Spinal injections are utilized in two ways. Initially, they are carried out to diagnose the source of leg, back, neck or arm pain. Second, spinal injections are utilized as a treatment to relieve pain that can be recommended by the doctor.
Most spinal injections are carried out as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Simultaneous treatment typically includes an exercise routine to improve or maintain mobility and stability of the spine.
Procedure
It is important to note that spinal injections are performed under X-ray guidance called as fluoroscopy. This will confirm placement of the medication and improves safety. A liquid contrast or dye is injected before the medication is administered. If the contrast does not flow in the right location, the needle is repositioned and additional dye is injected until the proper flow is achieved. The medication is not administered until the correct contrast pattern is achieved.
What are the types of spinal injections?
Epidural injections are used in managing pain that starts in the spine and radiates to the arm or leg. The leg or arm pain often occurs once a nerve is compressed or inflamed. These injections involve an anesthetic and an anti-inflammatory medication such as a steroid that is administered close to the affected nerve.
Facet joint injections are used for both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. These are often used when pain is caused by degenerative conditions or injury such as neck, low back pain or middle back pain. You can learn about this pain management measure by enrolling in a first aid course today.
Sacroiliac joint injections are similar to facet joint injections in various ways. When a diagnostic injection with anesthetic is given, it can drastically reduce the amount of pain in a specific area in the low back, upper leg or buttock.
Provocation diskography is also a type of spinal injection used for diagnosis of pain and does not provide any pain relieving effect. This is designed to reproduce the exact or typical pain. This is often utilized only if surgical treatment of low back pain is being considered.
What are the possible complications of spinal injections?
The spinal injections are generally safe procedures. In case complications occur, they are usually mild and self-limited. The possible risks that can occur after the individual receives a spinal injection include the following:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Increased pain
- Muscle weakness
- Spinal headache
- Nerve injury
- Avascular necrosis
- Arachnoiditis
- Paralysis
It is also important that steroids are also used, thus it is vital to be aware of its side effects. The usual side effect of steroids used in spinal injections includes increased appetite, facial flushing, diarrhea, nausea, increased blood sugar level and menstrual irregularities.
There are also some individuals who are not considered as good candidates for spinal injections. These include individuals with the following:
- Bleeding condition or anticoagulation
- Skin infection at the site of the needle puncture
- Allergic or highly sensitive to the contrast, steroids or anesthetics.
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes