Intra-discal Injections

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​On occasion, an inflammed disc can be the cause of back pain. The diagnosis is easily made with the help of an MRI scan. This procedure is an injection of steroid (strong anti-inflammatory) and local anaesthetic in to an inflamed and painful disc in order to help discogenic back pain.  It differs to discography (a diagnostic procedure) as it is a therapeutic intervention. 

What happens on the day?

This is a quick day case procedure performed under sedation.  We therefore ask patients to refrain from eating or drinking anything for 6 hours prior to the injection.  Water however is allowed up to 2 hours before admission.  We also ask that someone brings the patient home.

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Patients lie on their front and a cannula inserted into their hand to facilitate the sedation.  Once sedated, the injection is administered under x-ray guidance.     Typically, patients leave the hospital within an hour of the injection.

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Follow up

Typically, a routine follow-up appointment is made for 6 weeks, thus giving time for the injection to work. It is helpful to keep a pain diary during this period.  If there are any signs of discharge, redness or swelling at the injection site, worsening or a persistent headache, then early medical attention should be sought.