Therapeutic Injections

Pain Injections: Targeted Relief for Chronic Pain

Pain injections are minimally invasive treatments designed to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve function in patients with chronic pain in areas like the back, neck, joints, and other targeted regions. These injections deliver medication directly to the source of pain, providing fast and often long-lasting relief from conditions that may not respond to other treatments.

What to Expect During a Pain Injection Procedure

Performed on an outpatient basis, pain injections are quick and typically completed in under 30 minutes. Patients receive a local anesthetic, and sedation may be provided for added comfort. Guided by CT imaging, the physician precisely delivers the injection to the area causing pain, ensuring accuracy and effectiveness. The injection typically contains a local anesthetic and an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Types of Pain Injections

Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI): Ideal for neck or back pain caused by herniated discs, sciatica, or spinal stenosis.
Facet Joint Injections: Effective for arthritis-related pain and inflammation in the small joints of the spine.
Nerve Blocks: Used to "turn off" pain signals from specific nerves, helping with localized pain issues.
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injections: For lower back and pelvic pain stemming from inflammation in the SI joints.
Trigger Point Injections: Target specific muscle knots or trigger points that are causing localized pain.

Benefits of Pain Injections

Provides targeted relief to allow patients to return to normal activities
Reduces or eliminates the need for medications
Minimally invasive with little to no downtime
Effective for a variety of pain sources, including back, neck, and joint pain

Who Can Benefit from Pain Injections?

Pain injections are suitable for patients with chronic pain conditions that have not improved with conservative treatments like physical therapy or medications. They are beneficial for conditions such as arthritis, herniated discs, nerve pain, spinal pain, and muscle inflammation.

Get Started Today

With our skilled pain management team at the Surgery Center of Las Cruces, pain injections provide an effective, targeted option for relieving chronic pain and improving quality of life. Call (575) 222-0127 now.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do to prepare for a pain injection?

You may need to stop blood-thinning medications, arrange transportation, avoid eating/drinking for a few hours beforehand, and inform your doctor of all medications and allergies.

What should I expect during recovery from pain injections?

Most patients can resume normal activities within 24-48 hours. You may experience temporary soreness at the injection site or slight pain increase for 1-2 days before improvement begins.

How many injections will I need?

This depends on your condition and response. Some patients need only one injection, while others benefit from a series of 2-3 injections spaced weeks apart for optimal results.