Spinal injections
X-ray guided spinal injections are an important tool in the evaluation and management of persistent spinal pain. Using a fluoroscopic device called a C-arm the injectionist can direct a needle to a specific part of the spine and then inject medication to see if that structure is the actual source of the patient's pain. The most common spinal injections are epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, and sacroiliac joint injections. Epidural steroid injections are performed for back and leg (or neck and arm) pain caused by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or radiculopathy. Facet joint injections are performed for pain coming from arthritis of the facet joints or painful dysfunction of the joints. Sacroiliac injections are performed for pain caused by arthritis, injury, or strain of the sacroiliac joint.

The medications injected are usually a combination of a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid. The anesthetic numbs the suspect structure and temporarily blocks the pain if it is indeed the pain generator. The corticosteroid reduces inflammation of the structure and also produces a longer lasting nerve block.

These injections are very safe, and not painful when performed under fluoroscopic guidance by an experienced injectionist.