What Are Spinal Injections and How Can They Relieve Chronic Back Pain?

For many suffering from chronic back pain, spinal injections have emerged as a recommended solution. These injections can be both diagnostic, to determine the cause of pain, and therapeutic, to treat the identified pain. But what exactly are these injections, and how do they work?

Types of Spinal Injections for Pain Relief

There are various injections used to treat back pain. Some of the most common ones include:

Stellate Ganglion Block: Administered in the front of the neck, this injection can help reduce pain and swelling in the head, neck, upper arms, and chest. It’s specifically targeted at the sympathetic nerves on the sides of the voice box that have been damaged due to conditions like shingles.

Epidural Injections: These are aimed at the area around the spinal cord where nerve roots exit and stretch to other parts of the body. The region near these nerve roots can be a primary source of back pain, notably conditions like sciatica. Epidural steroid injections, a subset of epidural injections, are frequently used to combat pain resulting from a herniated disc, lumbar or cervical radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, or sciatica. By injecting corticosteroids, potent anti-inflammatory medications, into the epidural space, inflammation around an irritated nerve can be considerably reduced.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment: This is another procedure where injections are sometimes employed for treating certain conditions.

To ensure the effectiveness of these injections, the pain medication is delivered as close as possible to the nerves in the painful area. For a deeper understanding and a visual perspective, refer to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Spine Program.

Additional Resources

For those seeking more information on spinal injections and associated conditions, here are some valuable resources:

Treatment Options: Spinal Injections

Injections for Back and Neck Pain

Back Pain: What You Can Expect from Steroid Injections

Epidural Injections: Frequently Asked Questions

Remember, before considering any medical procedure, always consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it’s the right decision for your specific condition and needs.