Spinal Injections Specialist

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Spinal Injections Q & A

What are spinal injections?

Spinal injections are a type of medication administered to your spinal joints and nerves to relieve pain. Spinal injections are similar to joint injections and can be helpful for conditions like:

• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Spinal pain
• Arthritis
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Facet syndrome
• Disc herniations
• Degenerative joint disease

Spinal injections are recommended if you have chronic pain that hasn't improved with other conservative therapies like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or chiropractic care.

How do spinal injections relieve pain?

Spinal injections contain two main types of medications: an anesthetic and a corticosteroid. The anesthetic medication numbs the irritated nerve, preventing it from sending pain signals.

The corticosteroid is an anti-inflammatory medication that reduces inflammatory chemicals in the area to relieve pain, stiffness, and discomfort from swelling. Using a corticosteroid alongside the anesthetic medication allows for a reduction in pain and inflammation so you can feel better quickly.

Spinal injections can also include hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Hyaluronic acid provides essential hydration to your tissues, while PRP provides healing nutrients to support tissue recovery.

What's the process like for a spinal injection?

When you're getting a spinal injection, Dr. Turok begins by locating the treatment area using a type of X-ray technology called fluoroscopy. He cleans your skin and inserts a needle into the appropriate area of your joint.

Once the needle is in the correct position, he injects the proper medication and removes the needle. After removing the needle, he cleans and bandages your skin. Each injection takes less than 10 minutes to perform.

In most cases, you can return to your normal activities right away, though you should avoid strenuous exercise for a few days as a precaution.

Do spinal injections hurt?

Dr. Turok takes every precaution to make you as comfortable as possible during your spinal injection. If appropriate, he applies a numbing solution to your skin before inserting the needle. You may feel a small pinch or prick as the needle is inserted.

Some people report mild tingling or stinging after the injection. This is caused by the anesthetic medication and goes away quickly. Spinal injections can provide pain relief for 3-6 months or longer, depending on your condition, the severity of your pain, and how your body metabolizes the medication.

Set up a consultation to discuss spinal injections for your neck or back pain now by calling the office or booking online.

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