Chronic back pain can be a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. For those who have exhausted conservative treatment options like physical therapy and medication, spinal injections offer a promising solution. At Summit Spine & Joint Centers we specialize in providing advanced pain management techniques, including various types of spinal injections, to help our patients find relief and improve their quality of life.

What is a Spinal Injection?

Spinal injections are minimally invasive procedures that deliver medication directly to the source of pain in the spine. These injections serve two primary purposes: diagnostic and therapeutic. As a diagnostic tool, they can help pinpoint the exact location of pain, while therapeutically, they can provide significant pain relief and reduce inflammation.

There are several types of spinal injections, each designed to target specific areas and conditions. The most common types include epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, and sacroiliac joint injections.

  • Epidural steroid injections are perhaps the most well-known type of spinal injection. They involve delivering a combination of local anesthetic and corticosteroid medication into the epidural space, which surrounds the spinal cord and nerve roots. This treatment is particularly effective for conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and radiculopathy (pinched nerves). The steroids work to reduce inflammation and swelling around the affected nerves, while the anesthetic provides immediate pain relief.
  • Facet joint injections target the small joints located between and behind each vertebra. These joints can become inflamed due to arthritis or injury, causing significant back pain. The injection typically contains a mixture of local anesthetic and steroid medication, which is delivered directly into the affected joint or the nerves that supply it. This procedure can provide both diagnostic information and therapeutic relief for patients suffering from facet joint pain.
  • Sacroiliac (SI) joint injections are used to address pain originating from the joint between the sacrum and ilium bones in the lower back and pelvis. SI joint dysfunction can cause lower back pain, buttock pain, and sometimes leg pain. The injection delivers medication directly into the joint, reducing inflammation and providing pain relief.

What is Involved in a Spinal Injection?

The procedure for receiving a spinal injection is typically performed on an outpatient basis and usually takes less than an hour. Patients are positioned comfortably, and the injection site is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. Using fluoroscopic guidance (real-time X-ray) or ultrasound, the physician carefully guides the needle to the precise location. This imaging ensures accuracy and safety during the procedure.

While many patients experience immediate relief due to the local anesthetic, the full effects of the steroid medication may take a few days to manifest. The duration of pain relief can vary greatly among individuals, ranging from a few weeks to several months or even longer in some cases.

What to Know If You Are Considering a Spinal Injection

Patients considering spinal injections should have realistic expectations about the outcomes. While many experience significant pain relief and improved function, results can vary. Some patients may require multiple injections or a combination of different injection types to achieve optimal results.

It is also important to note that while spinal injections can be highly effective, they are not a permanent cure for underlying spinal conditions. They are often used as part of a comprehensive pain treatment plan that may include physical therapy, exercise, and lifestyle modifications. In some cases, patients may benefit from periodic injections to maintain pain relief and functional improvement.

As with any medical procedure, spinal injections carry some risks, although serious complications are rare. Potential side effects may include temporary pain at the injection site, headaches, and in very rare cases, infection or bleeding. 

At Summit Spine & Joint Centers, our experienced pain management specialists thoroughly evaluate each patient’s condition and medical history to ensure that spinal injections are a safe and appropriate treatment option. We are committed to leveraging our expertise in spinal injections and other advanced pain management techniques to help our patients overcome chronic pain and return to the activities they love. Call us at (770) 962-3642 to schedule an appointment at any of our 43 locations including our new grand opening for Pain Management in Spartanburg, South Carolina.