Spinal Injections
What is Spinal Injections ?
Spinal injections are minimally invasive procedures used to diagnose and treat back and neck pain. They help reduce inflammation, provide pain relief, and improve mobility for conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, and arthritis.
There are different types of spinal injections, including epidural steroid injections (ESI) for nerve inflammation, facet joint injections for arthritis-related pain, and nerve blocks to diagnose and treat specific nerve pain. The procedure is typically performed under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance for precision and takes only a few minutes.Patients often experience pain relief within a few days, with effects lasting weeks or months.
Types of Spinal Injections
- Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI) – Reduces nerve inflammation and pain.
- Facet Joint Injection – Targets small spinal joints to relieve arthritis-related pain.
- Nerve Block Injection – Temporarily blocks pain signals from specific nerves.
- Sacroiliac Joint Injection – Eases pain in the lower back and pelvis.
- Trigger Point Injection – Treats muscle knots and chronic pain.
Procedure & Recovery
- Performed under X-ray or ultrasound guidance for accuracy.
- Takes 15–30 minutes with minimal discomfort.
- Patients can resume normal activities within a day or two.
Why Are Spinal Injections Used?
Spinal injections help manage pain caused by conditions such as:
- Herniated Discs – Relieves nerve compression pain.
- Spinal Stenosis – Reduces inflammation in narrowed spinal spaces.
- Sciatica – Eases nerve pain radiating down the legs.
- Facet Joint Arthritis – Provides relief for degenerative spine conditions.
- Spondylolisthesis – Helps control nerve pain from vertebral slippage.
Treatment Process
- Preparation – The patient lies in a specific position, and the injection site is cleaned.
- Local Anesthesia – A numbing agent is applied for comfort.
- Image Guidance – Fluoroscopy (X-ray) or ultrasound ensures precise needle placement.
- Injection – Medication (steroids, anesthetics, or both) is administered.
- Recovery – The patient rests briefly and can usually resume normal activities within a day.
Benefits of Spinal Injections
- Provides immediate or gradual pain relief.
- Minimally invasive with low risk and quick recovery.
- Helps in avoiding or delaying surgery.
- Allows better participation in physical therapy.