Pain Management

What is Pain Management?

Pain management is a specialised area of interventional radiology focused on relieving, reducing, or managing acute and chronic pain in the spine, surrounding muscles, or joints.​

Pain Management at Coolum Radiology

Our specialist radiologists are highly skilled in all aspects of image-guided pain management. Healthcare providers seeking expert advice for their patients are welcome to contact our radiologists to discuss specific cases.​

We offer a comprehensive range of interventional pain management procedures, including joint injections, facet block injections, nerve root injections, steroid injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). These minimally invasive procedures typically involve injecting a local anesthetic and steroid medication, guided by CT or ultrasound imaging for precise delivery to areas such as joints, bursae, tendons, and nerve roots.​

Interventional CT

Many of these are used in spinal pain management for example spinal facet joint blocks, nerve root blocks, medial branch blocks, epidural injections and radiofrequency ablation. Please be aware you will not be able to drive after most CT procedures and therefore require a driver. ​

​Musculoskeletal Injections

Taking part in work or daily activities can sometimes cause strain on your joints including, hips, shoulders and extremities. Other procedure include peripheral nerve block for pain treatment and PRP injections that use your own blood to treat injuries and promote healing. A cortisone injection can be used to alleviate short term pain. ​

​Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), available at Noosa Radiology

This is a minimally invasive procedure used to manage chronic pain, particularly in the spine, joints, and nerves. It involves using heat generated by radio waves to target and disable specific nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals. This can provide pain relief for conditions like arthritis, facet joint pain, and certain nerve-related issues. The procedure is typically performed under image guidance, such as ultrasound or CT, to ensure precise targeting of the pain-causing nerves.​ RFA procedures are available at Noosa Radiology.

​Platelet Rich Plasma

Your blood contains natural properties that promote healing. By injecting components of your blood, particularly platelets, into areas causing pain, we can help alleviate discomfort. This treatment is commonly used for conditions such as Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow, Plantar Fasciitis, hamstring tears, jumper’s knee or patella tendinosis, Achilles tendinopathy, and calf muscle tears.​

Preparing for your examination

Please be aware that all imaging examinations and procedures require an appointment. Please call us to arrange a time.​

What to bring:​

  • You will need to have a referral from your GP or specialist to have any procedure​
  • Medicare card​
  • Pension/concession card​

Please tell us if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.​

If you have not had a previous examination prior to your interventional pain management procedure at Noosa Radiology you may require prior imaging before the procedure. Please contact Noosa Radiology staff to organise an appointment and discuss further.​

Please inform our staff if you are taking any blood thinning medication so the radiologist can assess whether it is safe to do the procedure, this may need to be ceased prior to the procedure. You should continue taking all other prescribed medications as usual. You may need a someone to drive you home after your procedure.​

Reasons for Pain Management

Pain Management employs innovative and collaborative techniques that may provide faster pain relief compared to traditional methods or oral medications. Our approach not only helps pinpoint the source of your pain but also provides relief to enable you to begin physical therapy or exercise. Interventional pain management can often delay or eliminate the need for surgical intervention. Unlike surgical techniques, this approach involves no large incisions, significantly reducing the risk of infection and promoting a quicker recovery.​

What to expect

On arrival, our reception staff will ask you to read and sign a consent form that relates to the procedure you are having. You may be asked to change into a gown and remove any metal objects or jewellery.​​

There are many types of pain management procedures available at Noosa Radiology, each procedure varies . Our team will explain your procedure to you on the day. Our highly trained staff will be available to answer any questions you may have prior to or after the procedure.​

​More information for your specific procedure see the ‘Related information’ in this section.​

When can you get your results?

The images obtained are digitally recorded. At Coolum Radiology our highly trained and qualified radiologists interpret the images and provide a report for your doctor and/or referring health care provider usually within 24 hours, although depending on the complexity of the scan this may take a little longer.​​

You will need to make a follow up appointment to discuss the results with your referring practitioner. Your doctor can access your report and images electronically via a secure portal and you will be able to access your images via our patient portal.​

Related information

Upcoming closure:

Please note that this clinic will be closed on Friday, 13 June for the Nambour Show public holiday.

Normal hours will resume on Monday, 16 June.

Thank you for your understanding and we wish you a safe and relaxing holiday!