Our services
Pain Management
Sunshine Coast Radiology offers specialised Integrated Pain Management which provides you with an innovative approach to the assessment, treatment and management of pain.
What is Integrated Pain Management?
Integrated Pain Management is a holistic method of approaching pain. Bringing together modern techniques to assess, treat and manage pain in a way that supports both health and quality of life.
Sunshine Coast Radiology collaborates with leading Pain Specialists in the provision of pain assessment. We offer in-depth consultation services, high quality diagnostic scans and image-guided pain management treatments. Our highly trained Radiologists can deliver medication directly to source of the pain because the procedure is guided by the scans.
Image-guided pain management procedures are particularly effective if you are experiencing spinal pain, neck and back pain, persistent joint pain, soft tissue inflammation and pain in other areas.
What are the benefits of Integrated Pain Management?
Due to the innovative and collaborative methods used in Integrated Pain Management, your pain may be alleviated faster than other traditional methods and oral medications.
Our techniques can be used to diagnose the site of pain, while helping control pain to allow you to initiate physical therapy or exercise. Integrated Pain Management may delay or eliminate the need for surgical intervention.
Unlike surgical pain management techniques, there are no large incisions made, and infection rates are significantly lower in Integrated Pain Management.
Pain Management Procedures Offered
Sunshine Coast Radiology performs a variety of pain management procedures on a variety of body parts including back, hips, knees, shoulders, elbows, ankles, wrists and thumbs.
- CT-guided facet joint blocks
- CT-guided nerve root blocks
- CT-guided epidural injection
- Plural and peritoneal taps
- Intrathecal injections
- Fine needle aspirations
- And more
About Your Test
Before your appointment
You will need a referral from your doctor to make an appointment.
Upon receiving your referral, our Bookings Team will be able to help assist you in finding a time that works for you to have your procedure done.
You will be advised if any preparation is needed for your procedure.
On the day
As there is no preparation required, all you need to do is arrive at the clinic at the time of your appointment.
Depending on the body part being examined, you may be required to wear a gown provided to you. We will request all jewellery and body piercings to be removed as they may impact the field of view.
The time taken varies depending on the procedure that is being performed.
After your appointment
Follow the instructions you receive from the radiology team. In most cases you will be able to go about your day as normal.
Your images will be analysed by our Radiologists. A report and copy of the images are provided to your doctor via a secure online system. After 7 days you will also be able to view your images in our IQ Vue patient App.
Frequently Asked Questions
At Sunshine Coast Radiology practices we use the newest digital equipment for our X-rays. This means you can be sure you are receiving the lowest amount of radiation possible.
The radiation levels used in Digital General X-ray are so low that there is little to no health effects.
Our friendly radiography team will clearly explain what you have to do during the appointment. You may be asked to hold your breath for the x-ray or stay in a certain position, but you will be guided through the process.
Prior to your scan and to ensure optimal imaging, you may be asked to change into a gown. A change cubicle will be provided to ensure your privacy and you will be asked to bring your belongings with you, carry baskets are provided. You will be asked to place your belongings in a suitable location within the room for the duration of your scan. After your scan, you will be provided with a change cubicle to ensure your privacy. Please ensure you have all your belongings with you prior to leaving the department. If you accidentally leave anything behind, please contact our staff to advise and we will endeavour to locate your belongings and return them to you.
The time taken varies depending on the procedure that is being performed.
Your images will be analysed by our Radiologists. A report and copy of the images are provided to your doctor via a secure online system. After 7 days you will also be able to view your images in our IQ Vue patient App.
Our highly trained and fully accredited Radiologists perform these procedures in our clinics across Queensland. During our Image-Guided Pain Management procedures, our Radiologists use fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance to inject medication with a fine needle into the affected area. These injections deliver powerful medications directly to the area that is the source of the pain and thus are usually much more effective. In some instances, you may experience immediate temporary pain relief from the local anaesthetic. However, usually when the Pain Management procedure is successful you can expect to feel relief within days, with the full effect occurring in a few weeks.
You may benefit from these procedures if you have found only limited relief from typical treatments.
You may also benefit if:
- You have tried a number of alternatives to relieve your pain without success.
- Have inflammatory pain, such as joint pain or muscular pain.
- You have found only limited relief from physiotherapy, massage or other methods.
- Are currently on a waiting list for surgical procedures, such as a knee or hip replacement.
- Have pain that does not seem to subside and would like a consultation.
You will need a referral to book an appointment for Integrated Pain Management.
If you are experiencing pain the first step is to see your GP for a referral. Our specialist healthcare team in Image-Guided Pain Management will work towards the relief of your pain. We provide a consultation and Image Guided Pain Management Procedures.
Our friendly Bookings Team will advise you on the cost of your procedure at the time of your booking.
Learn more about joint pain relief and explore more health-related articles on our news page.