Spinal Injection (Targeted Spine Treatment)

The purpose of these injections is not to physically melt or destroy that piece of cartilage (hernia) coming out of the disc. The purpose is to extinguish that very severe "inflammation (edema)" created by the hernia crushing the nerve, with the power of cortisone. Once the edema in the nerve goes away, the terrible pain radiating to the patient's leg stops like a knife; over time, the body's own macrophage cells shrink that hernia on their own.

It is never done blindly. Thanks to the fluoroscopy device, the doctor sees the needle's progression inside the spine second by second on the screen. The needle is placed not into the nerve itself, but into the "epidural space" around the nerve; therefore, the risk of paralysis or nerve damage is almost non-existent in experienced hands.

The procedure generally takes an average of 15-20 minutes while awake (with only local anesthesia). The effect of the drug reaches its maximum level within 2 to 5 days. It is of vital importance for a permanent solution that the patient, whose pain has passed, does not spend this period lifting heavy things saying "I am healed", but on the contrary, starts the physical therapy "lower back strengthening" exercises given by the doctor.