Spinal Pain Injections (Epidural and Facet)

Spinal pain injections are image-guided treatments that deliver medication precisely around the nerves and small joints of the spine to calm pain that has not settled with tablets, rest and physiotherapy. Using fluoroscopy (live X-ray) or ultrasound to see the exact target, the doctor can place an epidural steroid injection around an irritated nerve root, block a specific nerve to confirm where the pain starts, or treat the small facet joints at the back of the spine. When a facet joint is confirmed as the source, radiofrequency denervation can quiet the tiny nerves that carry its pain signal for longer-lasting relief. These procedures are done under local anaesthesia, often with light sedation if wished, take roughly 15 to 45 minutes and rarely need an overnight stay. They can help both to relieve pain and to pinpoint its source, which makes them a valuable step before any decision about spinal surgery.