Spinal injections are common medical procedures used to deliver medication directly into the spine. They play a crucial role in managing various types of back and neck pain, allowing patients to find relief and improve their quality of life and regain functionality.
What types of Spinal Injections are available?
A spinal injection involves the introduction of medication into specific areas of the spine, such as nerve roots, facet joints, or the epidural space. The goal is to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, or provide diagnostic information.
Epidural Injections
Epidural injections are one of the most frequently performed spinal injections. It involves injecting steroids, anaesthetics and anti-inflammatory medications in the space surrounding the spinal cord. Epidural injections are highly effective in reducing inflammation and relieving pain, they can also be used in different areas of the spine depending on your individual pain levels.
Facet Joint Injections
Facet joint injections target the facet joints, which are located at the back of the spine. These joints can become a source of pain due to arthritis, injury or degeneration. Facet joint injections typically consist of a local anaesthetic, helping to alleviate pain and improve mobility as they enable you to bend and twist.
Sacroiliac Joint Injections
Sacroiliac joint injections are injected at the bottom of the spine in the sacroiliac joints. These joints connect the sacrum to the pelvis. They can be used to diagnose or relieve lower back pain. By injecting a local anaesthetic and corticosteroids directly into the sacroiliac joint, patients can experience significant pain relief.
Nerve Root Injections
Nerve root injections are highly selective, they specifically target the nerves exiting the spine, which if compressed or irritated cause trapped nerve. Nerve root injections can provide considerable pain relief and are also a less invasive option.
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