Spinal injections: what are the benefits?

Spinal injections are a valuable treatment option for individuals suffering from debilitating spine-related conditions. These procedures involve the targeted delivery of medications directly into the spine to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Whether you're grappling with herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or sciatica, which often manifests as intense back and leg pain, understanding the role and benefits of spinal injections can significantly aid in managing and potentially alleviating your discomfort.

Leading consultant in spinal surgery Mr James Langdon explains more about the vital role of spinal injections in spinal surgery.

What are spinal injections?

Spinal injections are a common procedure used to diagnose and treat various conditions affecting the spine. These injections deliver medication directly into the spine, providing targeted pain relief and inflammation reduction. This treatment is often used for conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), and sciatica, which can cause severe back and leg pain.

How do spinal injections work?

Spinal injections typically involve the administration of a corticosteroid (a strong anti-inflammatory medication) and a local anaesthetic (a numbing agent) directly into the epidural space, which is the area surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots. By delivering these medications to the source of pain, spinal injections can reduce inflammation and provide significant pain relief.

What are the types of spinal injections?

There are several types of spinal injections, each serving a specific purpose. Epidural steroid injections (ESI) are used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain caused by conditions such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis. Facet joint injections target the small joints between each vertebra, which can become painful due to arthritis or injury.

Nerve root blocks are used to diagnose and treat pain radiating from a specific nerve root, often caused by a herniated disc pressing on the nerve. Sacroiliac joint injections are aimed at the sacroiliac joint, located at the bottom of the spine, which can cause lower back and leg pain.

What can you expect during the procedure?

Before the injection, the skin over the injection site is cleaned and numbed with a local anaesthetic. Using X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy), a thin needle is carefully inserted into the targeted area. Contrast dye may be injected to ensure correct placement of the needle. Once the needle is properly positioned, the medication is slowly injected. The entire procedure usually takes about 15-30 minutes.

What are the benefits of spinal injections?

Spinal injections offer several benefits, including pain relief, improved function, and diagnostic value. By reducing inflammation, spinal injections can provide significant pain relief, improving your quality of life. Reduced pain can lead to better mobility and the ability to participate in physical therapy. Additionally, injections can help identify the exact source of your pain, aiding in a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Are there risks associated with spinal injections?

As with any medical procedure, spinal injections come with potential risks and side effects. These can include infection, although rare, there is a small risk of infection at the injection site. Patients with bleeding disorders or those on blood-thinning medications may be at higher risk of bleeding. While extremely uncommon, there is a slight risk of nerve damage during the procedure. Some patients may experience a temporary increase in pain following the injection.

How should you prepare for a spinal injection?

To ensure the procedure goes smoothly, it is important to discuss your medical history with your doctor, informing them of any medications you are taking, allergies, or existing medical conditions. Since you may experience numbness or weakness after the injection, it is advisable to arrange transportation and have someone drive you home. Your doctor may also provide specific instructions, such as fasting for a few hours before the procedure.

Spinal injections can be a valuable tool in managing spine-related pain. If you have any concerns or questions, please consult with your spinal surgeon for personalised advice and information.

If you would like to learn more about spinal surgery, book a consultation with Mr Langdon, via his Top Doctors profile today.