Thoughspinal injectionand surgery are both effective treatments for back pain, there are key differences.
Injection is the less-invasive option, though results are temporary and multiple treatments are needed.
Spinal surgery, correcting the causes of pain, is only attempted after other therapies have been tried.
ljubaphoto / Getty Images
This article discusses the differences between spinal injections and surgery.
How Does It Work?
A spinal injection may be used to diagnose back problems, or as a therapy to manage pain.
To ensure the proper position of the injection, healthcare providers use a special kind ofX-rayguidance calledfluoroscopy.
Side Effects
Spinal injections are generally well-tolerated, and the risk of complications is low.
There also may be out-of-pocket costs to consider, such as travel and lodging to a clinic.
In 2021, the costs of these treatments ranged from $90 to $1,000 per injection.
Speak to aninsurance companyrepresentative and your healthcare providers office staff to understand your expenses and options.
Even without insurance coverage, there may be financing options available.
The decision to go ahead should be made with careful consultation with your provider and a spinal surgeon.
Spinal surgeries are only performed when theres an identified and specific back problem.
However, the surgery isnt appropriate for all patients.
In most cases, however, these treatments reduce pain but dont completely stop it.
Studies have shown that pain drops by around 50% up to one year after surgery for sciatica.
This less invasive option typically leads to quicker recovery and requires shorter hospital stays.
General anesthesia is often used, though some MISS techniques only require a local anesthetic.
There are several kinds of surgery, each with its own advantages and applications.
Which Treatment Is Best for You?
So how do spinal injections and surgeries for the spine compare?
Can Spinal Injection and Spinal Surgery Be Used Together?
Typically, spinal surgery is only considered when other options, including spinal injections, havent yielded results.
As such, they can play an instrumental role in the process leading up to surgery.
Recovery and rehabilitation from these procedures mean learning how to cope with them.
Injection of pain medication and steroids (the less-invasive option) provides lasting but not permanent relief from symptoms.
The physical and emotional burden of living with pain is massive.
The pain can impact every aspect of your life, affecting you at work and at home.
Fortunately, surgery and injections are two ways to get relief.
Most don’t end up requiring it.
A less-invasive option than surgery, spinal injections are well-tolerated and associated with few side effects.
However, this therapy is most effective when paired with physical therapy and certain exercises.
Health Policy Institute.Chronic back pain.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Spinal injections.
2016;10(5):RC05-11.
doi:10.7860/jcdr/2016/18208.8127
American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians.2022 physician proposed payment rates compared to 2021 rates.
Emory Healthcare.Nancy finds relief for chronic back and leg pain with expert spine surgery.
American Society of Anesthesiologists.Back surgery.
2020;382(12):1093-1102. doi:10.1056/nejmoa1912658
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Minimally invasive spine surgery.
2021;30(4):870-877. doi:10.1007/s00586-020-06566-6
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Low back pain.
