For the millions who suffer with chronic daily back or neck pain, many wonder if a spinal injection will take away the pain. For some the answer may be yes, while for others it will not. Well then who will benefit and who will not? Often injections are performed for people who doctors believe their pain is nerve or disc related. They will likely have sharp, shooting, numbness, tingling, or burning pains. Doctors will also often offer injections to those with spinal stenosis. But unfortunately there is no way to know beforehand who is going to get relief and who will not.

So then is an injection worth it? The answer to that question will depend on the individual. That said, any person who thinks an injection will be a miracle cure alone is mistaken. Typically an injection may last from a few weeks to a few months at best.

What then is the purpose of a spinal injection if it will not fully solve the problem? Great question. The answer to that is improving the individual’s ability to function with less pain…to then take part in an active treatment plan to remedy the true issue.

Active treatment plan? Yes, for individuals with any “nerve” or “disc” related issue an active treatment (exercise) plan will be important. The person will need to address their strength, flexibility, mobility, or endurance so that they can better tolerate the stresses and strains of daily activity.

But won’t exercise make the problem worse? NO…in fact exercise has been shown time and again to help heal numerous issues. That plus, if a person does nothing for 6 months just hoping the pain will go away they will become deconditioned. That means they lose the capacity to be as active as they were beforehand…and likely result in lower tolerance for activity before they hurt.

But back to the question at hand…will a spinal injection take the pain away? Maybe. But remember, more will need to be done if the problem is not to return. Have more questions? Get your questions answered by speaking with an expert in helping those with spinal pain. Click the LINK HERE