Ultrasound Guided Injections

Ultrasound-guided injections increase the accuracy and effectiveness of interventional pain management. At All Valley Rehabilitation, Spine and Pain Institute, in Edinburg, Texas, board-certified physiatrist and interventional pain management specialist Nashin Manohar, DO, uses ultrasound-guided injections to treat many musculoskeletal injuries, including bursitis, facet joint damage, and chronic lower back pain. Call All Valley Rehabilitation, Spine and Pain Institute today to schedule an ultrasound-guided injection consultation, or book your visit online.

What are ultrasound-guided injections?

Ultrasound-guided injections use high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) that improve the accuracy of pain management interventions.

Delivering injections isn’t always easy. Some musculoskeletal problems, like trigger points, can be hard to find. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, most injections were administered “blind.” Unfortunately, this meant there was no guarantee of successful treatment.

Ultrasound-guided injections help Dr. Manohar access the source of your discomfort and prevent it from worsening.

Which types of ultrasound-guided injections are offered?

At All Valley Rehabilitation, Spine and Pain Institute, Dr. Manohar offers several types of ultrasound-guided injections, including:

• Bursa injections
• Epidural steroid injections
• Facet injections
• Muscle injections
• Joint injections

Some people benefit from one type of pain management injection; others benefit from several.

Who is a candidate for ultrasound-guided injections?

You might be a candidate for ultrasound-guided injections if you have musculoskeletal pain that doesn’t improve with conservative treatments, like ice, rest, elevation, and over-the-counter pain medication. If your symptoms continue for more than three weeks or affect your routine, contact All Valley Rehabilitation, Spine and Pain Institute.

How are ultrasound-guided injections given?

At All Valley Rehabilitation, Spine and Pain Institute, ultrasound-guided injections take 20-40 minutes.

Dr. Manohar asks you to sit or lie on an exam table. Once you’re in position, he applies a lubricating gel to your skin. The gel acts as a conductor, providing a strong connection between your skin and the ultrasound probe.

The probe, called a transducer, looks like a small wand. Dr. Manohar presses it against your skin near the area of your body receiving the injection. The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves that penetrate your skin and bounce off your bones and soft tissues.

A computer converts the sound waves to images, allowing Dr. Manohar to precisely insert the needle into the treatment site. Once the needle is in position, he administers the injection providing near-instant pain relief.

At the end of the procedure, Dr. Manohar removes the needle, covers the treatment site with a bandage, and provides care instructions.

Are ultrasound-guided injections painful?

Ultrasound-guided injections are safe and usually well-tolerated. You might experience a pinch or stinging sensation when the needle pierces your skin, but any discomfort should go away quickly. Before treatment, Dr. Manohar mixes the injection with a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort.

Call All Valley Rehabilitation, Spine and Pain Institute today to schedule an ultrasound-guided injection consultation, or book your appointment online.