1) Trigger Point (Anesthetic) Injection: An injection of numbing medicine (Xylocaine) into the muscle. A numbing feeling can last for 4–6 hours.
2) Joint Injection: An injection of numbing medicine (Xylocaine) into a joint space. A numbing feeling can last for 4–6 hours. A small dose of steroid (Dexamethasone) may also be added to stop inflammation. This type of shot may hurt for a day or two until the steroid does its job.
If you are told to take only Tylenol-like products for pain after the injection, then ligament strengthening medicine (Sodium Morruhate) was used. This type of joint injection can be painful for a few days.
3) Nerve Block: An injection of numbing medicine (Xylocaine) at or near a nerve (such as the Greater Occipital, Median and Peroneal nerves). A numbing feeling can last for 4–6 hours. Occasionally a small dose of a steroid-like compound (Dexamethasone) will also be added to stop inflammation.
4) Facet and Paravertebral Nerve Block: An injection of numbing medicine (Xylocaine) onto the bones outside the spine. It is named facet when done in the low back and paravertebral when done in the neck or mid-back. A numbing feeling can last for 4–6 hours.
5) Epidural Steroid Injection: An injection of sterile water (Saline) and steroid (Dexamethasone) inside the spinal canal. In some cases, this shot can cause back pain and headaches for a few days. If this occurs, lying down will get rid of the headache. Diabetics may need to monitor blood sugars.
6) Electric Sympathetic or Stellate Ganglion Blocks: This block is done with patches on the skin and electricity. Side effects can include hoarseness, nausea, early or heavy periods, and skin burn. All side effects are temporary, although the skin burn (about the size of dime) heals slowly.
7) Sphenopalatine Ganglion (SPG) Blocks: An injection of some numbing medicine (Xylocaine) at or near the SPG in the face. This is a type of sympathetic nerve block. A numbing feeling can last for 4–6 hours.
8) Superior Cervical Sympathetic Ganglion (SCSG) Blocks: An injection of some numbing medicine (Xylocaine) at or near the SCSG in the back of the mouth. This is a type of sympathetic nerve block. A numbing feeling can last for 4 - 6 hours.
9) Plexus Block: An injection of numbing medicine (Xylocaine) at the side or front of the neck. A numbing feeling can last for 4–6 hours.
Tips On Blocks And Injections:
~When receiving an injection, focus all attention onto a spot on the wall or ceiling. Think about something special to you.
~Don't be surprised if you hurt more before you feel better.
~Listen to your body. stretch or move when it feels right, but don't overdo it.
~Rest when needed. Work with your body, not against it.
~Don't expect something really big to happen. Some injections can take up to two week to get the full effect. Look for small improvements or changes, such as a warmer feeling of better movement.
