Therapeutic Injections

Therapeutic injections can alleviate pain associated with various conditions, such as degenerative disc disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and sciatica. They can also improve symptoms related to back pain, neck pain, joint pain, muscle knots, and nerve pain.

Unlike some medications that offer short-lived relief, therapeutic injections can provide pain relief for months or even over a year. Patients may opt for multiple injections over time to maintain long-lasting pain relief. Many patients find injections to be a strong alternative to surgery, providing significant and lasting relief from pain.

At Spine & Rehabilitation Medicine Associates, the latest ultrasound technology is utilized to assist in pinpointing the precise location for the injection. Ultrasound-guided injections also allow real-time monitoring of the needle's placement on a screen, ensuring accurate delivery of the injection to the targeted area. Aside from improving efficacy, enhancing injection accuracy decreases the likelihood of complications such as nerve or blood vessel damage. Studies show that ultrasound-guided injections lead to better pain relief and quicker recovery than injections without imaging guidance.

‍

Trigger Point injections

A trigger point injection can provide rapid relief for myofascial pain, particularly in areas like the neck, shoulders, arms, legs, and lower back.

Trigger points are painful muscle "knots" that are highly sensitive to touch or pressure. They can develop after acute trauma or repetitive microtrauma, causing strain on muscle fibers and resulting in muscle fibers remaining in a contracted state. These knots can sometimes be felt when massaging the muscle.

Trigger point injections typically include the administration of a local anesthetic with or without corticosteroid. The injection allows the muscle to reduce the spasm and improve pain.

During the procedure, a physician will insert a small needle into your trigger point. These injections usually take just a few minutes. At times, multiple sites may be injected during one appointment. A short series of treatments may be necessary to achieve long-lasting relief.

After receiving a trigger point injection, you can return home and engage the affected muscle. However, avoiding vigorous activities for the initial days is advisable.

‍

Hyaluronic acid injections (Jel Shot)

A Hyaluronic acid (HA) injection, also referred to as a “Jell Shot”, involves using a needle to inject a gel-like substance between the joints' bones. The goal is to replenish the naturally occurring hyaluronic acid that diminishes as the cartilage wears down due to osteoarthritis or an injury. (OA).

During the procedure, you will be positioned comfortably on a specialized table in the procedure room. The injection site will be sterilized, and a local anesthetic will be administered to minimize any discomfort. Guided by ultrasound, a physician will accurately direct the needle to the specific location, injecting the gel directly into your knee joint. The entire process typically lasts about five minutes.

Following the injection, most individuals can resume their regular activities immediately. Some mild soreness or discomfort at the injection site may occur, but it usually subsides within a few days. The full benefits of the injections may take several weeks to manifest. Depending on your condition, a doctor might recommend a series of injections for optimal outcomes.

‍

Steroid injection

A steroid injection, also referred to as a cortisone shot, is a medication injection that alleviates pain and diminishes inflammation (swelling). Corticosteroids,  similar to cortisol, a hormone produced by your adrenal glands, work by temporarily lowering your immune system's activity to reduce inflammation. Typically, steroid injections address inflammation in joints. However, they may also be useful in reducing inflammation in bursae – the sacs filled with fluid that provide cushioning between and around your joints, tendons, and bones.

During the procedure, a provider will insert a needle into the targeted area and administer cortisone, a type of steroid. In some cases, ultrasound may be utilized to assist in guiding the injection needle.

The time it takes for a cortisone shot to show results differs from person to person. Some people find relief immediately while others may take around a week for a cortisone shot to start working effectively.

‍

‍