Systems, Compositions, and Methods for Local Imaging and Treatment of Pain

This invention of local imaging and treatment of pain pertains generally to imaging of tissues associated with skeletal joints. More particularly, it relates to the identification and/or characterization of localized factors associated with musculoskeletal pain using labeled markers and related imaging tools. The application includes a method for conducting a medical procedure on intervertebral discs in the spine of a patient who experiences back pain that originates from a damaged vertebral disc, particularly due to degenerative disc disease. The application also includes the therapeutic procedure adapted to the source of pain. The technology uses X-ray, MRI and ultrasound imaging systems configured specifically to locate pain factors.