Spine Injections for Pain Relief

Precise, non-surgical pain relief delivered in Chesterfield, just outside St. Louis.

What Are Spine Injections?

Spine injections are a targeted treatment to deliver medication directly to the source of pain.  Instead of circulating through the whole body like a pill, the medicine is placed right where it is needed, that is, near nerves that may be inflamed (swollen) or compressed (pinched). By working in this precise way, spine injections can reduce inflammation, calm irritated nerves, and ease pressure in the spine. Spine injections often provide meaningful pain relief.

In addition to providing treatment, spine injections can also help doctors better understand what is causing a patient’s pain. For example, if an injection relieves discomfort, it tells the doctor that the targeted area is likely the source of the problem. In this way, spine injections play two roles: they can reduce pain and serve as a diagnostic tool to guide future care.

Types of Spine Injections Offered by Dr. Peloza

There are several kinds of spine injections, each designed to target a specific problem area. Dr. Peloza uses these precise treatments to help relieve pain and improve mobility, depending on the individual needs of each patient.

Epidural Steroid Injections

Dr. Peloza uses epidural steroid injections to place anti-inflammatory medication around nerves that are irritated or pinched, specifically in the epidural space. The epidural space is the area that surrounds the spinal cord and spinal nerves, lying just outside the protective covering called the dura (the outer layer of the spinal covering). Epidural steroid injections are often used for conditions like herniated discs, sciatica (nerve pain running down the leg), or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal). They can reduce swelling around the nerves and ease sharp or radiating pain.

Facet Joint Injections

A facet joint is a small joint located between each pair of bones (vertebrae) in the spine that helps provide stability and allows the back to bend and twist. When these joints become stiff or arthritic, they can cause persistent back or neck pain. Facet joint injections are infusion aimed at these small joints. By reducing inflammation (calming irritation) in these joints, facet injections can bring pain relief from arthritis or general joint wear and tear.

Nerve Root Blocks

In a nerve root block, Dr. Peloza injects local anesthetic right where a specific nerve leaves the spine. Nerve root blocks are often used when one specific nerve is likely the source of pain. If the injection eases discomfort, it confirms the diagnosis and provides pain relief at the same time.

Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injections

A sacroiliac (SI) joint is the joint that connects the base of the spine (the sacrum) to the hip bones (the ilium) on each side of the lower back. When SI joints become inflamed, they can cause pain in the lower back, hips, or buttocks. An injection into this area can calm the inflammation and make everyday movement less painful.

Conditions That Can Benefit from Injections

Many people with chronic back or neck pain may benefit from targeted spine injections, especially when other treatments have not brought enough relief. Below are some of the most common conditions that spine injections can help treat.

• Herniated or bulging discs: When the soft center of a spinal disc pushes out through a tear in the outer layer, it can press on nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness, or tingling.
• Spinal stenosis: This is a narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the nerves and often leads to pain, weakness, or cramping in the legs or arms.
• Degenerative disc disease: Over time, the discs that cushion the bones in the spine can wear down, leading to chronic pain or reduced movement.
• Sciatica and radiculopathy: Sciatica refers to pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, usually from the lower back down the leg. Radiculopathy is a general term for pain, weakness, or numbness caused by irritation of a spinal nerve.
• Facet joint arthritis: Arthritis in the facet joints (the small joints between vertebrae) can lead to stiffness and pain in the back or neck, especially with movement.
• Annular tears: Small tears in the outer layer of a spinal disc can allow parts of the disc to leak out and irritate nearby nerves, causing discomfort.

If any of these conditions are interfering with daily activities, spine injections may offer a way to reduce pain and get back to normal routines. With a focused approach, these treatments can help relieve symptoms without the need for surgery.

How Spine Injections Are Performed

Spine injections are performed as outpatient procedures, which means patients do not need to stay overnight in a hospital. These treatments are considered minimally invasive, so there are no large cuts or stitches involved—just a small needle precisely placed in the right spot. To make sure the injection is as accurate as possible, Dr. Peloza uses live imaging called fluoroscopy (a type of real-time X-ray). This technology allows him to watch the needle’s movement and confirm the medication goes exactly where it is needed. Most spine injections take less than 30 minutes to complete, and most people can go home soon afterward with only a short recovery time. In many cases, patients experience little to no disruption in their normal routine.

Benefits of Injections

Spine injections offer several key benefits that make them an effective option for managing back and neck pain. These benefits are well-supported by medical research and evidence.

• Immediate or near-immediate pain relief: Many patients experience significant pain reduction within the first few hours to days after the injection. Studies have shown that immediate pain relief after spine injections can predict longer-term success, with patients who experience good immediate results being twice as likely to maintain longer-term pain reduction.
• Avoid or delay the need for surgery: Research demonstrates that spine injections can be highly effective in helping patients avoid surgery. One large study found that transforaminal epidural steroid injections prevented the need for surgery in 56% of patients with lumbar disc herniations. This represents a significant benefit for patients who want to try non-surgical options first.
• Enable better participation in physical therapy: Spine injections can reduce pain enough to allow patients to engage more effectively in physical therapy and rehabilitation. By providing targeted pain relief, injections help patients perform exercises and movements that were previously too painful, leading to better outcomes from their physical therapy programs.
• Targeted relief compared to oral medications: Unlike oral medications that affect the entire body, spine injections deliver medication directly to the source of pain, providing more precise relief with fewer systemic side effects. This targeted approach allows for more effective treatment of specific nerve irritation and inflammation.
• Part of a personalized, stepwise treatment plan: Spine injections fit well into a comprehensive pain management approach. Medical guidelines support using injections as part of a stepwise treatment plan, typically after conservative treatments like physical therapy have been tried, but before considering surgical options. This allows doctors to tailor treatment to each patient’s specific needs and response to previous treatments.

These benefits make spine injections a valuable tool for managing chronic pain and helping patients return to their normal activities without the risks associated with surgery.

When to Consider Spine Injections

Spine injections may be a good option for people who are still struggling with pain, even after trying medications or physical therapy. If back, neck, or pain that spreads into the arms or legs has not gotten better with those treatments, injections could help provide much-needed relief.

• Persistent pain: When pain sticks around for weeks or months and does not respond to medicines or therapy, it may be time to consider a more targeted approach like spine injections.
• Interference with daily life: If pain is making it hard to work, take care of family, or even get a good night’s sleep, injections may help restore quality of life.
• Before surgery: For many, spine injections are a helpful step to try before moving on to surgery, especially if their doctor feels that less invasive options might work.

In summary, spine injections are often considered when other standard treatments have not worked and pain is interfering with important parts of daily life. They can be a valuable tool to relieve discomfort and avoid or delay the need for surgery.

Why Choose Peloza Spine in Chesterfield, MO

Dr. Peloza stands out as a leader in spine care, bringing more than 30 years of experience in both conservative and advanced treatments. His expertise includes not only traditional pain management but also motion-preserving solutions and minimally invasive procedures, which are designed to relieve pain while helping patients maintain the natural movement of the spine. Patients from across the country trust Dr. Peloza for his careful, precision-guided approach to spine injections and personalized care. Conveniently located just outside St. Louis in Chesterfield, the practice makes it easy for people in the community and beyond to access high-quality, compassionate treatment tailored to their specific needs.

Find Relief with Spine Injections Today

Patients looking for relief from back or neck pain will find that Peloza Spine offers highly personalized treatment plans. Dr. Peloza and his team are committed to delivering care that considers each patient’s unique needs and goals. He offers advanced diagnostics and a full range of therapies, from conservative treatments and spine injections to motion-preserving surgeries. For those traveling from out of town, the practice provides support with logistics such as lodging and scheduling, making world-class care as stress-free as possible.

Insurance and financing support are available. Dr. Peloza’s team guides patients through their insurance benefits and helps them explore financing options to ensure care is accessible. Dr. Peloza’s staff is known for its friendly, patient-focused service, and offers both in-person and Telehealth appointments.

To take the next step toward pain relief and better mobility, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Peloza in Chesterfield, MO, just outside St. Louis. The practice welcomes both local and out-of-town patients and is ready to help design a path to improved spine health.