A spinal block procedure is a non-surgical technique used to help alleviate back and neck pain.
Thanks to modern technology and training, the physician, using an x-ray machine called a fluoroscope, can pinpoint and treat the patient’s pain. During the procedure, the patient is given mild sedation and the source of the pain is identified under fluoroscope.
After the site to be injected has been numbed, the needle is guided by fluoroscopy. The cortisone medicine is guided directly into the focus of the pain. Although the effectiveness of this treatment varies from patient to patient, many report that they are pain-free for the first time in weeks or months.
Some patients choose to repeat the procedure at a later date if symptoms start to reoccur. Once the pain is alleviated patients can carry out day-to-day activities comfortably. A physical therapy exercise routine can help minimize recurrent episodes of pain.