Are Spinal Injections Safe?

Pain of any kind can feel like it takes over your life. But back pain can be especially debilitating as your back is a vital part of your everyday life and activities. While there are many treatments that can be utilized to combat back pain, spinal steroid injections may be the best answer. They are safe and can be one component of your overall pain management plan.

How do Spinal Injections Work?

As an alternative to surgery, spinal injections have been around for decades as a way to address back pain. Injections can be a key course of action if you have low back pain or sciatica. Our physicians at Pain Control Associates will determine the best point of injection based on your pain and symptoms and insert a steroid (often cortisone) into the affected area. Since the exact area that is in need is being addressed, you can expect better results than through oral medications or medicines. The anti-inflammatory properties of the injection will help ease your symptoms along with any other components of your pain management. As pain killers are part of the process, most patients feel very little pain during the procedure.

Another benefit of spinal injections is that they can last for a significant amount of time. While the relief varies by patient and condition, this time allows you to work on strengthening the muscles in the area through physical therapy and keep you moving along your path to better days and less pain. Our expertise can help you feel better and work on living a more active life. 

What Conditions Can Benefit from Injections?

Sciatica is when the nerve that runs down your lower back and legs is inflamed or pinched. This is a good candidate or relief from a spinal injection that can target the pain. Herniated discs in your lower back can also be treated with steroids. Many patients will experience relief. Also, if your spinal canal has become narrower due to bone spurs or herniated discs, you can be treated with an injection.

How Do Injections Fit Into a Plan?

Our expertise has found that often one treatment can be paired with one or more to provide our patients with the most pain relief. Beyond injections, we can discuss adding meditation, relaxation techniques, medication or behavior modification to your overall treatment plan. We will work with you one-on-one and adjust your plan as we move through it and determine what is working and what is not.

Set Up An Initial Appointment Today

We can help you best manage your pain through our holistic approach to addressing your pain. We will start by having a conversation to learn more about your past injuries and conditions as well as how you are currently feeling. Then we will do an exam, possibly order tests and come up with a strategy with varied and customized components. Contact us through our online contact form.