When arthritis does not respond to non-invasive rehabilitation practices (such as physical therapy or acupuncture), minimally invasive procedures such as spinal injections may be used. Patients with arthritis may benefit from the following types of injections:
Facet Joint Injections: Because arthritis is a condition of inflammation in the joints, facet joint injections are sometimes used. The facet joints are located between the vertebrae of each spinal segment. When a long-lasting steroid is administered to the facet joints, many arthritis sufferers experience pain relief and an improvement in mobility.
Epidural Steroid Injections: The epidural space is the area between the membranes covering the spinal cord and the wall of the spinal canal. Injections in this area are used for disorders (such as arthritis) in which inflamed spinal nerves are causing pain and restricting movement. The goal of Epidural Steroid Injections is to help patients return to normal activity and begin a program of rehabilitation.
