PRP Injections
A PRP Injection is a low-risk orthopedic therapy that uses patient’s own platelets to accelerate the healing of damaged joints, ligaments, tendons, or muscles and does not usually cause major side effects.
The procedure involves a blood draw, so make sure you are hydrated and have eaten beforehand to prevent feeling lightheaded.
There may be pain at the injection site after the procedure, usually a short-term ache or soreness.
Platelet-rich plasma lasts anywhere from six and nine months, during which time it will continue to aid in healing the soft-tissue injury.
Side effects may include: Minor bleeding, Infection, Pain at the injection site (the doctor may apply an anesthetic first and then give the PRP injection), Mild swelling, redness, and skin discoloration (these resolve quickly).
Epidural Steroid Injection
Injection of an anti-inflammatory steroid in the epidural space.
The epidural space is not an injection into the spinal cord itself.
Typically done with you lying on your stomach, the skin is cleaned with antiseptic solution and then the procedure is done. This is done in office in a comfortable environment.
Series of three Injections spaced about a week apart are recommended.
Expect a gradual improvement in pain after each injection.
Similar to all procedures, there are risks involved. Prior to this in office outpatient procedure, we will discuss possible risks involved.
Stellate Ganglion Block
Injection in the front of the neck, toward the left or right side, typically done with you lying on your back, the actual injection takes only a few minutes.
For diagnostic purposes, only local anesthetics are injected, usually bupivacaine. If the diagnostic injection is successful in blocking your pain, other medications may be used for longer-lasting relief.
After the injection, you may feel your arm becoming warm. The pain may diminish considerably. Some patients develop temporary hoarseness or a slight droop around the eyelid on the side injected. The eye may also become slightly red. You can also get nasal congestion on the side injected. This is normal and should last only for a few hours.
Lumbar Sympathetic Block
Injection in the middle of the lower back, toward the left or right side, typically done with you lying on your stomach. For diagnostic purposes, only local anesthetics are injected, usually bupivacaine. If the diagnostic injection is successful in blocking your pain, other medications may be used for longer-lasting relief.
Commonly encountered side effects are increased pain from the injection (usually temporary) or no pain relief from the usual pain.
Facet Joint Injection
Injection of an anti-inflammatory steroid in the facet joints, done with you lying on your stomach for back injections and on your back for neck injections. The facet joints, also known as the zygapophysial joints, are part of the bony framework of the spine. Injection consists of a mixture of local anesthetics ( bupivacaine) and the steroid medication. Commonly encountered side effects are increased pain from the injection (usually temporary).
Selective Nerve Root Blocks
Injection of an anti-inflammatory steroid along a specific nerve root, done with you lying on your stomach for back injections and on your back for neck injections. Consists of a mixture of local anesthetics (bupivacaine) and steroid. Typical series of injections is for about two-three, spaced about a week apart. You should expect a gradual overall improvement in pain after each injection. Commonly encountered side effects are increased pain from the injection (usually temporary).
Intercostal Nerve Block
A block of the nerves that lie underneath the lower edge of each rib, typically done with you lying on your stomach or on the back depending upon the location of the pain. The skin is cleaned with antiseptic solution A very small, slightly blunt needle is carefully placed under the rib, contrast agent is injected and its path is verified by x-ray. Then, the medicine is injected. Used for rib fractures, nerve injuries to the chest wall, postoperative pain along the Intercostal nerves. Diagnostic injection consists of local anesthetic only. If the diagnostic injection is successful, your doctor may discuss with you the option of injecting other medications that could last for several weeks, months, or even permanently.
Commonly encountered side effects are increased pain from the injection (usually temporary), inadvertent puncture of the “sack” containing spinal fluid (may cause headaches), infection, bleeding, nerve damage, or no relief from your usual pain. One complication that is very rare but can occur with this block is a “pneumothorax” (a collapsed lung).
Medial Branch Block
Injection of an anti-inflammatory steroid on the medial branch nerves that supply the facet joints. Done with you lying on your stomach for back injections and on your back for neck injections. The skin in the back is cleaned with antiseptic solution very small needles are placed along the bony landmarks that mark the location of the medial branch nerves. A small volume, usually about 1 mL, is injected along each nerve. The injection consists of a mixture of local anesthetic (bupivacaine) and a small dose of the steroid medication (Kenalog). Usually just one in any region (lumbar, cervical, thoracic, etc.) Multiple levels are blocked simultaneously, usually on one side only. Commonly encountered side effects are increased pain from the injection (usually temporary), infection, bleeding, nerve damage, or no relief from your usual pain. Side effects of the injected steroid may include weight gain, increase in blood sugar (mainly in diabetics), water retention, suppression of your own natural production of steroids, or temporary suppression of your immune system.