Spine Interventions

What is a Spinal Injection?

Dr. Anden has recommended a spinal injection to help reduce pain and improve your quality of life.

This is done by injecting Cortisone (a Steroid or strong anti-inflammatory) into the inflamed area to decrease inflammation. This should relieve pain by reducing swelling and irritation.

An injection can also help to identify the source of your pain.

Steroid injections can be done in the Cervical (neck), Thoracic (mid-back) or Lumbar (low back) Spine.

The type of injection you receive is based on your specific symptoms, the findings on your physical exam and the findings on your x-rays, MRI’s or CT Scans.

Spine Anatomy Vertebrae

Spine Anatomy Vertebrae are the blocked shaped bones that form your spinal column. Cervical vertebrae are located in the neck, thoracic vertebrae are located in the mid to upper back and lumbar vertebrae are located in the lower back.

Discs

Discs are spongy shock asorbers between each of the vertebrae. A herniated disc or a disc with “wear and tear” may cause inflammation and pain.

Spinal Nerves

Spinal Nerves are branches from the spinal cord exiting the spinal column. They transmit signals that control the movement of your muscles and provide sensation in your arms and legs. These nerves can be irritated or inflamed and cause pain, numbness, tingling or other strange sensations.

Epidural Space

Epidural Space is the space around the sheath (dura) covering the spinal nerves. Placing anti-inflammatory medicine (steroid/cortisone) in the epidural space an help reduce spinal nerve inflammation.

Spinal Injections Facet Joints are small joints in the back of the spine that guide the bending motions of each vertebra. These joints can be irritated or inflamed and cause pain. Sacroiliac Joints (SI Joints) are formed by your lower spine (sacrum) and pelvic bone (ilium). Inflammation in these joints can cause low back, buttocks and other pain. Nerve roots pass through side openings between vertebrae called intervertebral foramina. Irritation or inflammation of the nerve roots can cause pain. Preparing for your Injections

• A spinal injection is an outpatient procedure done under x-ray guidance.

• Please bring a driver to drive you home or back to work following the injection

• You may eat normally prior to your injection.

What to expect during the procedure We will take you into a sterile procedure room and have you lay flat on your stomach with your arms down to your sides. We will clean your skin with a sterile solution and place a drape over your skin.

Once Dr. Anden has located the injection site using a live x-ray, she will numb your skin and guide her needle into place.

The procedure takes approximately 20 minutes. Once finished you will be taken to your waiting room by wheelchair.

Dr. Anden will discuss possible side effects with you as these vary with different injections.

• Please stop all blood thinners (Coumadin, Aspirin, Plavix) prior to the procedure.

• We can offer an anti-anxiety medication if you are anxious / nervous about your procedure, but we DO NOT offer sedation for this procedure.