If it is your first time receiving spinal injections for back pain you probably have a lot of questions. Having questions is normal and in order to have peace of mind before you take the injection you need answers. The following are some of the common questions that are asked before taking a spinal injection.
Is the Pain Relief Permanent?
The pain relief from a spinal injection is not permanent. The relief you will get will last anywhere from a few weeks to a year. It is completely subjective based on the level of injury and pain that you experience. It is important to know that a spinal injection will not work for everyone. However, more than half of the people who do spinal injections find that they get relief from pain.
How is the Injection Administered?
The spinal injection is administered by injecting the pain relieving medication into the space where the damaged nerves are located. Your doctor will inject a shorter lasting steroid along with a long acting one. The shorter acting steroid prevents you from feeling any pain while the injection is being administered. The administering of the injection typically takes anywhere from twenty minutes to half an hour. After it is done you can go about your day as you normally would.
Are There any Side Effects?
Spinal injections are relatively safe. However, some people will experience side effects. The most common side effects are swelling at the site of the injection and bleeding for a few days after you have had the injection. Some people report that they have weight gain and nausea following the injection. While these symptoms are irritating they do not last and there is a strong possibility that you will not experience any of them. In situations like these you will have to weigh the pros and the cons. If you are in severe pain that is debilitating and makes you unable to function normally then it makes sense to put up with the side effects in order to get relief. However, before you make any final decisions talk with your doctor.
If you are considering getting spinal injections for back pain you can get relief. However, it is important that you know how likely you are to get relief and if you can deal with any possible side effects. Take a close look at what was discussed here to decide if it is right for you.
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