We can help you move through life pain-free.
Our CT-guided spinal injections are a safe non-narcotic, non-surgical option for Western Montana patients experiencing severe back pain. If you have back pain caused by sacroiliac joint pain, bulging discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica / nerve pain or lower back arthritis, spine injections may be a viable option for you — especially if you wish to delay back surgery and the risks that come with any surgery. Spine injections can also be an effective treatment if you have had back surgery but are still experiencing pain. Our goal is to reduce your pain by at least 50%, but many patients report a 90 – 100% reduction in pain.
Our spine injection specialist Dr. Casey Schmitz, a board-certified neuroradiologist, will perform the procedure. Unlike using conventional X-rays to guide or map an injection location, the CT scanner provides 3D images for targeting the injection site precisely in real time. With an exact placement, your discomfort is lessened, and the procedure time is shortened.
Discuss with your healthcare provider if non-surgical spine injections are an option to bring you relief from severe back pain. A referral is required. Injections can be done up to four times per year.
What to Expect
Let's help you prepare for procedure day.
We’re here to make your procedure as comfortable as possible. A bit of preparation can help everything go smoothly and ease your mind.
- Please secure your referral for this procedure from your healthcare provider.
- Prior to your procedure, a pre-procedural evaluation, such as an MRI or myelography (X-ray), will be ordered to provide our neuroradiologist with valuable information to locate inflamed nerves.
- If you’re on blood thinners, you will be asked to stop taking that medication prior to the spine injection procedure. The amount of time you will be off your blood thinner will depend on the medication you are taking.
- You will be required to have a driver to accompany you to your appointment.
- After checking in, you will be taken to a waiting room to review the procedure with neuroradiologist, Dr. Casey Schmitz.
- Once you are positioned in the CT scanner, you will be given a numbing injection at the start of the procedure. Dr. Schmitz will then use the scanner technology to inject non-narcotic medication adjacent to your nerves, within joint spaces or around the spinal canal with great precision and safety.
- Although you may experience some discomfort initially with the numbing injection, the overall process is relatively comfortable and very quick.
- After your procedure, you will be asked to remain at our office for 15 minutes of observation, and then your driver can drive you home.
- We recommend that you DO NOT drive or lift heavy objects for 24 hours after treatment.
Meet Our Specialist
You are in excellent hands.
Dr. Casey Schmitz is a board-certified neuroradiologist who takes great care in helping his Western Montana patients maintain an active lifestyle without severe back pain and discomfort. He leads the spine injection practice at Advanced Imaging and has performed thousands of procedures.
Casey Schmitz
MD
- Specialty: Neuroradiology
- Medical School: University of North Dakota School of Medicine, Grand Forks, North Dakota
- Residency: Baylor Scott & White Healthcare, Temple, Texas
- Fellowship: Neuroradiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
- Certification: American Board of Radiology, CAQ (Certificate of Added Qualification) in Neuroradiology