What are cervical Injections
Cervical injections are shots given in a clinic to relieve pain or inflammation in your neck and upper back. The injection goes into the epidural space in your spine, which is filled with nerve roots, fat, and blood vessels.
How Do Cervical Injections Work?
These injections contain a mix of anesthetic and steroid. The anesthetic numbs the nerves for short-term relief, while the steroid reduces inflammation and provides longer-term relief.
When Are Cervical Injections Used?
Cervical injections are often used when physical therapy or medications haven’t worked. They can help with:
- Spinal stenosis
- Bulging or herniated discs
- Bone spurs
- Cervical radiculitis
- Cervical osteoarthritis
- Persistent pain after cervical surgery
- Other spine injuries
Getting Ready for Your Injection
Before your injection, your doctor will review your medical history. Be sure to tell them about any health issues or medications you’re taking. You might need to stop certain medications a few days before the procedure. Don’t eat or drink anything for several hours before your appointment.
The Injection Process
The injection is done while you’re lying face-down. Your neck and upper back will be cleaned, and the doctor will use X-rays or a CT scan to guide the needle. They’ll inject a dye first to make sure the medicine goes to the right spot. After the injection, a small bandage will be applied.
After the Injection
You’ll need to rest in a recovery area for about an hour. Arrange for someone to drive you home. If you had sedation, avoid driving, using machinery, or drinking alcohol for 24 hours. Follow your doctor’s instructions for pain management and come back for follow-up appointments.
Possible Side Effects
Some side effects you might experience include:
- Soreness at the injection site
- Temporary fluid retention
- Headaches
- Risk of infection
- Facial flushing
- Changes in menstrual periods for women
Patient Positioning
During the cervical injection procedure, patients are positioned face-down on a comfortable table to ensure optimal access to the cervical spine.
Sterilization
The neck and upper back areas are thoroughly sterilized using a cold antiseptic solution to minimize the risk of infection.
Fluoroscopy or CT Scans
Real-time imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy or CT scans are employed to guide the needle accurately to the target area.
Injection Process
An x-ray dye is used to confirm the correct placement of the needle before the steroid medication is injected. A small dressing is applied post-injection to complete the procedure.
Lumbar Injections
What are Lumbar Injections?
Lumbar injections are shots given to relieve lower back pain. They include a local anesthetic and a steroid, and the type of injection depends on where your pain is coming from.
When Are Lumbar Injections Used?
These injections are used for acute or chronic lower back pain that might also affect your legs.
Getting Ready for Your Injection
You may need to stop certain medications and avoid eating or drinking before the procedure. Make sure you have someone to drive you home afterward.
The Injection Process
These injections are done with local anesthesia and guided by a live X-ray. There are different types of lumbar injections, including:
- Epidural Steroid Injection: The needle goes into the lower back, and the steroid is injected into the epidural space.
- Caudal Block Injection: The needle goes near the tail of the spine, and the steroid is injected into the epidural space.
- Facet Joint Injection: The needle goes into the facet joints in the lower back.
- Lumbar Sympathetic Block Injection: The needle goes into the sympathetic nerves on both sides of the spine.
Possible Risks
Possible risks include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and soreness at the injection site.
Recovery Tips
After your injection, rest for a while and avoid strenuous activities or driving for a day or two.
Benefits of Lumbar Injections
These injections can help:
- Relieve pain
- Delay or avoid surgery
- Improve mental health
- Enhance your quality of life
Take the First Step Towards Pain Relief
Don’t let pain control your life any longer. Contact Oklahoma Pain Associates to learn more about our comprehensive pain management services and how we can help you step out of pain. Our team is here to provide the support and treatment you need to live with less pain and more joy.