Yes, this is the image of a needle poking into the lower part of the spine.
I will be going through that next wednesday.
It will be injected with steroid on the disconnected part of the spine.
I hope there will not be side effects and hopefully the pain of my back will be minimised.
I got curious and so I went to have some research.
Spinal Injections for Pain Relief
Injections comprise another relatively conservative treatment option for low back pain. They are typically considered as an option either before surgery, when surgery is inappropriate, or when residual pain exists after surgery. Injections can be useful both for providing pain relief and as a diagnostic tool to help identify the source of the patient's back pain.
When pain becomes chronic, it generally a manifests through an intense inflammatory reaction. This inflammation can be in a joint, the bone, or a nerve.
How an epidural steroid injection works
The most commonly performed injection is an epidural steroid injection. In this approach, a steroid is injected directly around the dura, the sac around the nerve roots that contains cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid that the nerve roots are bathed in). Prior to the injection, the skin is anesthetized by using a small needle to numb the area in the low back (a local anesthetic).
Epidural steroid injection success rates
An epidural steroid injection is generally successful in relieving lower back pain for approximately 50% of patients. While the effects of the injection tend to be temporary (one week to one year), an epidural can be very beneficial in providing relief for patients during an episode of severe back pain and allows patients to progress in their rehabilitation.
Risks and Complications
All medical interventions have risks and benefits. Spinal injections have certain risks and complications that include:
-Spinal headache
-Bleeding (rare)
-Infection (rare)
-Certain procedures may carry other risks.
Your doctor will discuss these with you if it pertains to your situation.
During the Procedure
The procedure is usually brief, but your position during the procedure is important to make the injection go smoothly, with the least discomfort to you. You may have monitoring devices attached to you during the procedure to check your heart rate and breathing.
Your skin will be cleaned with a sterilizing solution and a sterile drape will be placed over your skin.
-Conscious sedation (use of a calming drug while you are awake) may be used if your doctor feels it is appropriate.
-Local anesthetic (lidocaine) is usually given near the injection site to numb the skin. This typically feels like a pin prick and some burning, like a bee sting.
-Fluoroscopy (X-ray imaging) is often used for precise placement of the injection. Contrast dye may be injected to confirm the correct placement of the needle.
-A local anesthetic for numbing (eg, lidocaine, bupivicaine) and/or steroids (to reduce inflammation) is injected.
-A small bandage may be placed at the injection site.
After the Procedure
After some injections, you may spend time in a recovery area after the procedure.
-You may be monitored to make sure you are doing well and your vital signs may be checked.
-You may be asked to fill out paper work before leaving.
-You usually should have someone drive you home.
-You may put ice packs on the injection site for 10-20 minutes at a time if there is soreness. Be careful not to burn your skin with the ice - place a towel between the ice and your skin.
-You may take a shower but avoid baths, pools or whirlpools for 24-48 hours following the procedure.
-You may be asked to relax on the day of injection, but usually can resume normal daily activities the day after the injection.
-You usually can start or resume your individualized exercise program or physical therapy program within 1 week of your injection.
Side effects which may occur but go away in a few days include:
-Briefly increased pain
-Headaches
-Trouble sleeping
-Facial flushing
-Hiccups
-It takes a few days, even a week or longer, for the steroid medicine to reduce inflammation and pain.
-Your doctor may want to follow-up with you in 1-3 weeks.
-If you had sedation, you probably should not drive for 24 hours after the procedure.
I hope I will be one of the 50%.Labels: injection, injury, spine |
