for the treatment of diseases or symptoms of the spine. These primarily include pain caused by a herniated disc. This form of pain therapy may also be indicated in cases of a narrowing of the bony spinal canal (spinal canal stenosis).
Both diseases can lead to pain and occasionally to tingling and numbness due to nerve irritation. A further indication for CT-guided pain therapy of the spinal column is the treatment of degenerative diseases of the intervertebral joints (facet joint arthrosis or spondylarthrosis). However, the procedure should not be the first of choice but should only be considered if no relief can be achieved through other measures such as exercise therapy (physiotherapy, back school) and pain medication.
If an operation has already been performed in the area of the spine responsible for the pain, CT-guided pain therapy can also be a treatment option. A further indication arises in the case of incurable tumor diseases such as stomach or pancreatic cancer. If the pain cannot be treated in any other way, a CT-guided injection of high-proof alcohol can be carried out on a nerve plexus in the upper abdomen to desolate it and thereby relieve the pain.
Preparations for a CT-guided pain therapy
Before a CT-guided pain therapy can even be considered, a thorough examination by an orthopaedic surgeon, neurologist or neurosurgeon should be carried out. Only if other attempts at treatment such as exercise therapy (e.g. back school) or pain medication have not led to satisfactory relief and the doctor considers CT-guided pain therapy appropriate should referral to an appropriate radiological centre or clinic be made. In addition, in order to be able to carry out the treatment, an imaging examination using computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) must already have been carried out.
This imaging must not have been performed more than one year ago. Another important part of the preparation is a detailed medical explanation with the opportunity to discuss open questions of the patient. In addition, an up-to-date check of the blood coagulation and, if necessary, kidney values must have been carried out.
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