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ANSim Pain Clinic

C-arm Procedure

Locates and treats the source of pain using real-time imaging (diagnosis and treatment combined)

§ 01What is C-arm

What Is a C-arm Procedure?

  1. 01

    The C-arm is a C-shaped X-ray imaging device used to guide needles or medication to the exact target location while viewing real-time radiographic images.

  2. 02

    It can be used throughout the body — on the spine, joints, and more — and is especially common in spinal nerve blocks. Viewing bone position in real time makes it possible to precisely locate small nerves.

  3. 03

    Contrast dye confirms whether the injection has entered a blood vessel and verifies the exact location, greatly improving the success rate and safety of delicate, precise procedures.

§ 02Indications

Indications

C-arm-guided nerve block is performed for the following conditions.

Disc herniation
Spinal stenosis
Post-traumatic pain, such as compression fractures
Shingles and post-shingles neuralgia
Post-surgical pain
Complex regional pain syndrome
Cancer pain
Recommended by the National Health Insurance Service — nerve blocks that require C-arm guidance
Epidural nerve blockCranial nerve blockSpinal nerve peripheral branch blockSpinal plexus, nerve root, and ganglion blockSympathetic plexus and ganglion block
C-arm-guided nerve block — patient procedure scene
§ 03Time & Interval

Procedure Time · Treatment Interval

01
Procedure TimeDuration

Usually takes about 10 minutes.

02
Onset of EffectOnset

Usually begins to take effect within 2 days.

03
Treatment IntervalInterval

For severe cases, treatment is repeated every 2 to 3 days; typically, it's completed within 5 to 6 sessions spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart.

04
Long-Term TreatmentLong-term

Conditions such as post-shingles pain, failed back surgery syndrome, neuropathic pain, and terminal cancer pain require ongoing treatment for over 2 months.

§ 04Aftercare

Preventing Recurrence

Rehabilitation exercise and herbal prescription scene

Once symptoms improve after C-arm treatment, we combine exercise therapy and medication tailored to the diagnosis and cause to help prevent recurrence.

FWomenFemale
  • Recommending strength training for reduced fitness from inactivity or dieting
  • Guidance on proper eating habits
  • Bone- and muscle-strengthening herbal formulas such as Dokhwalgisaeng-tang
MMenMale
  • Recommending stretching exercises such as yoga for obesity from muscle tension, drinking, or overeating
  • Guidance on eating habits, including cutting back on or quitting alcohol
  • Wind-and-dampness-dispelling herbal formulas such as Geopungtongnak-tang
⚠ Side effects may occur after the procedure. If you notice anything unusual, consult your doctor immediately.