Why might I need injections for an orthopedic condition?
For most patients with orthopedic conditions, a combination of conservative treatments is usually very effective. Physical therapy, activity modification, medication, and devices like splints and braces can help injuries heal and keep you mobile. But some patients find their pain persists even after several months of treatment.
At this point, injections can be beneficial. The Vital Orthopedic & Spine Institute team uses injections to treat various conditions that aren’t responding to other therapies. These conditions include:
- Muscle or tendon strains
- Ligament sprains
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Arthritis
- Spinal stenosis
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis
- Nerve compression and radiculopathy
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Automobile injuries
- Sports injuries
- Joint pain
- Neck and back pain
Several kinds of injections can help with these problems.
What injections are available?
Vital Orthopedic & Spine Institute uses the following injections:
Corticosteroid injections
Corticosteroid injections contain a strong anti-inflammatory medication for long-term pain relief. They often have a short-acting local anesthetic too for complete but short-lived pain relief. Corticosteroid injections are good for joint and spinal pain.
Nerve blocks
Nerve blocks are local anesthetic injections that numb specific areas. They can be useful for diagnosis as well as treatment. They may also contain corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Your provider might use a nerve block in your spine or joints.
Trigger point injections
Trigger points are small, intensely painful areas in your muscles. Injecting the knotted fibers with corticosteroids reduces inflammation and pain.
Stem cell injections
Stem cells can boost your body’s ability to heal itself and produce new tissues. Your provider prepares your injection after extracting stem cells from your bone marrow or fatty tissues.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
PRP has high quantities of growth factors that promote tissue repair in injured areas. Your provider harvests the platelets from your blood then injects a concentrated dose into your damaged tissues.
Hyaluronic acid injections
Hyaluronic acid injections contain a natural lubricant that eases arthritic joint pain.
What happens when I have injections?
Some injections, like those into your trigger points, are much the same as having a flu shot. Your provider cleans the skin and injects it into the muscle. You might feel a slight scratch when the needle goes in, and then it’s over.
If the Vital Orthopedic & Spine Institute team injects your spine or joints, they use image-guidance technology to help. It’s vital the needle doesn’t cause damage to the nerves or delicate tissues near the injection site. Plus, the more accurate the delivery of your medication is, the better your results will be.
With ultrasound or fluoroscopy (moving X-ray) imaging, your provider can see where the needle’s going for optimal placement.
To find out more about having injections for your musculoskeletal condition, call Vital Orthopedic & Spine Institute today or book an appointment online.
