Spinal Epidurals and Facet Injections
When pain comes from the spine, epidural steroid injections and facet joint injections may help reduce inflammation, identify the source of symptoms and improve daily function.
Spinal Epidurals and Facet Injections in Garden City and Hauppauge, NY
Are you living with back, neck, arm or leg pain that makes everyday activities more difficult? Spinal epidural injections and facet joint injections are commonly used interventional procedures that may help reduce pain caused by inflammation, irritated nerves or painful joints in the spine.
An epidural steroid injection places anti-inflammatory medication into the epidural space surrounding spinal nerves. It may be considered for conditions such as sciatica, radiculopathy, spinal stenosis or a herniated disc when nerve inflammation contributes to pain.
A facet injection places anesthetic, and sometimes corticosteroid medication, into or near one of the small facet joints that connect the vertebrae. These injections may help determine whether a facet joint is causing pain and may provide temporary symptom relief.
Evaluations are available through our Garden City office, serving Nassau County, and our Hauppauge office, serving Suffolk County.
How Do Spinal Epidural and Facet Injections Work?
Although both procedures use image-guided injections to treat pain related to the spine, they target different structures and may serve different diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Important parts of treatment include:
Epidural steroid injections: Medication is placed into the epidural space near irritated spinal nerves. The goal is to reduce inflammation and pain that may travel into an arm or leg.
Facet joint injections: Medication is placed into or near a facet joint in the neck or back. Temporary relief after the injection may help confirm that the joint is contributing to the patient’s symptoms.
Image-guided accuracy: Fluoroscopy or another imaging method is commonly used to guide the needle and confirm placement. Contrast material may be used when medically appropriate.
Outpatient treatment: These procedures are commonly performed on an outpatient basis. Patients may experience temporary soreness, numbness or a brief increase in discomfort after the injection.
Relief varies: Some patients notice improvement within a few days, while others receive limited or no relief. Benefits may be temporary, and the number or frequency of injections is limited based on medical judgment.
Part of a broader treatment plan: Injections may be combined with physical therapy, medication management, radiofrequency ablation or other pain management treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Epidurals and Facet Injections
What is a spinal epidural injection?
A spinal epidural injection places anti-inflammatory medication into the epidural space surrounding spinal nerves. It may help reduce pain caused by nerve irritation or inflammation.
What is a facet joint injection?
A facet joint injection places anesthetic and sometimes corticosteroid medication into or near a small joint connecting the vertebrae. It may be used to diagnose or temporarily treat facet-related neck or back pain.
What conditions may be treated with epidural injections?
Epidural injections may be considered for sciatica, radiculopathy, herniated discs, spinal stenosis and other conditions involving inflamed or compressed spinal nerves. A medical evaluation is required.
How does a doctor determine which injection I need?
The physician reviews your symptoms, examination, medical history and imaging. Pain that travels into an arm or leg may suggest nerve irritation, while localized neck or back pain may point toward a facet joint or another structure.
Do spinal injections hurt?
Local anesthetic is commonly used, and some patients receive light sedation when appropriate. You may feel pressure, brief discomfort or temporary soreness. Individual experiences vary.
How long does a spinal injection procedure take?
The injection itself may take only several minutes, but preparation, imaging and recovery monitoring can make the total visit longer. Your provider will explain what to expect.
How soon will I feel relief after an epidural or facet injection?
Anesthetic may provide temporary immediate numbness, while steroid medication may take several days to have an effect. Some patients receive meaningful relief, while others may not improve.
How long do the results of spinal injections last?
Relief may last from days to several months, depending on the diagnosis and patient response. These injections do not permanently correct the underlying cause of pain.
What are the risks of epidural and facet injections?
Possible risks include soreness, bleeding, infection, temporary numbness or weakness, headache, allergic reaction, elevated blood sugar and rare nerve-related complications. Your physician will review risks specific to you.
Where can I get spinal epidural or facet injections on Long Island?
MK Spine & Joint Rehab evaluates patients through our Garden City office, serving Nassau County, and our Hauppauge office, serving Suffolk County. Both locations welcome patients from throughout Long Island.