Living with Back Pain: Surgery Isn’t the Only Option
If chronic back pain is limiting your life, you’re not alone. Millions of people in the U.S. struggle with spine-related pain that interferes with work, sleep, and everyday tasks. And for many, the looming thought of back surgery brings its stress and uncertainty.
But here’s the good news: In many cases, spinal injections offer a safer, non-surgical alternative that can significantly reduce pain, improve function, and help you avoid—or delay—the need for an operation.
At Innovative Pain Care Center, our fellowship-trained, board-certified pain specialists provide compassionate, patient-centred care using the latest minimally invasive pain relief techniques. This guide’ll explain how spinal injections work, who they help, and whether they could be the right step for your recovery.
Understanding Chronic Back Pain: Causes & Consequences
Back pain isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be life-changing. You may struggle to sit for long periods, get restful sleep, or even walk around the house. If you’ve already tried medications, therapy, or rest with slight improvement, you’re likely wondering what’s next.
Common causes of chronic back pain include:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine)
- Sciatica and nerve root compression
- Arthritis or degenerative disc disease
- Post-surgical or injury-related inflammation
These conditions often involve inflammation or pressure on spinal nerves, leading to persistent pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates through the back, hips, or legs.
Why Surgery May Not Be Necessary for Everyone
While some severe spine conditions require surgical intervention, many patients can manage or even overcome their pain through non-surgical, interventional treatments.
Surgery often comes with:
- Long recovery times
- Potential complications
- Uncertain long-term results
- Significant physical and emotional stress
At Innovative Pain Care Center, we believe surgery is a last resort. We specialize in helping patients find lasting relief through conservative and minimally invasive methods first, especially when those approaches can reduce the need for major surgery.
What Are Spinal Injections?
Spinal injections are precisely targeted procedures that deliver anti-inflammatory or numbing medications to areas of the spine causing pain. They treat both inflammation and nerve-related pain, offering relief with minimal downtime.
The most common spinal injections include:
Epidural Steroid Injections
Used to treat herniated discs, sciatica, or spinal stenosis, these injections deliver medication around irritated spinal nerves to reduce inflammation and pressure.
Facet Joint Injections
Target the small joints between spinal vertebrae, often inflamed by arthritis or injury. These injections relieve localized back pain and help confirm the source of discomfort.
Nerve Blocks
Used to interrupt pain signals from irritated nerves. They can also help identify the nerve causing the pain to tailor further treatment. To ensure accuracy and safety, these procedures are performed in-office or at an outpatient center using imaging guidance (like fluoroscopy).
Can Spinal Injections Help You Avoid Back Surgery?
In many cases, yes.
Spinal injections serve two important roles:
- Therapeutic Relief: By reducing inflammation and pain, injections allow the body to heal naturally over time. This can lead to significant improvement without ever needing surgery.
- Diagnostic Clarity: Injections can help identify the specific source of pain. If an injection provides relief, it tells your doctor exactly which area of the spine is causing the issue, which is Important information when planning further care.
Many patients find that injections:
- Reduce pain enough to resume daily activities
- Delay or eliminate the need for surgery
- Improve quality of life during physical therapy or other treatments.
“We see patients daily who regain mobility and confidence with spinal injections—without having to go under the knife,” says one of our board-certified pain specialists.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Spinal Injections?
Spinal injections may be right for you if:
- You’ve had back or leg pain for more than 4–6 weeks
- You’ve tried other treatments (e.g., medication, physical therapy) without success.
- You’re not ready for surgery, or want to avoid it if possible.
- Imaging (MRI or CT) confirms nerve or joint involvement.
Even if you’ve already been told you’re a surgical candidate, it’s worth exploring injections first. Many patients find long-lasting relief without the risks or downtime of an operation.
What to Expect: Procedure, Recovery, and Results
Spinal injections are safe, fast, and well-tolerated. Here’s what the process usually involves:
Before the Procedure:
- You’ll meet with one of our pain specialists to review your medical history and imaging.
- We’ll explain the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes.
During the Procedure:
- The injection is performed under live X-ray (fluoroscopy) for accuracy.
- A local anesthetic numbs the skin; no general anesthesia is needed.
- Medication is delivered to the exact location of nerve or joint inflammation.
- The entire procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes.
After the Procedure:
- Most patients go home the same day.
- You may feel immediate relief or gradual improvement over a few days.
- Results can last weeks to several months, and injections can be repeated if needed.
Combining Spinal Injections with Other Therapies
While spinal injections can be powerful on their own, they’re often most effective as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include:
- Physical therapy to rebuild strength and mobility
- Posture and lifestyle coaching to reduce re-injury
- Non-opioid medications to support ongoing relief
- Nutritional and fitness counseling, if appropriate
At Innovative Pain Care Center, we customize each treatment plan to your unique condition, goals, and lifestyle. We aim to get you moving again—with less pain, fewer risks, and greater confidence.
Why Choose Innovative Pain Care Center?
As one of Southern Nevada’s leading pain management providers, we offer:
- Fellowship-trained, board-certified pain specialists
- Advanced, evidence-based techniques, including fluoroscopic-guided injections
- Personalized, patient-centred care tailored to your life and condition
- Three convenient locations: Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Henderson
- A compassionate team that listens and supports you at every step
We don’t just treat symptoms—we work to restore function, confidence, and quality of life.
When to Talk to a Pain Specialist
If your back pain is ongoing and starting to take a toll on your ability to work, exercise, or sleep, it may be time to explore spinal injections as part of your care plan.
You should consult a specialist if:
- Pain has lasted more than a month
- Medications or rest haven’t helped
- You’ve been told surgery is the only option, but you’re not ready.
- You want expert guidance on minimally invasive alternatives.
At Innovative Pain Care Center, our team will help you understand all your options—including those that don’t involve surgery.
Take the First Step Toward Relief—Without Surgery
Don’t let back pain control your life—or rush into surgery before exploring all your options.
Schedule a consultation today with the compassionate experts at Innovative Pain Care Center and discover how spinal injections can help you regain comfort and mobility safely, effectively, and without surgery.
Call us or visit www.painfreenevada.com to book your appointment at one of our convenient Las Vegas-area locations.
