Many doctors recommend spinal injections for patients who have severe pain of the limbs and back. Therapeutic spinal injections can allow patients to live their lives as normally as possible. The idea of a spinal injection does not have to be a scary one, especially when you better understand the procedure.

The Spinal Injection Procedure

The process of a spinal injection includes the use of a fluoroscopy, which is a type of x-ray that helps the doctor administer the injection correctly. This process involves the injection of a liquid dye to provide contrast.

The rest of the procedure depends on the type of injection you receive. An epidural injection treats pain that begins in the spine and then moves into the limbs, perhaps because of a pinched nerve. To administer this kind of injection, the doctor may inject an anesthetic followed by cortisone.

Then, there are facet joint injections. These injections are administered to the joints between the vertebrae to treat pain in the neck, middle back, or lower back.

Sacroiliac joint injections are also available to address pain in the lower back, bottom, and legs. These injections may be administered to the pelvic area.

Treatments Used Alongside Spinal Injections

In addition to spinal injections, your doctor may also recommend that you continue with an exercise program that incorporates both stretching and strengthening. Your doctor may also recommend that you lose weight to address issues like fixed nerves, so you may also undergo some dietary changes to help the injections perform at their best.

Safety of Spinal Injections

Spinal injections are relatively safe, but any medical condition may come with some complications. They include risks of infection, nerve injuries, bleeding, increased pain, and muscle weakness. Additionally, these injections may come with some side effects, including facial redness, menstrual changes, nausea, diarrhea, and an increased appetite.

Candidates for Spinal Injections

Not everybody is a candidate for spinal injections. Individuals who experience infection as a result of the injection may not be good candidates for future injections. Individuals with bleeding disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, and allergies to steroids or anesthetics are also often not the best candidates.

If you still have a lot of questions about spinal injections for your pain, you should speak with a medical professional who administers these injections. He or she can provide you with answers and ensure that you are a good candidate for this procedure.