Degenerative spine is a broad term describing the effects of the natural aging process on the spinal column and encompasses conditions such as degenerative disc disease and spinal osteoarthritis. While these forces affect everyone to some degree or another and aren’t always painful, for some people, a degenerative spine can result in debilitating symptoms that have a negative effect on the ability to comfortably perform basic activities.

If you have been diagnosed with degenerative spine, there are many effective treatments available that can treat pain and improve range of motion. One option that is often recommended are spinal injections that involve an anti-inflammatory combined with a numbing agent. When administered as part of a comprehensive therapy plan, spinal injections can be a highly effective form of degenerative spine treatment that provides short-term to medium-term relief from spine-related pain.

How injections are used for degenerative spine treatment

If displaced spinal anatomy such as a herniated disc, enlarged ligament or bone spur causes compression of a nerve, degenerative spine symptoms such as shooting pains, tingling, numbness and muscle weakness can occur. If basic treatments such as over-the-counter medication, ice packs and rest aren’t offering sufficient relief, an injection may be recommended.

The goal of a spinal injection is to locate the source of nerve compression, usually with the help of an X-ray, and directly inject a corticosteroid combined with a numbing agent into the area. These injections can be delivered in a series, although doctors will generally wait at least two to six weeks between injections and limit them to no more than a few a year to limit the risk of damage to the spinal cord.

Injections are most effective when combined with other degenerative spine treatments

While injections can provide weeks of relief on their own, they are typically delivered to allow patients to complete physical therapy and exercise programs that they may have not been able to complete otherwise. Strengthening the muscles around the spine is a critical part of providing longer-term relief of pressure on nerves that have been affected by degenerative spine conditions.

If the full range of conservative degenerative spine treatments have been exhausted and your pain and other symptoms remain debilitating, contact USA Spine Care. Our minimally invasive spine surgery is a safer and effective alternative to traditional open neck or back procedures, offering our patients an outpatient experience with less risk of complication.^

We’re pleased to offer a free MRI review* to determine if you are a potential candidate for one of our procedures.

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