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Spinal Injections

A spinal injection is mainly recommended for neck and back issues that are too severe and do not improve with conservative treatments. These injections serve two key purposes:

  • Diagnostic. They help identify the cause of pain in the back, neck, legs, or arms.
  • Therapeutic. They provide relief from pain as a form of treatment.

Spinal injections are part of a broader treatment approach. This includes an exercise regimen designed to enhance or preserve spinal flexibility (through stretching) and strength (through strengthening exercises).

Types of Spinal Injections

There are several types of spinal injections, each specifically designed to address specific conditions, and provide localised pain relief. They include:

  • Caudal Epidural

Epidural injections are usually administered in the lower back to alleviate leg pain resulting from sciatica (bulging or herniated disc) or spinal stenosis. A combination of anaesthetic and steroid—a potent anti-inflammatory drug—is injected close to the affected nerves that transmit pain signals to the brain. The treatment reduces inflammation and alleviates pain from compressed or pinched nerves that can cause radiating arm or leg pain.

  • Facet Joint Injections

By targeting the small facet joints positioned between vertebrae at the spine’s back, these injections help relieve pain from cervical or lumbar facet joint conditions. Facet joint injections are effective in minimising inflammation and enhancing joint mobility and are commonly used for degenerative or arthritic pain. Moreover, they help manage pain in the mid-back, neck or lower back.

  • Nerve Root Injections

These help treat and manage conditions such as sciatica and disc prolapse. By delivering medication straight to the affected nerve root, they minimise pain and inflammation. Nerve root injections target particular nerves; thus blocking pain impulses and supporting the body’s natural healing process. As a result, they are most often recommended for treating pinched nerves.

  • Sacroiliac Joint Injections

The sacroiliac (SI) joints are positioned between the sacrum, at the base of the lower back, and the ilium bone of the pelvis. This injection is designed to alleviate pain in the SI joints, which is often linked to conditions such as SI joint syndrome. By delivering steroids directly into the area, inflammation can be reduced, and this provides localised pain relief to the SI joint and discomfort that may spread to the lower back and buttocks. In most cases, only one side is affected, though both SI joints may require treatment in rare instances.

  • Trigger Point Injections

This specialised treatment targets tight, knotted muscles—called trigger points—that cause persistent pain. A localised area within a muscle remains in spasm, leading to discomfort, most commonly in the neck, shoulders and lower back. These injections deliver a small dose of anaesthetic and steroid into the muscle, relaxing muscle fibres and decreasing inflammation and pain. They are especially effective for myofascial pain syndrome, chronic muscle pain, and tension headaches, providing relief and improving mobility.

Conditions Treated With Spinal Injections

Spinal injections are tailored to manage a variety of conditions, such as:

  • Sciatica
  • Cervical disc disorders
  • Disc prolapse (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar)
  • Lumbar spinal stenosis
  • Lumbar facet joint pain
  • Lumbar disc conditions
  • Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain
  • Costochondral pain
  • Cervical facet joint pain
  • Thoracic spine pain

Procedure Details

Spinal injections are administered using X-ray guidance or fluoroscopy to ensure precise medication placement and enhance safety.

The steps of the procedure include:

  • Injecting a contrast dye before the medicine to verify proper placement.
  • If the dye does not move in the right position, the needle is adjusted while more dye is introduced until the desired flow pattern is achieved.
  • The drug is only administered once the contrast confirms accurate placement.

Who Is Not a Suitable Candidate for Spinal Injections?

Certain health problems may make spinal injections unsuitable for some individuals. These include:

  • Uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure
  • Unmanaged heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation
  • Active skin infection near the injection site
  • Bleeding or clotting disorders
  • Allergies to anaesthetics or steroid medications

Potential Complications

Generally, spinal injections are considered safe, and complications, when they occur, are normally mild and short-lived. Some of the potential risks comprise:

  • Bleeding
  • Nerve injury
  • Infection
  • Arachnoiditis (inflammation of the arachnoid membrane near spinal nerves, which causes pain)
  • Avascular necrosis (rare bone tissue death because of disrupted blood supply, though uncommon in the spine)
  • Paralysis
  • Spinal headaches
  • Increased pain
  • Muscle weakness

In addition, some individuals may experience temporary side effects from steroids, such as:

  • Facial flushing
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Increased appetite
  • Diarrhoea
  • Nausea
  • Elevated blood sugar levels (typically temporary)

Conclusion

Spinal injections can be an effective solution for managing chronic pain and improving mobility. By targeting the root cause of discomfort, these treatments provide relief and support your journey toward better spinal health. Our team is dedicated to delivering safe, individualised care to assist you in regaining comfort and functioning in your daily life.

So, if you’re considering a spinal injection, contact our booking team today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you take the next step toward pain relief and improved well-being.