Types of Spinal Injections

A comprehensive guide to types of injections used in spinal pain management and their differences

Spinal injections include several types such as epidural injections, facet joint injections, nerve root blocks, and sacroiliac joint injections. Each type targets a different structure and is used for specific conditions.

Epidural injections are among the most common and widely used spinal injections. A mixture of corticosteroid and local anesthetic is injected into the epidural space surrounding the spinal nerves. The goal is to reduce inflammation and swelling around compressed nerves.

Epidural injections are mainly used to treat herniated disc pain, spinal stenosis, and nerve pain extending to the leg or arm. There are several approaches for epidural injections including interlaminar, transforaminal, and caudal approaches.

Facet joints are small joints connecting vertebrae to each other and controlling spinal movement. With aging or stress, these joints may become inflamed and cause back or neck pain.

The joint or its supplying nerve is injected with local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory. If pain significantly improves after diagnostic injection, radiofrequency ablation can be performed for longer relief lasting 6 months to 2 years.