When used properly, syringes are better than their reputation suggests. Their high accuracy allows for reduced medication doses and the avoidance of side effects.
Infiltrations and blockages: Pain relief through injections
Therapeutic infiltrations provide maximum pain relief.
We are aware of the stress that the prospect of a „back injection“ can cause. Therefore, we not only provide a stress-free environment in terms of space and technology. The course of treatment, the chances and risks of the procedure are explained to you in the initial consultation with your doctor. You already have the opportunity here to ask your questions, in keeping with the motto: „There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers.“.
The body heals itself. If you let it.
We are aware of the self-healing powers of our body. Good medicine means using and strengthening them. In many cases, acute back pain is caused by a muscle strain or a small tear in the fibrous ring of a disc. The pain is then an expression of the dysfunction and, on the other hand, of the body’s frequent inflammatory repair and healing processes.
Our therapeutic approach therefore relies on sufficient pain reduction in the early stages. Therapeutic infiltrations provide maximum pain relief during this time and, thanks to their anti-inflammatory effects, directly contribute to recovery. To this end, under X-ray control, small amounts of pain- and inflammation-reducing medications are placed directly on the spine.
In addition, we rely on measures that address functional impairments such as movement restrictions or bracing as soon as possible. This concept also applies to complex disease patterns such as vertebral fractures associated with osteoporosis or herniated disc cases.
To achieve the highest possible accuracy, we conduct most of our infiltration operations using the „Image Wandler“. This X-ray device, also known as a C-beam, is one of our navigation systems. A minimum radiation exposure is combined with millimeter-level accuracy.
After determining the target points using the C-arc and disinfection is performed, the infiltration is also carried out under X-ray control. With proper execution and relaxed patient, spinal-column-near infiltrations are pain-free and well-tolerated. In selected complaint patterns, immediate local anesthesia can also be performed.
The infiltration is followed by a brief observation period in our relaxation room. A neurological examination concludes the session. Usually two weeks later, our infiltration series (2–3 individual infiltrations) ends with a final discussion. Here, the success of the therapy is evaluated and the further course of action is jointly determined.
We don't just put in syringes
Even though our infiltration procedures repeatedly lead to pain relief, a mere „injection therapy“ is not enough for longer-lasting pain. Identifying the underlying causes of pain is essential for long-term pain relief.
Based on the Munich back pain model, we therefore question the underlying causes of pain. Stress-related back pain is – obviously – not curable with injections. Only recognizing and reducing the stress factors that exacerbate the pain brings relief. „Injections“ and „talking medicine“ go hand in hand with us.
Special infiltration techniques
Certain diseases require special procedures. Depending on the individual pain pattern, we use different infiltration techniques to achieve the greatest possible effectiveness.
Facet joint blockage:
At the back of the spine, there are two small vertebrae in each movement segment. These are also called facet joints and allow flexion and extension movements in the lumbar spine area.
On the one hand, acute blockages of these joints correspond to the typical herniated disc. On the other hand, chronic wear and tear of these joints – also referred to as facet joint arthrosis – can lead to recurring, deep-seated back pain. Often, these pain symptoms occur immediately after standing up and become more severe when bending forward.
By targeting facet blocks, the first step is to identify the segment of the spine responsible for the pain. In the elderly, the X-ray images often show signs of wear on several levels, especially in the cervical spine. Similar changes can also be observed in the cervical spine.
The subsequent facet infiltrations have a therapeutic purpose. Here, the goal is to end the inflammatory inflammation. A series of 3 infiltrations is usually sufficient to achieve several months of pain relief.
Periradicular therapy (PRT):
In periradicular therapy, the target structure is always a nerve root in the immediate vicinity of its exit point from the spinal canal. Therefore, PRT can successfully treat pain originating in the area of the nerve root. Typically, such nerve pain is the result of mechanical or inflammatory irritation of the nerve root. The best-known example is probably the „ischialgia“ pain resulting from a herniated disc in the lumbar spine.
The expected pain reduction does not affect back pain, but rather the leg or arm pain that is transmitted from the nerve to its target area. Here too, the rule applies: With a series of 3 PRTs, a multi-month reduction can be achieved in the majority of patients.
We are happy to explain the exact procedures on-site. You can contact us here.