Explore how advanced injection therapies offer targeted, non-surgical relief for chronic pain
Shoulder and spinal pain are serious problems that can affect daily life. They can cause great deal of pain and also cause mental distress.
For example, more than 59% adults experience significant shoulder pain, which causes depression and sadness. That’s because these issues prevent people from moving about freely and having to rely on others.
These mobility restrictions increase the risk of further injuries over time. If you have been suffering too, then you needn’t worry anymore. That’s because you can now opt for surgery-less options for these issues.
One of the ways is injections, like cortisone injections for your shoulder, for example. These injections offer targeted healing and relief due to the steroids in them.
Let’s explore more about these injections below.
How Do Clinics Determine the Right Injection for Your Spinal and Shoulder Injury?
When you visit the clinic, they determine the right type of injection through various diagnostic processes. After that, they will recommend personalized treatment plans to ensure a tailored approach to your problems.
Some of these diagnostic methods include X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.
X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that are transmitted through your body. During the procedure, the radiologist might shield your body from radiation with a lead apron. This method is commonly used for bone injuries.
MRIs involve radio waves, magnets, and computers to capture detailed images of your injuries. You’re made to lie in an enclosed machine, while the radio-frequency waves beam up your body. The radiologist takes detailed readings of your injuries as the radio coils move back and forth.
CT scans, or Computed Tomography scans, utilize X-rays and advanced computer imaging technology to capture detailed images of your injuries. These images often appear as ‘slices’ which reveal aspects like nerve endings, ligaments, and more.
After using these diagnostic methods, they determine the type of injuries to be treated and administer the same accordingly.
What Type of Injections Are Used To Treat Shoulder and Spine Pain?
Doctors use the following types of injections to treat shoulder and spinal injuries.
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections essentially behave like the hormone cortisol. In other words, these injections reduce the inflammation associated with shoulder injuries or disc-related pain.
This is brought about by inhibiting cytokine and prostaglandin cells, which are responsible for inflammation.
These cortisone injections for your shoulder essentially restrict the immune response of the injured rotator cuff by restricting WBC activity. They also stabilize the collagen fibers, which helps the joints maintain structural stability.
Doctors use ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections to ensure targeted healing. They use ultrasound waves to guide the injection into the exact area.
What is the Procedure of an Ultrasound Guided Corticosteroid Injection?
Before the procedure begins, the doctor will instruct you to rest or lie down on the bed. After that, they will sterilize the given area, such as your rotator cuff or disc.
Once they’ve done that, the affected area will be numbed with the help of anesthesia. This will ensure that you do not face any pain during the procedure.
The doctor will then use the ultrasound device and the needle to guide the injection to the desired spot. He or she will look at the display monitor during the process to ensure targeted needle insertion.
After ascertaining that the needle is in the right spot, he or she will inject the hormone. Finally, he or she may use a bandage.
Epidural Steroid Injections for Spinal Injuries
These injections are applied to treat spinal injuries like spinal stenosis and herniated discs. Spinal stenosis occurs when areas of your spine begin to compress. Herniated discs refer to bulging discs that pinch your nerves.
They are used to treat affected areas around the spinal nerves, which cause bodily irritation. They contain steroids that reduce inflammation and allow the affected patient to move when necessary.
Epidural spinal injections for pain inhibit the release of chemicals like Phospholipase A2. This chemical is often released from damaged hernial regions, which stimulates the nerve fibers and causes pain.
They also prevent the release of substances like leukotrienes, which are responsible for inflammation.
What is the Procedure of an Epidural Spinal Injection?
Before the procedure begins, you will be instructed to lie down on the bed. After that, the affected area, such as your disc, will be cleaned and sterilized for the injection.
That area of your body will then be injected with an anesthetic and probably a sedative. The anesthetic will numb the pain, while the sedative will help you relax.
The doctor will then use an X-ray or a fluoroscopy machine to guide the needle to the affected region. Once the needle is near the area, the doctor might inject a contrast material. This material will help them view the affected site easily.
They will then inject the steroid through the needle. After that, they will clean the area and apply a dressing. You will then be instructed to lie down for an hour or so, so that the doctor can observe any reactions.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Hyaluronic acid is responsible for many functions within the body. It not only maintains the elasticity of the face but also the structural integrity of your joints. That’s because it lubricates the joints, which prevents inflammation through the rubbing of the joints.
It is also a vital component of synovial fluid, which is responsible for lubricating the joints. After that, they may apply a clean dressing and tell you to rest or leave. This will depend on the situation.
What is the Procedure of an Hyaluronic Acid Injection?
The doctor will sterilize the shoulder joint before the injection. They will then use an anesthetic to numb the area and prevent pain. After that, they will inject the needle into the joint area.
They will then inject an iodine contrast to see the hyaluronic acid being injected into the area.
Wrapping Up
You can manage your shoulder and spine pain effectively through these injections.
That’s because they offer minimally invasive and precise solutions tailored to individual needs. You will also not have to spend a lot of downtime after them recovering.
Ready to Inject Happiness in Your Life?
Contact a certified pain specialist near you for a consultation before getting your injection today!