Answering Questions About Pain Management Injections

Pain management is a multidisciplinary specialty. Sports medicine doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapists can all work together to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for each individual patient. One component of your treatment plan may be medicated injections. There are many types of pain management injections available to pain management specialists, and so your doctor is your best source of information about the specific injections you’ll receive.

What makes medicated injections different from oral pills?

Your doctor may recommend injections instead of, or in addition to, oral medications. Medicated injections are delivered directly to the source of your pain, which means they can typically provide pain relief much more quickly and effectively than oral medicines. Injections can also effectively address swelling and inflammation.

What are the different types of injections?

Your sports medicine specialist has a number of injections available, and he or she will choose one based on your specific needs. Some of these injections are:

• Joint injections: Typically a combination of local anesthetic and a steroid medication. These are injected into a painful joint.
• Trigger point injections: Trigger points are knots of muscle that can cause pain and muscle spasms. Trigger point injections may be medicated or not.
• Occipital nerve blocks: These are steroid injections into the back of the head, just above the neck. They can treat migraines and tension headaches.
• Epidural steroid injections: These are steroid injected into the epidural space of the spine. The doctor uses X-ray guidance to ensure proper placement.

I’m a little uncomfortable with needles. What can I do?

Talk to your doctor. He or she genuinely wants you to feel better quickly, and so he or she will go the extra mile to ensure your comfort during the procedure of pain management injections. Know that numbing sprays and other local anesthetics are available to minimize the sensation of the needle. If you wish, you can also have a loved one in the treatment room with you.

At The Houston Spine & Rehabilitation Centers, our focus is on safe and effective pain management because we firmly believe our patients deserve a better quality of life. New and current patients can request a visit with a sports medicine doctor in The Woodlands by calling 281-362-0006. Browse our website for information about some of the common conditions we treat.