Spinal Nerve Block Injections
Spinal pain is often caused by an inflammatory reaction in the body that produces swelling and damage to the spine, joints, disks, bones or ligaments. This reaction can be triggered by conditions such as a herniated disc, sciatica or spinal stenosis. Sciatica is a type of spinal pain where a ruptured disk pinches the sciatic nerve and triggers an inflammatory reaction that causes leg pain. The initial treatment for spinal pain is to reduce inflammation with steroid, analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications taken orally. Although these medicines can be very helpful under certain conditions, their diffuse and widespread effects in the body when taken by mouth are not concentrated enough to effectively relieve spinal pain.
What Are Spinal Nerve Block Injections?
At Executive Spine Surgery in Hackettstown, NJ, Dr. Carl Spivak treats spine pain with nerve block injections. These injections can effectively reduce spine pain without surgery. Spinal pain injections are performed with the help of x-ray guidance so that Dr. Spivak can deliver precise doses of steroidal, anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications in high concentrations directly AROUND (REMOVE into) the nerves or INTO trigger points where the inflammation exists.
Injecting these medications into an inflamed nerve in a highly concentrated form can reduce inflammation and swelling, relieve pain and flush irritants from the body. The relief that patients typically experience as a result of spinal nerve block injections in Hackettstown can last for one year or more. In the meantime, the body may be able to heal the nerve damage enough to eliminate discomfort.
What’s Involved In Trigger Point Injection Procedures In Hackettstown?
Trigger point injections are a noninvasive treatment for spinal discomfort. Injections are performed on an outpatient basis, so the risks involved in spine surgery are avoided. The treatment itself takes only 20 to 30 minutes. After the nerve block injection procedure is complete, the patient rests for 45 minutes while under observation.
How Long Do The Results Of Nerve Block Injections Last?
Just one trigger point injection can reduce or eliminate pain, swelling and inflammation so effectively that spine surgery is no longer necessary. Many patients require three injections to obtain optimal relief, whereas other patients experience great relief after only one or two treatments. Patients can receive up to three spinal nerve block injections two or three weeks apart over a six-month period. Just one spinal injection can deliver significant relief within a day or two after treatment. Spinal nerve block injections are even more effective when paired with physical therapy. Patients who combine these two treatments often go on to enjoy an active and pain-free life.
Are There Any Side Effects Associated With Spinal Pain Injections?
Many patients experience a mild tenderness at the injection site after a spinal pain injection. Dr. Spivak will consult with you about any possible side effects prior to giving you an injection.
Why Choose Executive Spine Surgery?
Dr. Carl Spivak takes a conservative approach to spine surgery and prefers minimally invasive treatments whenever possible. As the President of Executive Spine Surgery and a board-certified neurosurgeon, Dr. Spivak is well known for his innovative use of state-of-the-art endoscopic spinal techniques and other cutting-edge technologies.