Indications for spinal injections in the chronic pain patient

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to understand the complexity and variety of options available to the fully trained interventional pain physician in regards to spinal injection for chronic pain patients. This paper reviews and summarizes indications for some of the more common injection procedures in the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral regions. Therapeutic and diagnostic injections are discussed as well as selected interventional, nonsurgical, treatment options. Procedures and injections around and into spinal column structures are the mainstay of the medical specialty Interventional Pain Management. These precise and selective procedures require specific and intensive training over and above that afforded in the majority of the primary residencies and fellowship programs. Well-planned, physician expert instructed and proctored cadaver training along with physician review and procedure practice guidance are required for safe performance of the procedures. © 2008 by American Academy of Pain Medicine.