Spine Injections for Pain Relief

What Are Spine Injections?

Spine injections deliver medication directly to the source of pain. These minimally invasive procedures can provide long-lasting relief for chronic back or neck pain and are often an alternative to surgery.

Up to 80% of adults experience spine pain at some point in their lives. Common causes include poor posture, aging, injury, or degenerative conditions. At Axis Pain and Sports Management, Dr. Yakub Abrakhimov, MD uses advanced imaging and interventional techniques to perform precise injections that reduce pain and improve mobility.

Types of Spine Injections

Epidural Steroid Injections: Medication is placed in the epidural space, reducing inflammation and pain from conditions like herniated discs or pinched nerves. These injections may be performed in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions.

Facet Joint Injections: Used for pain caused by arthritis or degenerative disc disease, facet injections target the small joints between vertebrae to reduce pain that can radiate to the shoulders, hips, or legs.

Sacroiliac Joint Injections: These injections address pain in the joints that connect the spine to the pelvis, often relieving discomfort in the lower back, buttocks, or legs.

Radiofrequency Ablation: In some cases, specialized needles are used to disrupt nerve signals that transmit pain to the brain. This can provide longer-term relief for arthritis and chronic degenerative conditions.

How the Procedure Works

• You lie face down on a treatment table.
  
• A fluoroscopy machine (live X-ray) guides the needle to the exact location.
  
• A contrast dye confirms accuracy before the medication is delivered.
  

The procedure typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on your condition, injections may be repeated several times per year for sustained relief. Spine injections can also serve as a diagnostic tool to pinpoint the exact source of pain.

When to Consider Spine Injections

Spine injections may be appropriate if you have:

• Persistent back or neck pain that has not improved with physical therapy or medication
  
• Pain caused by herniated discs, arthritis, or degenerative disease
  
• Radiating pain into the shoulders, hips, or legs
  

Limited mobility due to inflammation and stiffness