Algological intervention on the spine is possible for pain and problems in the neck, back, lower back and coccyx. These include injections to the facet joints at the back of the spinal bones (facet block), injections around the spinal cord membrane called the dura (cervical and lumbar transforaminal and epidural steroid injections), caudal epidural steroid injections in the sacrum and sacroiliac joint injections. Trigger point injections can also be performed into the muscles around the spine to help relieve spasm and pain. Injections can be given in the side of the dorsal (thoracic) spine to relieve rib bone pain (intercostal nerve block). Nerve blocks can be performed for shingles pain on one side of the spine.
In sacroiliac joint dysfunction, patients are injected under the operating room conditions in the light of the scopy images. In the treatment of coccydynia, injection can be performed in and around the joint where the coccyx bone articulates with the sacrum. In piriformis syndrome, local anesthetic and steriod injection can be administered into the priformis muscle. In facet joint degeneration, patients can receive facet joint injections. The aim of this is to relieve pain by applying local anesthetic and corticosteroid drugs around the nerves that innervate the facet joint. Epidural injection may be considered in patients with herniated disc and lumbar narrow canal. Short or long-term effects can be achieved with these treatments.
Radiofrequency can also be used to perform nerve blocks. This is based on the principle that a probe tip generates heat between 40 and 80 °C with radio waves to produce an analgesic effect (pain relief). This results in the destruction of the targeted nerve and pain relief. This procedure is usually performed while the patient is under sedation.