Ricky Sayegh, MD, is an interventional pain management specialist based in Paramus, New Jersey, serving patients in and around Bergen County. With more than two decades of medical practice, he offers personalized pain management, wellness, and general medical services, including experience with neck and back injections and vein treatments. His background includes internal medicine, critical intensive care, emergency medicine, and employee wellness support as chief medical officer at Con Edison in New York City. Dr. Sayegh’s training includes a medical degree from New York Medical College, a physician executive MBA from the University of Tennessee, and service as a chief medical resident at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. His clinical experience relates directly to spinal injections, an interventional option used in managing spine-related pain.
Spinal Injections – Targeted Relief for Spine-Related Pain
Back and neck pain are among the most common reasons people seek medical care, with studies finding that up to 85 percent of people will experience it at some point in their lives. While it becomes more common in the aging population, even people in their 30s may experience it. The pain can occur in different parts of the back, from the muscles and nerves to the vertebrae and discs.
The potential causes of back and neck pain are numerous, ranging from simple strains or poor posture to injuries or degenerative conditions that occur with age. Conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and sciatica can cause inflammation around spinal nerves, leading to persistent discomfort, tingling, or weakness.
After an accurate diagnosis to determine the exact cause of back and neck pain, treatment options range from physical therapy to pain medication or alternative therapies like acupuncture or massage. However, when traditional treatments are not enough, patients can opt for anti-inflammatory spinal injections, a minimally invasive form of interventional pain management offering a targeted and effective option for pain relief.
Anti-inflammatory spinal injections were introduced in the early 1950s and are now a widely used interventional pain-management technique designed to reduce inflammation around irritated spinal nerves. The procedure involves delivering an anti-inflammatory medication directly into the area surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots. By injecting the medication close to the source of inflammation, doctors can use these shots to help alleviate pain more effectively than systemic treatments.
This approach is commonly used to treat conditions involving nerve irritation and inflammation. In sciatica, a compressed nerve in the lower back can cause sharp, shooting pain that travels down the leg. Similarly, a herniated disc may press on nearby nerves, while spinal stenosis (narrowing of the space around the spinal cord) can lead to chronic nerve compression. In these cases, reducing inflammation can ease pressure on the nerves and mitigate symptoms.
The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and takes a short time to complete. The physician inserts a needle into the spinal canal to inject anti-inflammatory medication, usually guided by imaging, like an ultrasound. Patients may feel mild discomfort during the injection, but no intense pain. A local anesthetic may be used to numb the area.
The key advantage of spinal injections is the minimally invasive approach, providing pain relief without surgery. Some patients experience pain relief within a few days, while for others, it may take up to a week to notice the full effect. The duration of relief varies depending on the cause of the pain. Patients recovering from an injury may only need one shot, while those with chronic conditions may require additional injections.
Spinal injections are not a cure for underlying structural conditions. They are typically one step of a multidisciplinary approach to pain management. Depending on the patient’s needs, this may include physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, or additional interventional procedures.
Spinal injections are considered safe, and serious complications are uncommon. Minor side effects may include temporary soreness at the injection site, headache, or a brief increase in pain. More rare risks include infection, high blood pressure, or increased swelling.
While anti-inflammatory injections represent a valuable path to pain relief, some individuals may not be good candidates for this approach. The shot is not recommended when an infection is present, or if the patient is on blood-thinning medication or has a bleeding disorder. A qualified specialist will consider the patient’s medical history to ensure that the procedure is safe and appropriate.
About Ricky Sayegh
Dr. Sayegh is an interventional pain management physician based in Paramus, New Jersey, serving patients in Bergen County. He provides personalized pain management, wellness, and general medical services, with experience in neck and back injections, joint and lower back concerns, and vein treatments. His background includes internal medicine, emergency medicine, critical intensive care, employee wellness, medical leadership, and volunteer service with Doctors Without Borders and reentry organizations.