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Diagnostic injections are minimally invasive procedures used to locate the source of back and neck pain.
Written by
Angel Rigueras
Pain Management Specialist
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Written by
Angel Rigueras
Pain Management Specialist
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Millions of people around the world suffer from persistent neck and back pain, which can severely impact their quality of life.
According to the Global Spine Care Initiative, cases of low back and neck pain have surged over the last two decades. Many individuals struggle to pinpoint the exact source of their discomfort, making it challenging to find lasting relief.
In this blog, we will delve into the importance of diagnostic injections for targeted solutions since they help not only to locate pain origins but also to guide personalized treatment plans.
At University Orthopedic Care (UOC), we specialize in using these injections to identify pain sources with precision, helping our patients take a confident step toward effective pain management and recovery.
Diagnostic injections are minimally invasive procedures in which a doctor injects a small amount of medication, which includes an anesthetic and an anti-inflammatory such as a steroid, into a targeted area suspected to be causing pain. This approach helps doctors confirm whether the injected region is a primary source of discomfort.
If immediate significant pain reduction follows the injection, it’s a clear indication that the targeted site is contributing to the symptoms.
For instance, traditional imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can reveal structural abnormalities. However, these tests can’t reproduce or confirm pain as the source.
Diagnostic injections fill this gap by recreating or significantly reducing the pain, giving doctors a precise way to identify pain-generating structures.
Diagnostic injections are particularly valuable for patients who experience traumatic, chronic or recurring pain. In cases where imaging alone is inconclusive, these injections can provide an even greater degree of insight into the exact pain source.
This can lead to a more effective treatment plan, often avoiding unnecessary surgeries, medications, or therapies.
For example, suppose you suffer from persistent lower back pain radiating down the legs.
A diagnostic injection can be used to pinpoint whether the pain is originating from a specific joint, nerve, or disc. The resulting pain relief (or lack thereof) helps UOC specialists determine the best course of action for your unique needs.
Diagnostic injections come in different forms, each suited to address specific types and sources of pain:
Facet joints are small stabilizing joints located between each vertebra in the spine.
Facet joint injections are used to diagnose pain caused by inflammation in these joints, affecting:
During the procedure, an anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication (like a steroid) are injected directly into the joint.
If significant pain reduction follows the injection, it suggests that the facet joint is a significant pain source. This diagnosis can guide future treatments, including targeted therapies or lifestyle modifications to alleviate joint stress.
Selective nerve root blocks are used to diagnose conditions involving nerve irritation, such as radiculopathy, which causes pain radiating from the spine to other parts of the body (like arms or legs). This procedure involves injecting medication near a specific nerve root believed to be causing pain, often in cases of lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) pain.
If the injection provides significant pain relief, it confirms that the targeted nerve root is the source of the issue. This procedure is particularly useful for patients who might need surgery, as it helps identify the exact nerve needing treatment. The entire process is performed under fluoroscopic guidance, ensuring precise placement of the medication.
The sacroiliac joint connects the lower spine to the pelvis and can become inflamed, leading to pain in the lower back and buttocks. SI joint injections are performed to diagnose and sometimes treat this pain. Using fluoroscopy, a specialist injects an anesthetic and an anti-inflammatory directly into the SI joint. Immediate pain reduction from this injection confirms the joint as the primary pain source.
SI joint injections are an invaluable tool for diagnosing SI joint dysfunction, as there are few other ways to assess this area effectively. If confirmed as the pain source, the injection allows UOC specialists to tailor a focused treatment plan.
Discography, or a discogram, is a unique diagnostic procedure that assesses whether a specific spinal disc is the source of pain. It’s typically used only when surgery is being considered, as it helps identify which discs are contributing to pain. During the procedure, a contrast dye is injected into the center of a disc under fluoroscopic guidance, helping visualize any structural and physiological abnormalities. This procedure offers valuable diagnostic clarity for operative planning.
Epidural steroid injections are commonly used to treat pain related to nerve inflammation, especially in cases of herniated discs.
They can also serve a diagnostic role by confirming the affected area. During the procedure, an anesthetic and steroid are injected into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots, helping to reduce inflammation and confirm the pain source.
This injection can be done in two ways:
Both techniques are effective in diagnosing and treating nerve-related pain.
Diagnostic injections provide several benefits, helping patients and doctors understand the exact source of pain and guiding future treatment.
These benefits include:
Preparation is essential to ensure accurate results. Patients may need to:
The injection is performed in a sterile setting similar to an operating room. Patients are numbed at the injection site, and a fluoroscopic C-arm (a type of X-ray) is used to guide the injection precisely.
Following the injection, patients are observed briefly and can usually return home within an hour. Relief from typical symptoms may last for 6-12 hours, which helps confirm the pain source.
Be sure to track any changes in your symptoms and share them with your UOC specialist during follow-up.
Side effects, such as localized soreness or steroid-related symptoms, may occur but are typically mild.
Diagnostic injections are more than a short-term solution. They are a powerful tool that enables doctors to identify the root cause of pain, guiding effective treatment and improving patient outcomes.
At University Orthopedic Care, our team of trained specialists is dedicated to offering advanced diagnostic and pain management options tailored to your unique needs.
If you’re ready to pinpoint the cause of your pain and take the first step toward lasting relief, schedule a consultation with UOC today.
Call us at (866) 961-1744 or fill out our convenient online appointment request form. We look forward to supporting you on your journey to a pain-free life.
