Facet Joint Injection

These types of injections are placed into and around the facet joints, which are the small joints located between each vertebra on the back of the spine.

Facet joint injections are often used when pain is caused by degenerative/arthritic conditions or injury. They are used to treat neck, middle back, or low back pain. The pain does not have to be exclusively limited to the midline spine, as these problems can cause pain to radiate into the shoulders, buttocks, or upper legs.

Sacroiliac Joint Injection

Sacroiliac joint (SI joint) injections are similar to facet joint injections in many ways. The SI joints are located between the sacrum and ilium (pelvic) bones.

Problems in the SI joints have been shown to cause pain in the low back, buttock, and leg. Typically, one joint is painful and causes pain on one side of the lower body.

Trigger Point Injection

Another type of injection is called a trigger point injection. Common conditions treated with trigger point injections include fibromyalgia, tension headache, and myofascial pain syndrome.

Similar to epidural and facet joint injections, trigger point injections involve injecting a combination of local anesthetic and, typically, an anti-inflammatory (such as a steroid) into the problem area.Trigger point injections can usually be done without X-ray guidance.

Some people are not good candidates for spinal injections. These include people with:

• Skin infection at the site of needle puncture
• Bleeding disorder or anticoagulation
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes
• Allergy to contrast, anesthetics, or steroids