Spinal injections are among the most commonly performed neurosurgical procedures in the United States, accounting for nearly 40% of all neurosurgical cases. At Nova Brain and Spine of GA, we offer a comprehensive range of targeted injection therapies for acute and chronic spine pain.
Types of Spinal Injections We Perform
Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI)
Epidural steroid injections deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space surrounding the spinal nerves. We perform three approaches:
- Interlaminar ESI: Medication delivered between the vertebral laminae
- Transforaminal ESI: Targeted to a specific nerve root via the neural foramen
- Caudal ESI: Administered through the sacral hiatus for lower lumbar pain
Facet Joint Injections & Medial Branch Blocks
Facet joints are small stabilizing joints between vertebrae that can become arthritic and painful. We offer:
- Diagnostic facet blocks: To confirm the facet joint as the pain source
- Medial branch blocks: Target the tiny nerves supplying the facet joint
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): Long-term pain relief by disrupting pain signals
Selective Nerve Root Blocks (SNRB)
A selective nerve root block injects anesthetic and steroid around a single spinal nerve to diagnose and treat radicular pain (sciatica, cervical radiculopathy).
When Spinal Injections Are Recommended
- Herniated disc with radiculopathy not responding to physical therapy
- Spinal stenosis causing neurogenic claudication
- Facet arthropathy and axial back/neck pain
- Post-surgical pain evaluation
- Diagnostic workup before surgical planning
What to Expect
- Outpatient procedure: Typically takes 15-30 minutes
- Fluoroscopic guidance: All injections performed with real-time X-ray for precision
- Same-day discharge: Most patients go home within 1 hour
- Series approach: 1-3 injections spaced 2-4 weeks apart for optimal results
- Repeat treatments: Can be safely repeated when symptoms recur
Benefits Over Surgery
Spinal injections serve as both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool, often delaying or eliminating the need for surgery. For many patients, a well-placed injection series provides months to years of meaningful pain relief.
Our Hampton, GA practice offers same-week injection appointments for patients throughout Southern Georgia and the greater Atlanta area.
Key Benefits
- Minimally invasive, outpatient procedure
- Rapid pain relief within 24-72 hours
- Fluoroscopic guidance for pinpoint accuracy
- Can delay or prevent the need for surgery
- Diagnostic value for surgical planning
- Repeatable when symptoms recur
Recovery Time
24-48 hours; most resume normal activities next day
