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Image-guided injection · 영상투시(C-Arm) 정밀 척추주사

C-Arm Guided Spinal Injection in Uijeongbu, Korea

A spinal injection delivered under live X-ray (C-Arm) guidance so medication reaches the exact inflamed nerve or joint, with no incision and no hospital stay.

In short: A spinal injection delivered under live X-ray (C-Arm) guidance so medication reaches the exact inflamed nerve or joint, with no incision and no hospital stay.

What is C-Arm Guided Spinal Injection?

A C-Arm spinal injection is a non-surgical procedure in which the doctor watches a live fluoroscopy (X-ray video) image while guiding a fine needle to the source of pain, usually an irritated nerve root, the epidural space or a facet joint. Seeing the needle tip in real time lets the medication (typically a local anaesthetic, with or without an anti-inflammatory steroid) be placed precisely where it is needed instead of being injected blindly. At Yonsei Leaders the procedure is performed with a ZEN 2090 TURBO C-Arm.

At a glance

  • Type: Image-guided injection
  • Korean name: 영상투시(C-Arm) 정밀 척추주사
  • Performed or prescribed by: Dr. Ji Seung-hun, neurosurgeon
  • Where: Yonsei Leaders Neurosurgery Clinic, 1 minute from Balgok Station Exit 2, Uijeongbu

How it works, step by step

  1. The doctor reviews your symptoms, examination and any MRI or X-ray to decide the target level.
  2. You lie face down on the procedure table; the skin is cleaned and numbed.
  3. Using live C-Arm images, a thin needle is guided to the target; a small amount of contrast confirms the spread.
  4. Medication is injected slowly, and you rest for about 15–30 minutes before going home.

Conditions it is used for

  • Lumbar Disc Herniation: A bulging or ruptured disc in the lower back pressing on a nerve, causing back pain and sciatica down the leg.
  • Neck Disc Herniation: When a cervical disc bulges or ruptures and presses on a nerve, causing neck pain that spreads into the shoulder, arm or hand with…
  • Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal that squeezes nerves, typically causing leg pain, heaviness or numbness when walking that eases on sitting…
  • Spondylolisthesis: One vertebra slipping forward over the one below, causing back pain and sometimes nerve compression in the legs.
  • Sciatica: Pain radiating from the lower back or buttock down the back of the leg, caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve roots.
  • Facet Joint Syndrome: Back or neck pain from arthritic or irritated small joints at the back of the spine, often worse on leaning back or twisting.

Benefits

  • Medication placed precisely under live imaging
  • No incision, no scar and no admission
  • Short procedure; most people walk out the same day
  • Can help confirm which level is causing pain

Recovery and aftercare

Mild soreness at the injection site for a day or two is common. Most people return to light daily activities the same or next day, avoid bathing the site for 24 hours, and attend a follow-up visit to review the response. Driving straight after the procedure is not recommended.

How many sessions will I need?

Some patients feel relief after a single injection; others benefit from a short series spaced a few weeks apart, combined with manual therapy or exercise. The doctor limits steroid exposure and will not repeat injections that are not helping.

Cost and insurance

Coverage depends on the exact procedure and your National Health Insurance (NHIS) status; the doctor explains costs before treatment. Many Korean private indemnity (실손) policies reimburse non-covered items. See the full price and insurance guide.

Visiting the clinic

Yonsei Leaders Neurosurgery Clinic (연세리더스신경외과의원) is on the 3rd floor of Yugyeong Building II, 181 Hoeryong-ro, Uijeongbu, one minute on foot from Balgok Station Exit 2 on the Uijeongbu LRT (U Line). City buses 5, 118, 203, 203-1 and 203-2 stop at Jangam Jugong 2.5-danji. A large car park sits behind the building.

  • Mon–Fri: 09:00–20:00 (evening clinic every weekday)
  • Saturday: 09:00–14:00, no lunch break
  • Lunch (weekdays): 13:00–14:00
  • Sundays & public holidays: closed
  • Registration closes 20 minutes before closing time.

Call 031-874-7500(from abroad +82-31-874-7500) to book. See directions and help for international patients.

Yonsei Leaders Neurosurgery Clinic

Address: 3F, Yugyeong Bldg II, 181 Hoeryong-ro, Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
경기 의정부시 회룡로 181 유경빌딩 Ⅱ 3층

Subway: Balgok Station (U Line) Exit 2, 1 min walk

Hours:
Mon–Fri 09:00–20:00
Sat 09:00–14:00
Lunch 13:00–14:00 (weekdays)
Closed Sun & public holidays

Phone: 031-874-7500

English-friendly · Parking behind the building

Frequently asked questions

Does a C-Arm spinal injection hurt?

The skin is numbed first, so most patients describe pressure rather than sharp pain. Some feel a brief, familiar ache when the medication reaches the irritated nerve, which helps confirm the right target.

How long does the procedure take?

The injection itself usually takes about 10–20 minutes. Allow around an hour at the clinic including preparation and a short rest afterwards.

Is it covered by Korean National Health Insurance?

Many image-guided spinal injections are covered by NHIS when medically indicated. The exact co-payment depends on the procedure and your insurance status, and the clinic will explain the cost before treatment.

Is it safe to have an injection if I take blood thinners?

Tell the doctor about every medication, especially anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. Some may need to be paused on your prescribing doctor's advice, and some patients are better suited to a different treatment.