Spinal Injections for Pain Relief
Spinal injections are a powerful non-surgical option for managing back, neck, and leg pain caused by nerve compression, disc herniation, or joint inflammation. Performed under fluoroscopic (X-ray) or CT guidance, these injections deliver anti-inflammatory steroid medication precisely to the source of pain — providing targeted relief that oral medications cannot achieve.
Injections play a dual role: they provide therapeutic pain relief (often lasting weeks to months) and serve as a diagnostic tool to confirm the source of pain before any surgical intervention.
Types of Spinal Injections
What to Expect
- Procedure performed as a day-care outpatient procedure (30–60 minutes)
- Image guidance (fluoroscopy or CT) used for precise needle placement
- Local anaesthetic administered before the injection
- Mild soreness at injection site for 24–48 hours is normal
- Pain relief begins within 3–5 days as steroid takes effect
- Can be repeated up to 3 times per year if beneficial
FAQs
How long does an epidural injection last?
The duration varies by individual and condition — typically 6 weeks to 3 months. Some patients get relief for 6–12 months. If the first injection provides good relief, repeat injections may provide longer-lasting benefit. If two injections do not provide adequate relief, surgery is usually discussed.
Are spinal injections safe?
When performed under image guidance by an experienced spine specialist, spinal injections are very safe. Risks include temporary post-injection soreness, rare infection, and transiently elevated blood sugar (relevant for diabetic patients). Serious complications (nerve damage, dural puncture) are very rare with fluoroscopy-guided injections.