What are Spinal Injections?
Spinal injections are used:
- To diagnose the source of back, leg, neck or arm pain
- As treatment to relieve pain
Most spinal injections are performed as part of a treatment program, and simultaneous treatment almost always includes an exercise program. These two treatments together can greatly reduce pain associated with the spine
Spinal injections are usually performed under x-ray guidance. This is called a fluoroscopy. This ensures correct placement of the injection, and also improves safety. During a fluoroscopy, a liquid dye is injected before the medication. If the dye does not flow in the right location, the needle is moved until the correct flow is obtained.
Types of Spinal Injections
- Epidural injections. This injection is used to treat pain that starts in the spine and radiates to an arm or leg.
- Facet Joint Injections. This type of injection is used when pain is caused by degenerative/arthritic conditions or injury.
- Sacroiliac Joint Injections. These injections relieve pain in the low back, buttock and leg area.
- Provocation Discography. This injection is only used for diagnosis, and does not have any pain relief effect. In fact, it is used to reproduce the person’s exact or typical pain to find the source of the pain.
