Dr. Stefano Sinicropi, M.D.

Spinal injections can be a great tool for patients suffering from localized inflammation or spinal nerve compression, but there’s more to it than just placing the injection and letting the patient get on with their day. In order to get the most out of the injection, you have to have certain expectations during and following the procedure. We explain what you should expect when it comes to spinal injections in today’s blog.

During The Spinal Injection

While you won’t have a lot of say in the procedure itself, it’s important that you choose a spine specialist with years of experience and a track record of success when it comes to spinal injections. Dr. Sinicropi has a sterling record, and he’d be more than happy to discuss your spinal injection options with you. With that said, after you’ve chosen a spine specialist, here’s what you can expect during the procedure:

• Minimal Discomfort – The injection itself is quite painless, with most patients reporting a small pinching sensation during the moment of entry.
• Quick Relief – Since the injection is placed right in the pained area, many patients experience pain relief within minutes of the injection.
• Short Procedure – While different injection procedures will vary, they can typically be performed in about 10-45 minutes.

After The Spinal Injection

Knowing what to expect after your spinal injection is a little more important in terms of your recovery. As we’ve said on the blog in the past, a spinal injection isn’t typically a viable stand alone, long-term solution to back pain. It can however be the perfect compliment if you come in with the right expectations. Here’s what you’ll want to keep in mind after your injection.

• It’s Not Forever – A spinal injection will fade over time, so know that it’s not a long-term solution to back pain. Moreover, these injections become less effective after each dosage, so if you get six months of relief with the first one, you may be lucky to get half of that if you need a subsequent one.
• Pair It With PT – A spinal injection helps to allow for pain-free or reduced pain movements, and you absolutely need to use this time to partake in other active strengthening exercises, like physical therapy. Now is when you can help expand your range of motion or strengthen weakened structures so that they can provide better area support when the injection wears off. You need to put in the work when the pain is being controlled to help prevent pain from coming back as the injection fades.
• Watch For Complications – You also need to be aware of the potential signs of a complication. If you’re experiencing bleeding, headaches, nausea, lightheadedness, sensitivity to light or balance problems, there could be a problem with your cerebrospinal fluid. Relay any concerning symptoms to your physician.
• Practice Posture Improvements – For many people who need a spinal injection, their posture contributes to their inflammation or compression. Your spinal care team can explain how to improve or adapt your posture so that you’re not overloading certain areas of your back and neck. Improving your posture can help prevent recurrences of the condition that required an injection in the first place.

Finally, if you want to learn more about some of the specific injections that Dr. Sinicropi provides, check out these pages that we’ve created:

• Epidural Steroid Injection
• SI Joint Injections
• Stellate Ganglion Blocks
• Lumbar Sympathetic Block

For more information about spinal injections, or to learn about their connected benefits, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi’s office.

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