If you suffer from chronic back or neck pain, you may have tried various treatments to ease your discomfort. However, some cases of pain are resistant to conservative measures, such as medication, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes. In such situations, you may benefit from spinal injections, a minimally invasive procedure that delivers anti-inflammatory or pain-relieving medication to the affected area of your spine.
Spinal injections can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. They can help identify the source of your pain and provide relief by reducing inflammation, blocking nerve signals, or disabling problematic nerve tissues. Spinal injections are usually performed under X-ray guidance to ensure accuracy and safety.
There are different types of spinal injections available, depending on the location and cause of your pain. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common types of spinal injections, their benefits, and their long-term effects.
Benefits of Spinal Injections
Spinal injections can offer several benefits for people with chronic back or neck pain, such as
Rapid pain relief
Spinal injections can provide immediate or short-term relief from pain that radiates from the spine to the arms or legs. This can help you resume your daily activities and improve your quality of life.
Reduced inflammation
Spinal injections can deliver anti-inflammatory medication, such as cortisone, to the irritated or compressed nerve root in the spine. This can help reduce swelling and pressure on the nerve, which can alleviate pain and improve mobility.
Improved function
Spinal injections can help restore normal function to the affected area of the spine by blocking or disabling the nerve that sends pain signals to the brain. This can help you move more freely and comfortably without pain.
Enhanced recovery
Spinal injections can help you recover faster from your condition by allowing you to participate in physical therapy or exercise programs that strengthen your spine and prevent further injury.
Avoidance of surgery
Spinal injections can be an alternative to surgery for some cases of back or neck pain. They are less invasive, have fewer risks and complications, and require less recovery time than surgery.
Types of Spinal Injections
There are several types of spinal injections that can be used to treat different conditions that cause back or neck pain. Some of the most common types are:
Epidural injection
This type of injection delivers medication to the epidural space, which is located just outside of the membrane that protects the spinal cord. Epidural injections are used to treat pain that starts in the spine and radiates to an arm or leg, such as sciatica or herniated disc. They can also be used to diagnose the source of pain by injecting an anesthetic into a specific nerve root.
Facet joint injection
This type of injection delivers medication into and around the facet joints, which are the small joints located between each vertebra on the back of the spine. Facet joint injections are used to treat pain caused by degenerative or arthritic conditions or injuries that affect these joints. They can also be used to diagnose the source of pain by injecting an anesthetic into a specific facet joint.
Medial branch nerve block
This type of injection delivers an anesthetic into the tiny medial nerves connected to the facet joints. Medial branch nerve blocks are used to diagnose the source of pain by blocking the nerve and signals from these joints. If the pain is relieved by this injection, then a longer-term solution, such as radiofrequency ablation, can be performed.
Radiofrequency ablation
This type of injection uses heat to damage problematic nerve tissues that cause pain. Radiofrequency ablation is performed by inserting a needle near the nerve that sends pain signals to the brain and delivers a mild electrical current through a tiny electrode. This permanently disables the nerve and stops the pain.
Sacroiliac joint injection
This type of injection delivers medication into the sacroiliac joints, which are located between the sacrum and pelvic bones. Sacroiliac joint injections are used to treat pain in the lower back, buttocks, or legs caused by problems in these joints. They can also be used to diagnose the source of pain by injecting an anesthetic into a specific sacroiliac joint.
Long Term Effects of Spinal Injections
Spinal injections are generally safe and effective procedures that have few risks and complications. However, like any medical procedure, they may have some potential long-term effects, such as
Infection
There is a small risk of infection at the injection site or in the spine. This can cause fever, chills, redness, swelling, or increased pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Bleeding
There is a small risk of bleeding at the injection site or in the spine. This can cause bruising, swelling, or increased pain. If you take blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder, you should inform your doctor before the procedure.
Nerve damage
There is a small risk of nerve damage from the needle or the medication. This can cause numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of function in the affected area. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Allergic reaction
There is a small risk of allergic reaction to the medication or the contrast dye used for X-ray guidance. This can cause itching, rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Steroid side effects
There is a small risk of side effects from the steroid medication used for some types of spinal injections. These can include weight gain, fluid retention, increased blood sugar, increased blood pressure, mood changes, or decreased immunity. These side effects are usually mild and temporary and can be managed by your doctor.
Conclusion
Spinal injections are a minimally invasive procedure that can help diagnose and treat chronic back or neck pain. They can provide rapid pain relief, reduced inflammation, improved function, enhanced recovery, and avoidance of surgery. There are different types of spinal injections available, depending on the location and cause of your pain. Spinal injections are generally safe and effective procedures that have few risks and complications. However, they may have some potential long term effects that you should be aware of and discuss with your doctor.
Medical Disclaimer
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. You should consult your doctor before undergoing any medical procedure or taking any medication.
Contact Us
If you are interested in learning more about spinal injections or other pain management options, please contact us at Spine and Pain Clinic Of Texas. We are a team of experienced and compassionate pain specialists who can help you find the best solution for your condition. We offer a variety of services, including spinal injections, medication management, and more. To schedule an appointment, please call +1 (214) 256-3900 or visit our website www.spinenapin.org to explore our services.
