When pain from a work or auto accident persists, targeted injections can offer significant relief by delivering medication directly to the source of inflammation or irritation. At Advantage Healthcare, our pain management specialists perform a range of minimally invasive procedures, including Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs), Facet Joint Injections, Medial Branch Blocks (MBBs), Occipital Nerve Blocks, and Tendon/Bursa Injections, to help manage your pain and improve your function.
What Problems Do These Injections Address?
These procedures can target specific types of pain common after accidents:
- Radiating Pain (ESIs): Pain, numbness, or tingling shooting down an arm or leg (sciatica) often caused by irritated spinal nerves from disc issues or stenosis.
- Axial Back/Neck Pain (Facet Injections/MBBs): Pain primarily located in the neck or back, often worse with twisting, potentially caused by inflammation in the small facet joints of the spine.
- Headaches (Occipital Nerve Blocks): Certain types of headaches originating from the back of the head or upper neck (occipital neuralgia, cervicogenic headaches).
- Localized Joint/Tendon Pain (Tendon/Bursa Injections): Pain and inflammation in specific areas like the shoulder (bursitis, rotator cuff tendinitis), elbow (tennis elbow), or hip (bursitis). Pain and inflammation in specific areas like the shoulder (bursitis, rotator cuff tendinitis), elbow (tennis elbow), or hip (bursitis).
How Do Pain Injections Work?
While the specifics vary, most procedures involve:
Precise Targeting
Using imaging guidance (like X-ray/fluoroscopy or ultrasound) to ensure accurate placement of the needle.
Medication Delivery
Injecting a local anesthetic (for immediate numbing) and often a corticosteroid (a strong anti-inflammatory) near the affected nerve, joint, or tissue.
Minimally Invasive
Procedures are typically quick (15-30 minutes) and performed in our office setting.
Medial Branch Blocks (MBBs) are primarily diagnostic, using only anesthetic to see if temporarily blocking specific nerves relieves your facet joint pain, helping decide if longer-lasting treatments are suitable.
What Are the Benefits of Pain Injections?
- Significant reduction in pain and inflammation.
- Improved mobility and ability to participate in physical therapy.
- Can provide diagnostic information (confirming the pain source).
- May help delay or avoid the need for surgery.
- Minimally invasive with relatively quick recovery time.
Why Choose Advantage Healthcare for Pain Injections?
- Board-certified physicians with extensive experience.
- Focus on injuries sustained in work comp and auto accidents.
- Use of advanced imaging guidance for accuracy and safety.
- Part of a comprehensive treatment plan, often combined with therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the injections painful?
We use local anesthetic to numb the skin before the injection. You might feel some pressure or temporary discomfort, but most patients tolerate the procedures well.
How long does the pain relief last?
This varies greatly depending on the individual, the type of injection, and the underlying condition. Relief can last from weeks to months, or longer for some. Sometimes repeat injections are needed. Diagnostic blocks (MBBs) provide short-term relief by design.
Are there side effects or risks?
Risks are generally low but can include temporary soreness at the injection site, temporary increase in pain, bleeding, infection, or (rarely) nerve irritation. Steroid-related side effects (like temporary flushing or increased blood sugar) are possible. Your doctor will discuss specific risks with you.
How soon can I go back to my activities after an injection?
Most patients can resume normal activities the next day, but we usually advise taking it easy on the day of the procedure and avoiding strenuous activity for a short period. Your doctor will provide specific instructions.
Find Targeted Relief for Your Pain.
If you’re struggling with persistent pain after an accident, injections may be an effective option. Contact Advantage Healthcare to schedule a consultation with one of our pain specialists.