There are millions of people who suffer from debilitating low back pain and joint pain who live in misery every day. They wake up in pain. Trudge through the day in pain. And then, go to bed in pain. Most chronic pain sufferers have tried a host of medications too. In fact, some have been through a course of physical therapy or perhaps acupuncture. However, in many cases, the above interventions are not successful. Therefore, patients give in and live a life of chronic pain. But, pain injections might be able to help!

Understanding Interventional Pain Management

Injections are targeted at specific structures that generate pain. And this helps to alleviate, and in some cases, completely eliminate their pain. For back pain, neck pain, and sciatica, to name a few conditions, there are target specific x-ray guided injections that include epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, and sacroiliac joint injections. In the appropriate candidates and in the appropriately trained hands, these injections can greatly diminish pain and improve quality of life.

Different Types of Pain Injections

At Spine & Orthopedic Center, our injections are administered in the office. An x-ray machine called a fluoroscope is used to visualize the appropriate landmarks and guide the needle(s) directly and safely to the pain source. Then, the area of the skin and underlying soft tissues is anesthetized, using lidocaine, similar to a novocaine injection at the dentist. Now, a needle is advanced under direct visualization of the fluoroscope to the pain source. Utilizing multiple camera views to achieve optimal needle placement may be necessary. Next, the medication is received through a needle. This consists of a potent anti-inflammatory or cortisone-like medicine. Therefore, reducing the local inflammation, as well as an anesthetic agent to numb the painful structures. Recovery after the injection is quick. As a matter of fact, it’s typically within minutes. Then, the patient may leave the office and go about their everyday lives.

Epidural Steroid Pain Injections

Epidural steroid injections will take 1-3 days to kick in. In fact, a follow-up injection or two may be necessary to achieve an appropriate level of pain control. On the other hand, facet and sacroiliac joint injections produce more of an immediate pain reduction. 

Facet Joint Injections

If a facet joint injection will produce immediate and excellent pain relief. However, the effect wears off quickly. Therefore, a follow-up injection called radiofrequency ablation will help achieve many longer-lasting effects.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is a little-known treatment for arthritis-related spine pain. In fact, it produces sustained pain relief of a year or even longer!

Pain injections in the hands of a well-trained physician and in the appropriately chosen patient can drastically improve lives! Injections may also help patients reduce or eliminate the usage of oral pain medications. Which frequently have associated side effects, including nausea, and constipation.

Are you suffering from chronic pain? Have already tried medications and/or physical therapy with no relief? Then call us at 888-409-8006. We can help create a new pain management plan to fit your exact needs!