What are Spine Injections?

Spine injections contain medications that are directly inserted into an area that’s causing you pain. If you suffer from chronic pain, you’ll appreciate the minimally invasive procedures as they provide long lasting pain relief.

It’s estimated that about 80 percent of Americans suffer from some form of pain during their lifetimes, and spine injections offer a safe and viable option to counter lower back pain. There’s no need to continue suffering from spine pain, however, when pain relief is readily available in New York City.

A sedentary lifestyle, poor posture, aging and trauma often are the root causes of spine problems. Consulting an interventional pain and musculoskeletal expert in NYC such as Dr. Ilana Etelzon is best because you receive a tailor-made treatment program that specifically addresses your pain.

Why Do You Need an Injection in Your Spine?

Different types of spine injections offer relief based on your where the pain occurs. An expert in spinal pain management determines which spine injections work best following a thorough examination and firm diagnosis. Injections offered may include:

Epidural steroid injections. The epidural space is an area between your spinal canal and spinal cord. Injecting steroids in this area numbs the pain usually caused by inflammation or a pinched nerve. Depending on the location of your problem, you may need cervical epidural steroid injections, thoracic epidural steroid injections or lumbar epidural steroid injections.
Spine facet injections. The facet joints are located between each vertebra bone. Degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis are the main causes of the pain, which usually transitions from the spine to other areas like your shoulders, buttocks or upper legs. Anesthesia injected either in the joint or the nerves is effective in managing the pain. Sometimes you may also need shoulder injections or knee injections for complete relief.
Sacroiliac joint injections. The sacroiliac joints are found between the sacrum and pelvic bones. Pain usually develops on one side of the joint that affects the lower back, buttocks and legs. Steroids are injected in the problem area and sometimes are combined with hip injections for longer pain relief.

Besides the spine injections above, a few treatments involve specialized needles such as radiofrequency ablation, that stops transmission of pain fibers and nerve signals to the brain, similar to an electrical wire as the transmission of impulses slows. The procedure lasts for 10 to 15 minutes and may need to be done three to four times a year. This treatment is recommended to treat facetogenic pain, chronic arthritis or degenerative diseases.

How do the Spine Injection Procedures Work?

The process starts with you lying on a table, face down. A fluoroscopy machine is used that works like an X-ray, allowing your pain specialist to see where and how to insert the spine injection. A contrast dye is usually inserted first to ensure the needle is in the right position. Once everything looks right, the medication is administered.

The whole procedure takes 30 to 45 minutes on average. Depending on your spine condition, you may need to undergo the procedure three to six times a year. The duration of the pain relief also is dependent on your spine condition.

Sometimes the spine injections are used as a diagnostic tool. If you suffer from chronic pain anywhere in your back that hasn’t responded well to conservative treatments like rest and physical therapy, then contact Dr. Etelzon as soon as possible to get that proper diagnosis and the most effective pain treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do Spine Injections Ease Pain?

An injection of steroids and numbing medicine into the area helps decrease swelling, pressure and pain associated with larger nerves around your spine and relieves discomfort.

Do Spinal Injections Work Immediately?

Steroid injections typically start working within 1 to 3 days; some individuals might take up to one week before sensing any improvements in pain and function. Over time, individuals typically experience significant physical and process improvements from these shots.

Can You Walk After a Spinal Injection?

After receiving a spinal injection, it is recommended to rest and lie down at home for at least 2 hours immediately afterward. Remain reclined for 24 hours post-injection; limit walking or sitting to 10-20 minutes each at a time; resume all medications as previously prescribed.

Why Do I Still Have Pain After Epidural Steroid Injection?

Following an epidural, you may experience an initial increase in pain for several days afterward – this typically happens before any steroid effects kick in after its effects wear off; usually, this should resolve within 10-14 days, though you might even feel relief within one-five days!

How Many Days Should You Rest After an Epidural?

Wait at least 24 hours post epidural to engage in any rigorous activities such as exercising. Assess when it feels safe for you to engage. Also, avoid applying heat directly or via heat packs directly on the injection site until 72 hours have elapsed (three days).

How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Spinal Injection?

After 24 hours after receiving an injection, it’s okay to resume all your normal daily activities, including physical therapy exercises or restart your exercise program as soon as you feel ready.

How Painful Is a Spinal Injection?

You may experience some pressure during an injection; typically, this procedure should not be painful. No sudden movements must take place as the infusion needs to be precise for best results; you will then be observed for 15-20 minutes post-injection before returning home.

Can I Sleep on My Side After an Epidural Steroid Injection?

Sleeping on one’s side after receiving an epidural sac injection can significantly relieve pressure at the injection site and, therefore, decrease pain while speeding up wound healing. By relieving stress at this site, side lying also helps ease tension in the surrounding muscles.

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Patient Testimonials

Patient Doctor Relationships Based on Trust

Dr. Etelzon always makes sure you are comfortable and leave her office with less pain you came in. She gets to the root of the problem. She's friendly. Clean office environment. No long waits, efficient visit. Highly satisfied with my treatment plan.
Jacqueline Rodriguez Patient
Doctor Etelzon is very knowledgeable and really cares about her patients. She will take her time to discuss patients problem, answer questions and use her expertise to help. Dr. Etelzon maintains a friendly , clean , and efficient office environment.
Narik Fuzailov Patient
Helped me with my pain! Great bedside manner. Highly recommend this doctor.
Anonymous Patient
Dr.Etelzon is very knowledgeable and caring and has hands of hold! She was so thorough in her examination and really sees and hears the patient and determines a customized treatment. Thank you, Dr.Etelzon!
Anonymous Patient
Dr. Ilana Etelzon thank you for your help, you have golden hands. Very attentive and knowledgeable doctor. The office staff is friendly and kind, you girls are beautiful.
Valeriy Shek Patient (Google Review)
Dear Doctor Etelzon, Thank you again. I am starting to feel more like myself again...I couldn't say the problem is totally gone, but a big weight has been lifted...Today...I decided to go and do my nails which I did not do for a long time after the incident. I also asked my daughter if we could go to the park. These are things I normally enjoy but forgot about them for a few months now.
Anonymous Patient

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