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Spine injections can be used in cases where other conservative methods have failed. Injections can reduce pain, and can be useful in determining the source of the patient’s pain. There are many different types of spinal injections, which are usually administered by orthopedists, anesthesiologists, neurologists, physiatrists or pain management specialists. An epidural injection delivers a steroid into the spinal canal. Steroids can dramatically reduce inflammation in the spinal structures. The effects of an epidural injection are usually temporary, but can help relieve acute episodes of back pain, and aid in the patient’s transition to physical therapy. When a facet joint is thought to be the pain generator, a facet joint block can be performed. This procedure utilizes a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, and/or a steroid, which are injected into the facet joint capsule to numb the source of pain and reduce inflammation. The facet joint block is a good diagnostic tool that can isolate and confirm the source of the patient’s pain. Other types of injections include selective nerve root block, sacroiliac joint block, and pars interaricularis injection. |
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