Pain Management

This is a quick and safe procedure where low doses of Cortisone are injected to manage a patient’s chronic pain in a specific area. 

  • After determining the best point for the injection, the radiologist will prepare the skin and inject a small amount of freezing into the area. Through intermittent use of fluoroscopy or ultrasound, the radiologist will then inject a small amount of Cortisone into the area of concern.

  • Calgary

    #140, 4774 Westwinds Drive NE

    Cold Lake

    #101, 2012 8th Avenue

  • Cortisone Injections

    The Cortisone can be injected directly into the joint, muscle, tendon, soft tissue or bursa in question. Corticosteroids are very potent anti-inflammatories that, when injected directly into the area of pain, can provide quick and lasting relief.

    Synolis Injections

    Synolis is a hyaluronic acid gel that acts in the place of the fluid in the joints. Synolis provides fast and intense pain relief in the joints.

    Synolis injections are not covered under Alberta Health Services. However, we do provide the service at CGA Medical Imaging.

    • Joint Pain/Inflammation

    • Muscle Pain/Inflammation

    • Nerve Pain

    • Soft Tissue Injury

    • Acute Pain & Chronic Pain

    • Arthritic Pain

    • Acute and Chronic Sport Injuries

    • Hand & Foot Pain

    • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

    • Frozen Shoulder Syndrome

    • Sprains/Strains/Spasms

  • Pain Injections

    Neck and Back Relief

    Cortisone Injections

    Synolis Injections

  • The procedure takes about 10 minutes, but there is paperwork that must be completed before the doctor sees you.

    We require you to stay 10 minutes after the injections to ensure you do not have a reaction.

  • If you take blood thinners, (for example, Warfarin), we may require a recent INR reading of 2.5 or below to proceed for safety reasons. You will also want to check with us if you have been on any antibiotics in the week prior to your exam as this can decrease the effectiveness of the Cortisone.

    Please note if you have diabetes, a Cortisone injection may temporarily increase your blood sugars.

    There must be at least a two week gap between any vaccinations and any pain injections.

  • There may be discomfort or pain in the targeted area for a few days following your injections before the Cortisone begins to take effect.

    The pain can be treated with Ibuprofen, Tylenol or ice.

    Please do not put any heat on the affected area.

    We also recommend taking it easy for two days after your appointment; this allows the Cortisone to best affect the targeted area.

A Cortisone shot typically acts to alleviate pain and inflammation for a period of time. These are often considered more effective than oral medications as the medication is injected into a localized area.