What is a spinal injection?

What are types of spinal injections?

There are a variety of types, each providing benefits based on diagnosing or treating your pain.

• Facet joint Injections: Targeting the small joints located between the vertebra in the back, known as facet joints, these injections are used for pain that originates anywhere along the spine, from the neck to the lower back. Often an anesthetic is administered to the area first, and if it provides pain relief, a steroid may be injected.
• Sacroiliac joint (SI joint) Injections: These injections pinpoint pain that originates in the SI joints, which are located between the pelvic and sacrum bones. Administering an anesthetic has been highly effective in diagnosing SI pain, and then a steroid is injected for longer-term pain relief.
• Intra-articular joint Injections: Used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, intra-articular joint injections target joint pain in the knee, hip, and shoulder areas (but can be administered anywhere there is joint pain). Anesthetic, steroid, and Botox medications are all used for this type of spinal injection.
• Epidural steroid injections: This type of pain relief utilizes the epidural space that encompasses the spine and nerve roots. First, a local anesthetic is administered to numb the area. Then a steroid is injected into the epidural space.

How does a spinal injection work?

Your pain management physician can use these injections for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Using X-ray guidance, known as fluoroscopy, your physician will inject the specific area of your spine with a dye to first ensure proper positioning. Then a local anesthetic and steroid are injected to provide longer-term pain relief. The entire procedure only takes a few minutes.

At Neurosurgery One, we perform spinal injections with our patients sedated to make the procedure more comfortable.

Am I a candidate for spinal injections?

Your spine and pain management physician will carefully evaluate your symptoms and make recommendations accordingly. Spinal injections are almost never used alone but rather in combination with physical therapy, rehabilitation, lifestyle changes, and/or medication.

When pain cannot be management effectively with conservative treatments, injections may be recommended for patients experiencing:

• Facet joint pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Spinal stenosis
• Bulging disc 
• Herniated disc
• Sciatica 
• Bone spurs
• Injuries to the spinal nerves or tissues
• Failed back surgeries

How long does a spinal injection last?

The benefits vary by patient and condition. Many people experience pain relief within a few hours or days of the injection. It could take several days before you experience the full benefits.

In some cases, a spinal injection may provide long-lasting pain relief. Based on your condition and reaction to the spinal injection, your spine and pain management physician may schedule a follow up injection to ensure continued relief.

What are the benefits and side effects of spinal injections?

Benefits and side effects can vary based on the patient and your condition. In general, below are some benefits and potential side effects.

Benefits of spinal injections:

• Pain relief, which can range from temporary to long lasting
• Reduction in inflammation
• Increased range of motion, which can allow for physical therapy
• Reduction in medication use
• Identification of the specific origin of pain
• Prolong or eliminate the need for surgery

Side effects of spinal injections:

• May only provide temporary or minimal pain relief
• Although rare, infection or injury may occur
• Temporary paralysis to the bladder or bowel nerves
• Bleeding and reactions to medications
• Exposure to radiation through imaging
• Potential side effects of steroids like nausea, diarrhea, changes to menstrual cycles and flushed face

How much do spinal injections cost?

Most insurance companies and Medicare cover spinal injections if they are recommended to diagnose or treat a condition. The average cost of spinal injections is around $600, with costs ranging from $100 to $1,000 per injection.