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In cooperation with the Private Practice for Diagnostic Radiology in Ebersberg: |
 Pain TherapyComputer-assisted treatment of nerve roots radiation therapy (PRT)• When is Radiation Therapy motivated?
When is Radiation Therapy motivated?In case of radiating pain due to disc bulgings, narrowing of the spinal canals or the lateral openings of nerve endings following disc operations (postdisctomo syndrome) or of acute or chronic nerve root irritation (sciatica pain).
How is Radiation Therapy (PRT) done?The therapy is done under exact CT scan control. The patient lies comfortably on the stomach. CT images will locate the precise origin of the pain.. After disinfecting the skin and local anaesthetic, a very thin needle will be positioned right next to the irritated nerve root. Only when the location of the injection needle is absolutely correct, a highly effective anti-inflammatory medication (Triam) and a local anaesthetic (Bupivacain) will be administered. The pain will thus be attacked directly at its source..
Is the therapy painful?In most cases the insertion of the injection needle causes a brief discomfort, similar to a blood test.
How successful is this method?More that 80 per cent of patients experience a significant improvement of the aches and pains, up to complete relief.
Is one treatment sufficient?3 to 6 additional treatments are required in most cases. As soon as the pain has subsided, no further treatment is needed.
When can you expect an improvement of the pain?In the ideal case a marked easing of the pain begins immediately, that is after the first treatment. This occurs in about 30 per cent of cases. If the patient remains without pain, no further treatment is necessary. Normally, however, more treatments are needed to remove the pain completely. We give the treatments at 7-day intervals, and they generally take not more than five minutes.
Why is this superior to conventional treatment methods?Radiation Therapy delivers a truly targeted treatment of the diseased spinal column. It is thus possible to disrupt the cycle of pain, which occurs when the source of pain and the reaction to pain strengthen each other. This is what usually happens with radiating pain. The nerve root then becomes irritated, releasing specific secreted substances, which in turn cause new pain. This again has the consequence that the nerve swells further and the pressure around the tissue increases. To free the patient from these pains, a therapy must affect the pain relief exactly on the spot, which is the cause of the pain. This is accomplished with radiation therapy.
Is any particular after-care necessary?No. The patient can go home about 30 minutes after the treatment and resume his/her regular routine.
Who assumes the cost for the therapy?Since we are fully licensed, our patients are reimbursed for radiation therapy by private and public medical insurance plans.
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