Spinal injection procedures are performed in order to both diagnose and treat different causes of back pain. There are multiple types of spinal injection procedures; the most commonly performed procedures include epidural injections, selective nerve root injections, and facet joint injections. The type of injection you receive is determined by your doctor based on the pattern and distribution of your symptoms and the results of other imaging studies such as lumbar spine CT or MRI.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
The radiologist will discuss the procedure with you and answer any questions you have before proceeding. You will be asked to lie on your stomach, and the appropriate site will be localized using fluoroscopy ("real-time" x-rays). After sterilizing and numbing your skin, the radiologist will advance a needle to the appropriate location, which may reproduce your usual symptoms. After injecting a small amount of contrast material to confirm the needle is in the proper location, the radiologist will inject a mixture of a steroid medication and an anesthetic agent, which often produces an immediate improvement in symptoms. The needle will then be removed, and you will be transported to a recovery area. After a short observation period, you will be allowed to leave. The entire procedure usually takes about an hour, though occasionally more time is required.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?
You should take as little of your usual pain medications as possible the morning of the procedure, though other prescribed medications should be continued. Be sure and inform the radiologist if you are taking any blood-thinning medications such as Coumadin. A friend or relative should drive you both to and from the procedure, as you may experience some residual leg numbness or weakness afterwards. Remember to bring any outside CT or MRI studies with you if they were not performed at a Radiology Ltd. site.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
You will be given a pain log, which you should take home with you and use to record any changes in your symptoms. You should bring the pain log with you when you follow up with your regular doctor. A report of the procedure will be sent to your doctor, who can then discuss further treatment options with you.
Should you have any questions regarding lumbar spinal injection procedures, we will be glad to discuss them with you.
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