Back pain is a very annoying and frustrating thing, isn't it? Sometimes it feels like no matter how much you take medicine, exercise, or apply oil, it's still not enough. At times like these, your doctor may talk to you about the special injections that he or she gives you for your back. However, this is not something that is given for all back pain. Let's see what these are, who they are suitable for, and what they actually do.
What conditions can these injections treat?
Injections into the spine typically treat two main conditions.
1. Nerve compression or damage (Radiculopathy)
Simply put, a nerve coming out of the spine is compressed for some reason. We call this medically `` radiculopathy`` . Think of it like the spinal cord is like a tube, and the nerves are the wires coming out of it. What happens if one of these wires gets pinched somewhere? That's how it is.
This is a severe, sharp pain that starts in the lower back and travels down the leg. Some people also call it "sciatica." This pain can be in one or both legs. Also, if the problem occurs in the cervical vertebrae, the pain can radiate from the neck down the arm. This condition often occurs when a jelly-like piece of material between two vertebrae (we call it a ``Herniated Disk'' ) bulges out and presses on a nerve.
2. Spinal Stenosis
This means that the space (canal) through which the nerves travel inside the spine narrows. We call this ` (Spinal stenosis) ` . This can be caused by the previously mentioned `(Herniated Disk)` reducing the space, or by a new bone spur that forms as you age, reducing the space in the spine and pressing on the nerves.
This usually causes pain in the buttocks or legs. Sometimes it can occur with or without back pain. For many people, this pain increases when working or walking, and decreases slightly when bending forward. If this happens to you too, it may be a symptom of `(Spinal Stenosis)`.
The important thing is that not all of these injections work the same for everyone. Some people may benefit greatly, while others may not. This is something your doctor will need to determine.
What are the main types of spinal injections?
There are several types of injections for back pain. Sometimes doctors use these after finding the exact cause of the pain. Let's take a look at the main types.
| Injection type | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Epidural injection (Epidural Injection) | This is the most commonly discussed type. A corticosteroid and an anesthetic are injected into the epidural space around the spinal cord. The primary goal is to reduce swelling and pain. |
| Nerve blocking injection (Nerve Block) | This involves injecting a numbing medication (e.g. Lidocaine ) around the nerve causing the pain. This provides quick relief, but it only lasts for a few hours. |
| Discography (Discography) | This is actually more of a diagnostic procedure than a treatment. It is used to find out which 'disc' in your back is causing the pain. After giving the injection, you are asked if the pain has gone away or gotten worse. |
A little more about epidural injections
The word `(Epidural)` means `around the spinal cord.' This injection contains a steroid-type medicine (`(corticosteroid)`) that reduces swelling, and a numbing medicine (`(anesthetic)`) that relieves pain. This reduces swelling around the nerve and controls pain.
But it is not yet clear how effective these are. Most of the time, the relief from these is temporary. It may take a few weeks or months for the pain to subside. Therefore, this is not the best solution for long-term back pain. Also, for sudden onset back pain, the doctor will consider other treatment options (medication, physical therapy) first.
Nerve Block Injection
In this, the doctor injects a numbing medicine, that is, an `` anesthetic '', around the painful nerve. The most commonly used medicine is ``Lidocaine.'' After this is injected , the area immediately becomes numb and the pain almost completely disappears. However, the effect of this only lasts for a few hours. This is sometimes used to find out which nerve is the real cause of the pain.
Are there any side effects?
As with any medical treatment, these injections can have minor and, rarely, serious side effects.
Common things that can happen:
- A small wound and pain may occur where the injection was given.
- Headache .
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Redness of the face.
These usually subside within a day or two.
Rarely serious disorders:
- Bleeding from the injection site.
- Infection.
- Damage to a nerve.
These things happen very rarely . However, before starting this treatment, it is essential to discuss the pros, cons, and all the risks with your doctor and understand them. You should tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any medications you are taking.
Take-Home Message
- A back pain injection is a treatment that contains a corticosteroid and an anesthetic , administered by a specialist.
- These are mainly used to treat conditions like radiculopathy and spinal stenosis .
- The benefits of these injections are often temporary. Not everyone gets the same results.
- Minor side effects such as pain at the injection site and headache may occur. Rarely, serious complications may occur.
- Most importantly: Your doctor will decide whether this treatment is right for you. So, talk openly with your doctor about this and seek his advice. Don't make decisions on your own.
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