21 Sep Injections for Relieving Back Pain
You may have tried prescription medications and physical therapy to attempt to relieve lower back pain. Perhaps you have had less than perfect pain relief. Injections are indeed growing in popularity, as they provide targeted and immediate relief in most cases. Instead of popping a pill and hoping that it will relieve your back pain, you can now choose to have an injection placed directly into the muscle or joint that is causing you the pain.
There are several types of injections often used to relieve back pain. Read on to learn more about how they can help you.
Epidural Steroid Injections
An epidural steroid injection is the most common. The steroid is injected near the sac that contains nerve roots and spinal fluid. This is called the dura sac, and by injecting the steroid there, inflammation decreases. This leads to a reduction in pain. The results can last anywhere from one week to one year.
Facet Blocks
Facet blocks work extremely well for spinal pain. A facet block uses X-ray guidance to place the needle of an anesthetic injection into the correct facet block. Multiple injections may be required and in many instances, pain relief is immediate. A facet block may be therapeutic or diagnostic in nature.
Sympathetic Blocks
Sympathetic blocks inject anesthetic into sympathetic nerves. These nerves are located in the lower back on both sides of the spine. As part of the sympathetic nervous system, they control blood flow and orchestrate what we familiarly call the “flight or fight” response.
Many people benefit from sympathetic blocks. They help treat vascular and neuropathic conditions and can even improve mobility.
Manage your back pain with the help of the Scottsdale Pain Management Experts at Integrated Pain Consultants
We all know that prescription and over-the-counter medications can only do so much for pain. Board certified pain management expert Dr. Nikesh Seth and his team offer injections and cutting-edge treatments that can relieve back pain. Together they have helped many Scottsdale patients manage chronic back pain, and they can help you as well. Book a consultation online today or call (480) 626-2552. We also invite you to learn more about Dr. Nikesh Seth and other providers including Dr. Anne-Marie Cosijns, Dr. Lisa Sparks, Dr. Michael Givens, and our team of Nurse Practitioners.