brain mapping: functional MRI and DTI. Functional MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a noninvasive diagnostic test that measures small changes in blood flow as a person performs tasks while in the MRI scanner. Functional MRI detects the brain in action (e.g., speaking or moving).
Back injections may help treat two major back pain problems: radiculopathy and spinal stenosis. Doctors also use injections for other types of back pain. Sometimes, they also use them to help find out what's causing the pain. Radiculopathy refers to inflammation or damage to a nerve usually in the neck or the low back.
An epidural injection is one of many methods doctors use to relieve pain, along with physical therapy, oral medications and surgery if a patient is not responding to conservative treatments. An epidural injection may be performed to alleviate pain caused by: 1  A herniated or bulging disk that impinges nerves causing pain. 2  Spinal stenosis. 3  Post-operative failed back surgery syndromes (chronic back or leg pain after spinal surgery) 4  Other injuries to spinal nerves, vertebrae and surrounding tissues. 5  Bone spurs.