Injections for lower back pain: complete guide

Lumbar spine injection in Paris, Ile-De-France

Lumbar spine pain?

Anatomically speaking, the spine is a part of the skeleton that connects the head and pelvis. It's a stack of articulated bones called vertebrae. The spine is complex, as it is made up of several elements: vertebrae, discs (a vertebral disc is a structure between two consecutive vertebrae that acts as a shock absorber during movement), cartilage, ligaments, muscles and nerves. In addition, the spinal cord, a structure of the central nervous system, passes through the spinal column. Functionally, the spine supports the body's weight and allows the upper limb to pivot.

The spine is an anatomically and functionally rich region, prone to both minor and serious damage. 

As a result, spinal pain is a frequent reason for medical consultations. This pain can have several etiologies. Damage to one of the joint's structures (vertebrae, discs, ligaments, muscles) can cause pain.

What is injections for back pain ? 

A spinal injection involves injecting a corticosteroid-based medication into the painful spinal column.

Infiltration aims to reduce pain temporarily but will not permanently treat spinal inflammation or herniated discs. 

No special preparation is required for spinal infiltration. 

How does this therapeutic technique work ?

Our radiologists are experts in this field.

The procedure takes 10 minutes.

You will lie on your back. This procedure sometimes requires a local anaesthetic. Infiltration can be carried out under radiological control, to reach the precise area to be infiltrated. The radiologist locates the puncture point, disinfects the area of skin, then injects the medication using a needle.

It's a very simple, virtually painless procedure. This medical procedure is rarely painful, similar to a simple blood test. 

After infiltration, we recommend that you avoid any physical activity for 2-3 days. This period of rest helps to improve your symptoms. 

How does spinal pain manifest itself ?

Pain can occur at rest (without physical activity) or after physical exertion involving the back. What's more, the pain may remain localized to your back, or it may radiate (migrate) to other areas of your body. Pain may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as limited mobility of the spine.

This can help with lower back pain :

  1. Limit your physical exercise.
  2. Always try to maintain good posture. It helps!
  3. Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory and/or analgesic medication.

Lower Back Pain Treatment Appointment

Make an appointment for a PRP Injection at our centers:

Bachaumont Radiology 75002

Clinique Drouot 75009

Make an appointment on Doctolib

What types of spinal infiltration are there?

Several types of infiltration are available. Your choice will be guided by the origin of your pain.

There are several infiltration zones:

  1. Epidural : An epidural is a form of regional anesthesia in which a needle is introduced into the epidural region (the area above a special membrane called the dura that covers the spinal cord and nerves in the spinal column). 
  2. Posterior joint
  3. Intradiscal: the injection is made inside the intervertebral disc.
  4. Forminal

What causes lower back pain ?

Back pain can have many causes. Here are the most common causes of back pain:

1 - Trauma : A fall, an accident... can cause a fracture of the vertebrae in the back, or a dislocation of the intervertebral discs. The result is severe pain and limited joint mobility.

2 - Osteoarthritis of the spine : It's a joint disease characterized by chronic wear and tear of the vertebrae. It generally occurs as a result of the destruction of intervertebral discs with age. Normally, the disc serves to improve contact between the vertebrae. When the disc is lost, contact between the two bones of the joint is no longer effective, resulting in significant pain. You are more likely to develop osteoarthritis if you : 

  • Are over 50 years of age; 

  • Are overweight;

  • Are going through menopause; 

  • If a family member has already developed the disease; 

  • Already have a basic skeletal abnormality; 

  • Have a metabolic disease already diagnosed by your doctor.

3 - Herniated disc : A herniated disc occurs when the peripheral part of the disc ruptures and the central part protrudes. Aging, injury and excess weight can lead to herniated discs.

4 - Spondylodiscitis : This is an infection of the intervertebral disc. It is frequently accompanied by fever.

5 - Neurological pain caused by inflammation or compression of nerves.

Other causes: cancer, inflammatory diseases...

What you need to know about lumbar spine infiltration.

Infiltration of the lumbar spine is a procedure commonly used to relieve back pain, including low back pain, sciatica and nerve pain. This technique involves injecting medication directly into the affected area, usually around the lumbar vertebrae, to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Infiltrations can include anti-inflammatories, which work by reducing inflammation of the surrounding nerves and muscles, as well as local anesthetics for immediate relief.

Back pain can be caused by a variety of pathologies, such as disc lesions, herniations, or degeneration of joints and cartilage. These conditions can lead to muscle and bone pain, making it difficult to stretch or perform daily activities. Infiltration often targets areas where nerves are compressed by spinal structures, helping to reduce pain and improve the patient's quality of life.

This procedure can also be beneficial for those suffering from chronic pain linked to muscle or joint disorders. For example, when a lumbar muscle is strained or a vertebra is injured, the injection can help reduce pain by relaxing the surrounding muscles and allowing greater mobility. Doctors may recommend stretching and rehabilitation sessions after infiltration to strengthen back muscles and prevent recurrence of pain. In short, infiltration of the lumbar spine is an effective treatment for back pain, enabling patients to regain better function and greater ease in their daily activities.

Last update: November 1, 2024
Controlled by Dr Jonathan Silvera

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