• 14 Aug, 2026
• UnityPain
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Spinal Injections for Back Pain | Unity Pain Modesto

When Back Pain Feels Like It Will Never End

If you have been living with back pain for a long time, you know how exhausting it can be. It affects your sleep, your work, your relationships, and your mood. You may have tried stretching, physical therapy, and pain medications — and still feel stuck. If that sounds like you, you are not alone. Back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor. And for some people, spinal injections may offer real relief when other treatments have not been enough.

This article will explain what spinal injections are, how they work, and what you might expect from the process. Every person’s pain is different, and no treatment works the same way for everyone. But understanding your options is the first step toward feeling better.

What Are Spinal Injections?

Spinal injections are shots given near the spine to help reduce pain and swelling. They are usually done by a trained specialist in a clinical setting. The doctor uses imaging guidance — like fluoroscopy or X-ray — to place the needle in exactly the right spot. This helps make the procedure safer and more precise.

Most spinal injections contain a corticosteroid, which is a strong anti-inflammatory medicine. Some also include a local anesthetic to give faster, short-term relief. Together, these medicines can calm down irritated nerves and reduce swelling around the spine. This can make it easier for you to move, sleep, and take part in physical therapy.

Types of Spinal Injections for Back Pain

There are several types of spinal injections, and each one targets a different part of the spine. Your doctor will recommend one based on where your pain is coming from and what is causing it.

• Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs): These are the most common type. The medicine is placed in the epidural space, which is the area just outside the spinal cord. ESIs are often used for conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and sciatica.
• Facet Joint Injections: These target the small joints along the back of the spine called facet joints. When these joints become inflamed or worn down, they can cause pain in your neck, upper back, or lower back.
• Medial Branch Blocks: These injections target the nerves that carry pain signals from the facet joints. They are sometimes used as a diagnostic tool to figure out the exact source of pain.
• Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injections: The sacroiliac joint connects the spine to the pelvis. When it becomes inflamed, it can cause pain in the lower back, buttocks, and legs. SI joint injections can help reduce that inflammation.

Each of these injections serves a specific purpose. A thorough evaluation by a pain specialist is important to figure out which option may be right for your situation.

What Conditions Might Benefit from Spinal Injections?

Spinal injections are not for everyone, but they may be helpful for people dealing with specific conditions. Some of the most common reasons a doctor might recommend a spinal injection include herniated or bulging discs, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), degenerative disc disease, sciatica, and facet joint arthritis.

These conditions can cause nerve irritation, inflammation, and severe pain that radiates into the arms or legs. When that pain does not improve with rest, medication, or physical therapy alone, a spinal injection may help calm things down enough to allow healing and movement. It is always important to work with a qualified medical provider who can evaluate your imaging, your symptoms, and your overall health before recommending any injection.

What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure

Before the injection, your doctor will review your medical history and any imaging like MRI or X-rays. You may be asked to stop taking certain blood thinners before the procedure. Most injections are done as outpatient procedures, meaning you go home the same day. You will want to arrange a ride home since you should not drive afterward.

During the procedure, you will lie on a table and the area will be cleaned and numbed. The doctor will use imaging to guide the needle carefully into place. The injection itself usually takes only a few minutes, though the whole visit may take longer. You might feel some pressure or mild discomfort, but most people tolerate the procedure well.

After the injection, it is normal to feel some soreness at the injection site for a day or two. Relief may come within a few days as the steroid begins to work. Some people feel better after just one injection, while others may need a series of injections over time. Your provider will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Are Spinal Injections Safe?

Spinal injections are considered safe when performed by trained specialists using proper imaging guidance. Like any medical procedure, there are some risks. These can include temporary soreness, headache, or — in rare cases — infection or nerve irritation. Your doctor will talk with you about the risks before the procedure so you can make an informed decision.

It is also worth knowing that spinal injections are not a permanent fix for most conditions. They work best as part of a broader pain management plan that may include physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication management. The goal is to reduce your pain enough so that you can function better and work toward longer-term improvement.

Finding Help in Modesto

If you are living with chronic back pain and want to explore your options, speaking with a pain specialist is a great starting point. At Unity Pain Management in Modesto, CA, the team offers referrals to spine injection specialists as part of a full range of pain care services. The clinic also provides medication management, joint injections, physical therapy referrals, and telehealth visits — all in an insurance-friendly setting.

You do not have to keep struggling on your own. Reaching out for a professional evaluation can open the door to a treatment plan that is built around your specific needs and goals.

A Reason to Be Hopeful

Chronic back pain is hard. It can make you feel like nothing will ever help. But pain medicine has come a long way, and there are more options today than ever before. Spinal injections have helped many people find meaningful relief and get back to living their lives. While results vary from person to person, taking that first step to get evaluated is always worthwhile.

You deserve care that takes your pain seriously. With the right team and the right plan, improvement is possible.

References

• Weinstein, Stuart M. “Epidural Steroid Injections.” American Academy of Pain Medicine. 2019.
• Manchikanti, Laxmaiah, et al. “An Update of Comprehensive Evidence-Based Guidelines for Interventional Techniques in Chronic Spinal Pain.” Pain Physician. 2013.
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “Back Pain Fact Sheet.” National Institutes of Health. 2023.
• Chou, Roger, et al. “Diagnosis and Treatment of Low Back Pain: A Joint Clinical Practice Guideline.” Annals of Internal Medicine. 2007.
• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Epidural Steroid Injections: Why It’s Done.” Mayo Clinic. 2023.