Understanding Spinal Injections

There are several different types of injections. They can be classified as injections for back (and pelvic pain) or for leg pain (sciatica).

Injections for back (and pelvic) pain include facet joint injections, sacroiliac injections and coccyx injections.

Injections for leg pain coming from the nerves in the back are nerve root block injections and caudal epidurals.

What is in the injection?

A mix of local anaesthetic and steroids is injected into the specific area. This aims to reduce swelling, inflammation and pain.

Are there any risks?

There are very small and very infrequent risks of injections. These may include temporary discomfort, an allergic reaction to the medication, infection and bleeding, temporary numbness in legs or injury to the nerves.

Caudal epidural

Epidurals are predominantly used to relieve pain in the legs coming from a pinched nerve in the low back or due to spinal stenosis. The injection is inserted at the very bottom of the spine inside the spinal column acting directly near the affected area. The procedure is usually done under local anaesthetic and x-ray guidance.

Nerve root block

These injections are to treat pain coming from nerves that can be irritated (sciatica) or compressed in the low back (spinal stenosis). Symptoms include mainly pain going down to the legs. Depending on the location of symptoms and findings on an MRI scan, the area around the specific nerve is injected. The procedure is usually done under local anaesthetic and x-ray guidance.

Expectations

The effectiveness of injections varies from person to person. Some people feel immediate pain relief that can last several months or years. For others, there is limited benefit following the procedure. No treatment is guaranteed to work for all people; however, it is always important to start or continue with a regular exercise routine to strengthen your body, improve your fitness and move better. Your physiotherapist will be able to advise you regarding the most appropriate exercises for you. The most effective long-term improvement is likely to be achieved by including exercise and education along with injection treatments.

Last tips

• Every person gets a different level of relief so do not panic if it isn’t as you expected.
• Ongoing pain does not always mean that there is damage.
• Pain is a subjective feeling influenced by many other factors (your psychological state, your environment, genetics, relationships, family dynamics, stress, work satisfaction and more).
• The most recommended treatment is a healthy lifestyle including enough exercise, relaxation, healthy diet and staying positive.