Injection Therapy - SpineAustin - A Spine Center of Excellence

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Injection Therapy

For years, spine physicians have used cortisone injections, epidural steroid injections, trigger point injections and nerve blocks to relieve pain in the spine. These injections are intended to be a means to an end. The goal is to provide the patient with enough pain relief to bridge from inactivity to physical therapy, where back problems can be better treated with special exercises.

There has been conflicting research about the value of injection therapy. Some studies have questioned the benefit of epidural steroid injections. In 1997, Britain's Royal College of General Practitioners noted in its back care guidelines that epidural steroid injections relieve low back pain with sciatica (leg pain) better than some other treatments. The Royal College is less supportive of facet joint injections and trigger point injections. It sees little evidence that these injections improve clinical outcomes. With that said, many spine specialty centers believe in the benefit of injections and continue to use them.

injection therapy
Dr. Harris, pictured at left and above, is board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR) as well as pain medicine.

In conclusion, injection therapy is a viable nonsurgical alternative to explore before considering surgery.