Spinal injections are a minimally invasive treatment that can help ease pain caused by scoliosis.

Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves sideways instead of forming a straight line down the back, often resulting in discomfort and pain.

Doctors might suggest spinal injections to help with pain by targeting the inflammation of irritated nerves caused by the curve in the spine.

Learn more about spinal injections for scoliosis, including what to expect during and after the procedure, the benefits, potential risks, and more.

Yes, spinal injections can help with scoliosis symptoms by reducing pain and inflammation. These injections provide targeted relief and are often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for managing scoliosis symptoms.

Spinal injections typically involve administering corticosteroids and anesthetics directly into the space around the spinal cord. This process targets the inflamed or irritated nerves, providing pain relief and reducing inflammation.

A 2021 study review indicates that epidural steroid injections (ESIs) can provide significant pain relief for people with sciatica and back pain associated with spinal conditions. Several studies have shown that ESIs can be effective in avoiding or delaying surgery.

While spinal injections do not correct the spinal curvature caused by scoliosis, they can relieve the associated symptoms. The goal is to create a “pain-free window” during which a person can engage in physical therapy and exercises to improve overall spinal health.

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons notes that spinal injections can reduce pain and improve mobility by relieving inflammation and nerve root irritation. Combined with physical therapy and other treatments, they can contribute to long-term symptom management.

Doctors typically use spinal injections to manage and relieve pain caused by scoliosis-related conditions involving nerve compression or inflammation in the spine.

While they’re not a long-term or permanent solution, spinal injections can help make daily life more comfortable by managing symptoms.

Doctors may recommend spinal injections for:

  • Pain relief: When over-the-counter medications and physical therapy are not enough to relieve severe pain caused by scoliosis-induced nerve compression.
  • Inflammation reduction: These injections help reduce inflammation around the spinal area, which can ease pain and discomfort.
  • Temporary relief: They help manage symptoms, allowing people to continue with their daily activities and other treatments, such as scoliosis exercises.

A healthcare professional can help you understand whether spinal injections are appropriate for your scoliosis condition, by taking into account your symptoms and medical history.

The spinal injection procedure for scoliosis typically involves the following steps:

Before the procedure

A doctor will review your medical history and imaging results, such as X-rays or MRIs, to determine the exact location for the injection.

You may need to temporarily stop taking certain medications like blood thinners a few days before the procedure to reduce the risk of complications like bleeding.

Plan for someone to drive you home afterward, as you might not be able to drive immediately following the injection.

During the procedure

The procedure usually takes place in an outpatient setting. You’ll lie down on a table in a position that allows the doctor to access the injection site easily.

A healthcare professional will:

  • Thoroughly clean and numb the injection area with a local anesthetic.
  • Use fluoroscopy (a live X-ray) to guide the needle to the precise location.
  • Inject the medication mixture of corticosteroid and anesthetic into the epidural space or facet joint near the affected nerves.

You might feel some pressure during the injection, but the procedure is usually painless.

After the procedure

After the injection, you’ll be monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions. You may experience mild soreness at the injection site for a day or two.

You may also need to attend follow-up appointments to assess the effectiveness of the injection. Always follow the doctor’s specific instructions for the best outcome.

Spinal injections for scoliosis offer several benefits, including:

  • inflammation reduction by decreasing swelling in the affected areas of the spine
  • improved mobility by easing pain and stiffness, enhancing movement and flexibility
  • a nonsurgical option that provides a less invasive alternative to surgery
  • quick recovery, allowing for a faster return to daily activities compared to surgical interventions

Although spinal injections are generally safe, they do carry some risks, including:

Consider discussing potential risks with a healthcare professional to understand whether this treatment is right for you.

Success rates for spinal injections can vary based on individual factors like scoliosis severity and nerve compression.

A 2022 study found cervical epidural steroid injections reduced pain scores by 50% or more in 52% of cases, with higher success when performed by the referring specialist.

While more research is needed, research suggests many people experience significant relief and improved quality from spinal injections.

Spinal injections can be an effective option for managing scoliosis-related pain, especially when other treatments fail to relieve symptoms.

While not a cure, they can significantly improve quality of life by reducing pain and increasing mobility.

Consider talking with a doctor to determine whether spinal injections could be an effective treatment option for you.