01 Oct

Spine Injections: A Non-Surgical Approach to Back and Neck Pain Relief

Posted at 17:57h in Back Pain, Platelet-Rich Plasma by Susan Sorosky MD

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Understanding Spine Injections

Spine issues can impact every aspect of your life, turning simple daily tasks into challenging ordeals. Bending down to tie your shoes could trigger a sharp pain. Playing with your kids or grandkids may no longer be possible. Even a good night’s sleep might feel like a distant memory when your back or neck pain keeps you tossing and turning.

At Desert Spine and Sports Physicians, we understand that your spine is more than just a part of your body—it’s central to your ability to live life to the fullest. We’ve seen firsthand how debilitating back and neck pain can be, and we’re committed to helping you reclaim your life and return to the activities you love. Among the targeted treatments we use for spine conditions are spine injections. Administered under fluoroscopy, spine injections are useful in treating a variety of conditions, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, radiculopathy or sciatica, facet arthritis, and other spine-related issues.

As doctors of function, we aim to do more than just alleviate your pain. We’re here to help you regain your mobility and restore your independence. Let’s explore the different types of spine conditions we treat and how we help patients throughout Arizona rediscover the joy of movement without discomfort.

Types of Spine Injections

Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication into the space around your spinal nerve (the epidural space). They’re particularly effective for treating nerve pain caused by disc herniation, arthritis, and spinal stenosis. By reducing inflammation, these injections can provide significant pain relief and improved function.

Facet Joint Procedures

Facet joints are small joints located between each vertebra that allow for spine mobility. Medial branch nerves supply innervation to the facet joints and can be blocked with numbing medicine to help diagnose the source of pain. These blocks pave the way for radiofrequency ablation (RFA), where heat is applied to these nerves to provide long-term relief from pain related to facet joint arthritis.

Sacroiliac Joint Injections

The sacroiliac (SI) joints connect your spine to your pelvis. SI joint injections can help diagnose and treat pain originating from this area, which is often felt in the lower back, buttocks, or upper legs. These injections can be particularly beneficial for patients with SI joint dysfunction or inflammation. PRP can also be injected into the SIJ for longer-term pain relief compared to steroid injections.

Selective Nerve Root Blocks

A selective nerve root block (SNRB) involves using a fluoroscopic-guided injection to place a temporary anesthetic (numbing) medication around a particular nerve root. The physician uses the response to this injection to determine whether or not this nerve root is the source of pain. By confirming or denying the source of a patient’s typical pain, this injection provides information allowing for proper treatment.

Benefits of Spine Injections

Spine injections offer numerous benefits to patients, including:

Effective Pain Relief: By delivering medication directly to the pain source, injections can provide significant and often immediate relief.
Improved Function: As pain decreases, patients often experience enhanced mobility and can engage more fully in daily activities and physical therapy.
Diagnostic Value: Injections can help identify the exact source of pain, leading to more targeted treatment plans.
Non-Surgical Alternative: Injections offer a less invasive option than surgery, with shorter recovery times and fewer risks.
Quality of Life: By managing pain effectively, patients often report improved sleep, mood, and overall quality of life.

The Spine Injection Procedure

Preparation

Before your spine injection procedure at Desert Spine and Sports Physicians, we’ll provide detailed instructions based on the type of spine injection we’re administering. Generally, you should:

Inform your doctor of all medications and allergies
Avoid blood-thinning medications as directed
Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure

During the Injection

The procedure typically involves:

Positioning you comfortably on an X-ray table
Cleaning and numbing the injection site
Using fluoroscopy (live X-ray) for precise needle placement
Injecting contrast dye to confirm proper needle position
Administering the medication

Most patients report only mild discomfort during the procedure, which usually takes less than 30 minutes.

Post-Procedure Care

After your injection:

Rest for the remainder of the day
Avoid strenuous activities for 24-48 hours
Monitor the injection site for any signs of infection
Follow up with our team as directed

Who Can Benefit from Spine Injections?

Ideal candidates for spine injections typically:

Have back or neck pain that hasn’t responded to conservative treatments
Need pain relief to participate in physical therapy or other exercise program
Want to avoid or delay surgery
Have a clear diagnosis of a spine condition that can be treated with injections

However, every patient is unique. That’s why at Desert Spine and Sports Physicians, we emphasize the importance of a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan. Our spine specialists in Arizona will determine if spine injections are right for you based on your medical history, symptoms, and overall health.

If you’re suffering from spine pain and discomfort that’s preventing you from enjoying your life, we’re here to help. Reach out to connect with one of our Physiatrists, who are Board-Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Fellowship-trained in Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Medicine, to get back to enjoying the daily activities you love.

Additional Reading

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