Spinal Injections in San Diego CA

Are you looking for spinal injections in San Diego CA? This can be a choice for temporary pain relief for disc herniation, bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, etc. These spinal injections have also been used for diagnostic purposes. This is because the pain signals are blocked and the cause of the pain can be determined. There are many causes of back pain similarly there are many types of injections that can be received depending on the condition.

Spinal injections are not a cure. The result of these injections can alleviate discomfort from inflammation, pain, along with other possible symptoms.

---

Understanding Spinal Injections in San Diego CA

It is common to have spinal injections while using X-Ray, CT, or MRI to allow for visualization allowing increased chances for a precise injection, reduced complications, and better reaction to the injection. Studies show that injections given without visual assistance have complications nearly 40% of the time.

Even though there are various types of infections used depending on the cause of pain, the injection is always used where a positive diagnostic block was found. At the site of the injection, a local anesthetic will be provided. The therapeutic block is created from a steroid in the injection that reduces inflammation thus temporarily reducing pain.

It is possible to experience pain following the procedure at the injection site caused by tenderness and welling. This pain is generally mild and will resolve within four days.

---

Types of Injections

Nerve Block

This specific kind of treatment may be a diagnostic tool or a treatment for those that suffer from back pain. This type of block is injected directly into a nerve in order to numb the nerve. This causes interference so signals responsible for pain do not reach the brain. The treatment has the potential for alleviating pain for up to 12 months and a person may receive multiple treatments.

ESIs

ESIs, otherwise known as epidural steroid injections, have been used since the 1950s to treat low back pain that was a result of several diseases and structural problems within the lumbar region. It has also been successful to alleviate pain within the cervical (neck) and thoracic (mid-back) regions.

These injections are created using a combination of a steroid hormone, usually cortisone, and a type of local anesthetic. Sometimes a local anesthetic may not be used and a saline solution may be used.

ESIs are used to reduce inflammation at the site and assist the body in flushing particles that contribute to the pain and swelling. By receiving this type of injection, it is possible to experience little to no pain for a week or even a year. The results vary on the condition the patient is suffering from.

---

Suffering From Inflamed Facet Joints

Every vertebra is broken down into small parts, including four facets. These facets are responsible for connecting the vertebra to the one above it and below it.

If a person is experiencing pain from inflamed facet joints, a facet injection is an option that is minimally invasive. Inflamed facet joints may be caused by various conditions such as:

• Arthritis
• Sciatica
• Spinal Stenosis

These injections can be injected within the tissue surrounding the facet or directly into the joint capsule. Just like EPIs, these injections are composed of a steroid and are accompanied by a local anesthetic. The treatment can be effective for weeks or years depending on the patient's condition and may be received as many as three times within 12 months.

The sacroiliac (SI) joint is the joint that connects the sacrum (tailbone) with the iliam (wings of the pelvis). These injections are used to alleviate pain in the low pain as a result of a sacroiliac problem or for diagnostic purposes. Like other injections, the SI injection uses steroids and a local anesthetic (or saline solution) to minimize swelling and reduce pain. This injection also may be received, at most, three times within 12 months.

With all medical procedures, there are associated risks. Spinal injections may be safe for most people with certain issues with the spine. These risks are considered to be rare. You can minimize the risks by choosing a doctor with experience. Please discuss these risks with the doctor performing your procedure. The risks include:

• Seizures
• Paralysis
• Bleeding
• Damage to nerves
• Allergic reaction
• Headache
• Infection

---

It is very important to disclose all of your health histories prior to the procedure to minimize your risks. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at UTC Chiropractic in San Diego CA today.