Who would benefit from this injection?

Individuals with pain that is secondary to chronic or acute degenerative spine arthritis, bulging or herniated disc in the spine.

How does it work?

The combination of saline and steroid work to reduce the inflammation along the nerves.  With reduced inflammation from injection there should be improved pain control.

How is the injection done?

These procedures are done under x-ray guidance so that the physician identifies and treats the exact target of your discomfort.  Patient will be asked to lie on his/her abdomen.  The skin is first cleaned in proper surgical sterile fashion, skin is than anesthetized this is followed by placement of needle under x-ray guidance to its target and medication mixture (saline + steroid with or without local anesthetic) is injected.

What are the potential risks?

Although this is a very safe procedure, it is not without risk.  Whenever a needle is used there is always the risk of infection and bleeding.  Furthermore, when done in the cervical spine (neck) or thoracic spine (mid-back) there is also risk for spinal cord injury.

What should I expect after the procedure?

It is normal to experience temporary soreness at the need placement sites. In most patient pain relief occurs within 2-7 days after the procedure.  In some instances, patient may experience slightly increased pain at the injection site for first 1-5 days prior to pain relief.