Injection Therapy

What Is Spinal Injection Therapy?

Who Is a Candidate for Injection Therapy?

• Nerve pain due to lumbar or cervical disc herniation
• Spinal stenosis
• Facet joint arthritis
• Sacroiliac joint pain
• Chronic back or neck pain
• Post-surgical pain syndrome
• Pre-surgical diagnostic evaluation

Types of Injection Treatments

Epidural Steroid Injection

Injection of steroid and local anesthetic into the epidural space outside the spinal cord membrane:

• Transforaminal: Through the nerve root exit point
• Interlaminar: Between the lamina bones
• Caudal: Through the tailbone

Effective for radicular pain from disc herniation and stenosis.

Facet Joint Injection

Steroid injection into the posterior spinal joints. Used for facet arthritis and mechanical back pain.

Facet Medial Branch Block

Blocking the nerves that innervate the facet joints. Applied for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Sacroiliac Joint Injection

Treatment of hip-spine junction joint pain.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Long-term pain control by burning pain-carrying nerves with radio waves.

Trigger Point Injection

Injection into painful points within muscles.

Nerve Root Block

Local anesthetic and steroid application targeting a specific nerve root.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

1. Patient positioned prone or on their side
2. Skin numbed with local anesthetic
3. Needle placed under fluoroscopy (X-ray) or CT guidance
4. Correct position confirmed with contrast dye
5. Medication (steroid + local anesthetic) injected
6. Procedure duration: 15-30 minutes

Post-Procedure Care

• 30-60 minute observation
• Same-day discharge
• No driving for 24 hours
• Effect begins within 2-7 days
• Duration of effect: Weeks to months
• Can be repeated at 2-4 week intervals if needed

Advantages

• Non-surgical treatment option
• Minimally invasive, low risk
• Outpatient procedure, no hospital admission
• Quick recovery
• Repeatable
• Diagnostic value: Identifying the pain source

Risks and Side Effects

• Temporary pain increase
• Facial flushing
• Blood sugar elevation (in diabetics)
• Infection (rare)
• Bleeding (rare)
• Nerve injury (very rare)

When Should It Be Preferred?

• When conservative treatment (medication, physical therapy) fails
• As a step to try before surgery
• In patients unsuitable for surgery
• When pain source identification is needed

Why Choose Prof. Dr. Salim Şentürk?

Prof. Dr. Salim Şentürk has comprehensive experience in spinal interventional treatments. He performs precise injection techniques under fluoroscopy guidance and creates personalized treatment plans for each patient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the injection painful?

Local anesthesia is applied, making the procedure generally tolerable. Mild discomfort may be felt.

How many sessions are needed?

Depending on response, 1-3 sessions may be sufficient. If effect is inadequate, other treatment options are evaluated.

Is injection a permanent solution?

Injections provide temporary relief. Treatment of the underlying cause may be needed for a permanent solution.