Spinal Injections
What are Spinal Injections, and how do they work?
A nerve block injection, or selective nerve root block (SNRB) injection, is used to identify and treat an irritated spinal nerve. A drug, often an anaesthetic or anaesthetic plus steroid, is injected near the spinal nerve as it exits the intervertebral foramen (bony opening between neighbouring vertebrae). The drug decreases inflammation and numbs the pain that the nerve transmits.
How it works:
Steroids are typically coupled with anaesthetics or used alone in selective nerve root block injections for treatment. Steroids in nerve blocks function through a combination of the following mechanisms:
- Inhibits the function of some enzymes that induce neural irritation and pain, such as phospholipase A.
- Blocking specific nerve fibres (C fibres) results in less pain being conveyed to the brain.
- Reduces the permeability of nerve fibres to blood, hence reducing pain transmission.
- The pain signals transmitted by the target neuron may be decreased in these ways.
Table of Contents
Nerve Root Block / Foraminal Nerve Root Blocks / Transforaminal Epidural / Dorsal Root Ganglion Block
Nerve root block procedures encompass various techniques, including foraminal nerve root blocks, transforaminal epidurals, and dorsal root ganglion blocks.
These injections specifically target nerves in the spine, mitigating pain caused by conditions such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis. Foraminal nerve root blocks focus on the exit openings (foramina) where nerves branch out from the spinal cord. Transforaminal epidurals deliver anti-inflammatory medication to the epidural space around the nerve roots.
Dorsal root ganglion blocks target the nerve clusters transmitting pain signals. Collectively, these procedures aim to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and relieve patients experiencing radiating pain due to compressed spinal nerves.
Cervical Facet Joint Injections
Facet joint pain can cause osteoarthritis, segmental instability, trauma, meniscoid impingement, and inflammatory synovitis that bring about symptoms such as neck pain, back pain, and pain that worsens with hyperextension, lateral bending, and rotation.
Cervical facet joint injections are a targeted approach to managing pain arising from the facet joints in the cervical spine. These joints enable smooth movement and flexibility, but conditions like cervical facet joint syndrome or arthritis can lead to discomfort.
In this procedure, a local anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication are injected directly into the affected facet joint. This reduces inflammation, providing relief and improving mobility. Dr. Sherief Elsayed employs cervical facet joint injections as a precise and effective means to address cervical spine-related pain, enhancing patients’ overall quality of life.
Lumbar facet joint injections
The Lumbar spine refers to the bottom part of your back and is so named because these joints are placed behind each vertebra or spinal column bone. Lumbar facet joint injections are designed to alleviate lower back pain stemming from the facet joints. These small joints at the back of the spine can be a source of discomfort due to conditions such as facet joint arthritis or injury.
The injection, consisting of a local anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication, is administered directly into the affected facet joint. This targeted approach reduces inflammation, relieves pain, and enhances the function of the lumbar spine. Dr. Elsayed utilises lumbar facet joint injections to offer patients a non-surgical option for relief, promoting improved spinal health and functionality.
Sacroiliac Joint Injections
A sacroiliac joint injection serves a dual purpose in diagnosing and treating pain originating from the sacroiliac joints, crucial connectors between the sacrum and the pelvic bones on each side of the body. These joints play a pivotal role as shock absorbers, facilitating the transmission of weight and forces between the upper body and the legs. Pain in the lower back, buttock, or hip can often stem from issues within these joints.
The procedure involves the injection of a local anaesthetic directly into the sacroiliac joint by Dr. Sherief Elsayed. To ensure precision, X-rays or fluoroscopy may be utilised to guide the needle’s placement accurately. Additionally, a small amount of X-ray contrast dye might be employed to confirm the needle’s proper positioning, guaranteeing that the medication reaches the intended area within the joint.
By administering this injection, Dr. Sherief Elsayed can ascertain whether the sacroiliac joint is the source of pain, providing valuable diagnostic insights. Furthermore, the procedure serves a therapeutic purpose, offering relief from discomfort originating in this region. Thus, The sacroiliac joint injection is a valuable tool in the comprehensive assessment and management of pain associated with these crucial joints, aiding diagnosis and targeted treatment.
Trigger Point Injections
Trigger points are discomforting “knots” in your muscles that are extremely sensitive to touch and pressure. They can arise as a result of acute trauma or recurrent micro-trauma, which causes stress on muscle fibres. It causes the muscle fibres to become constrained. When you rub your muscles, you might sometimes feel these knots.
Trigger point injections are valuable for managing muscle-related pain caused by knots and spasms. These trigger points are localised areas of muscle tightness and can contribute to conditions such as muscle tension or myofascial pain syndrome.
In this procedure, a local anaesthetic or saline solution is injected directly into the trigger point, relieving the muscle and alleviating pain. Dr. Sherief Elsayed utilises trigger point injections to address specific areas of muscle tension, offering patients an effective solution to enhance their spinal health and overall comfort.
Caudal Epidurals
Your spinal nerves pass through the epidural space on their way to your legs. You may have leg or back discomfort if these nerves become irritated. This nerve discomfort can be reduced by injecting medication into the epidural space.
Caudal epidurals involve the injection of medication into the epidural space at the base of the spine, providing targeted relief for conditions such as disc herniation or spinal stenosis. The epidural space contains nerves and spinal fluid; by delivering anti-inflammatory medication to this area, pain and inflammation are reduced.
This procedure is particularly effective in managing lower back and leg discomfort. Dr. Sherief Elsayed utilises caudal epidurals as a specialised treatment option to address conditions affecting the lower spine, promoting improved spinal health and overall well-being for his patients.
