Injections
Injections are a nonsurgical treatment option used to provide relief from neck, hip and back pain.
What are Injections?
Injections deliver medication directly to the source of the pain which may provide more relief than using oral medications. There are several different types of injections used for pain relief.
Two common types of injections are epidural steroid injections and facet joint injections.
What are Injections?
An epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a minimally invasive procedure that can help relieve neck, arm, back, and leg pain caused by inflamed spinal nerves. An epidural steroid injection is performed to help reduce pain and inflammation. Steroids are injected directly into the epidural space, which is a fat-filled area between the bone and the protective sac of the spinal nerve. The injection delivers pain-relieving medication directly to the site of inflammation. Pain relief typically begins in less than a week and lasts anywhere from several days to a few months.
Conditions Treated with Epidural Steroid Injection
Patients with pain in the arm, neck, and back may benefit from ESI. Epidural steroid injections can help treat pain caused from:
- Spinal Stenosis
- Herniated Disc
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Sciatica
- Spondylolisthesis
Possible Side Effects of Epidural Steroid Injections
As with most medical procedures, there are potential risks associated with epidural steroid injections. Although these side effects are relatively rare, it is important to discuss with your doctor.
- Infection at the injection site
- Bleeding around or near injection site
- Allergic reaction which may cause itching, drop in blood pressure, swelling, or wheezing
- Nerve damage
- Dural puncture happens when an inadvertent puncture in the dura mater which results in the leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) into the epidural space. The loss of CSF may result in headaches due to the loss of the cushion of the CSF
Facet Joint Injection
Facet joint injections work by reducing the inflammation and irritation in the facet joints of the spine that are causing pain. The facet joints are located between each vertebra of the neck and along the spine. These joints are responsible for making your spine flexible and enabling it to bend and twist.
Facet joint injections can do more than treat pain. They can also help your doctor diagnose an underlying condition. If a facet joint injection works to block your pain, this can be valuable information for your doctor.
Conditions Treated with Facet Joint Injection
Facet joint injections can help treat pain caused from:
Possible Side Effects of Facet Joint Injections
As with most medical procedures, there are potential risks and side effects associated with facet joint injections. Although these side effects are relatively rare, it is important to discuss with your doctor.
- Allergic reaction which may cause itching, drop in blood pressure, swelling, or wheezing
- Infection at the injection site
- Bleeding around or near injection site
- Discomfort at the point of the injection
- Nerve or spinal cord damage