01 Jan How Joint Injections Help Reduce Chronic Inflammation and Relieve Pain
Finding relief from chronic joint pain often starts with addressing one of the most common underlying contributors: inflammation. For many patients in the North Texas area, joint injections can serve as a helpful “middle ground” between daily medication and more invasive treatment options, including surgery.
These injections deliver medication directly to the painful area. In many cases, this can help reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and support a better quality of life with minimal downtime.
The Link Between Inflammation and Chronic Joint Pain
Inflammation is part of the body’s natural healing response. But when inflammation becomes ongoing, it can irritate nearby nerves and contribute to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
In conditions such as arthritis or sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction, chronic inflammation may lead to symptoms like aching, burning, or sharp pain. Over time, this can make everyday activities feel much harder, including:
- Walking through a grocery store
- Sitting for long periods
- Climbing stairs
- Gardening or yardwork
- Sleeping comfortably
Interventional pain management focuses on interrupting this cycle. Unlike oral medications that must travel through the entire body, joint injections deliver treatment directly to the area being targeted.
How Joint Injections Work
Joint injections are designed to reduce inflammation in a specific area. Depending on the type of injection and the condition being treated, injections may:
- Calm inflammation around irritated joints or nerves
- Reduce pain signals
- Improve mobility and function
- Help patients participate more comfortably in physical therapy
It is important to know that results vary. Some patients experience meaningful improvement, while others may have more limited benefit. A spine and pain specialist can help determine whether injections are appropriate based on your symptoms, imaging, and exam findings.
Types of Joint Injections Used in Interventional Pain Management
At Principal Spine & Pain Consultants, several injection-based treatments may be recommended depending on your diagnosis.
Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI)
Epidural steroid injections are commonly used for pain that radiates into the legs or arms due to inflammation near the spinal nerves. ESIs are often recommended for conditions such as:
- Disc herniation
- Spinal stenosis
- Sciatica or nerve-related leg pain
These injections are not intended to “fix” a structural issue, but they may reduce inflammation enough to improve comfort and function.
Facet Joint Injections
Facet joints are small joints in the spine that support movement and stability. When these joints become inflamed, they can contribute to chronic neck or back pain, especially pain that feels stiff, sore, or worse with twisting and bending.
Facet joint injections may be used to reduce inflammation and help clarify whether the facet joints are contributing to symptoms.
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injections
The sacroiliac (SI) joints connect the spine to the pelvis. SI joint pain can be difficult to identify because it may mimic sciatica or hip pain.
SI joint injections may help reduce inflammation and also serve as a diagnostic tool to confirm whether the SI joint is a major source of pain.
Regenerative Medicine Options (PRP)
Some patients are interested in regenerative medicine as part of their treatment plan. One option is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), which uses a concentrated portion of your own blood to support the body’s natural healing response.
PRP may be recommended for certain joint or soft tissue conditions. It is not appropriate for everyone, and results vary depending on the diagnosis and overall health factors. Your provider can help you understand whether PRP may be a reasonable option for your goals.
Why Diagnosis Matters Before Long-Term Treatment
One of the most important parts of interventional care is identifying what is actually causing the pain. Not all joint pain comes from the same source, even when symptoms feel similar.
Before recommending long-term treatment, a pain specialist may use diagnostic injections, selective nerve blocks, or other evaluation methods to help confirm which joint or nerve is responsible for symptoms.
This step can help reduce unnecessary procedures and support a more targeted care plan.
Comfort and Anxiety: Sedation Options for Joint Injections
It is normal to feel anxious about the idea of injections, especially when the spine or pelvis is involved. Some patients worry about needles, discomfort, or procedural pain.
At Principal Spine & Pain Consultants, Dr. Paul Kurian offers sedation and anesthesia options for interventional procedures. This can help make the experience more comfortable for patients who are nervous or have had difficult experiences in the past.
Your care team will review your medical history and discuss whether sedation is appropriate and safe for you.
Supporting an Active Lifestyle in North Texas
The goal of interventional pain management is not simply to reduce symptoms. It is to support functional improvement, so patients can return to daily activities with greater comfort and confidence.
Whether you live in Carrollton, Denton, or the surrounding North Texas area, joint injections may be one option to consider if pain has been limiting your movement, work, or independence.
If you have been told you have to “just live with” your joint pain, it may be time to talk with a spine and pain specialist about a more targeted approach.
Disclaimer
This information is general and for educational purposes only. It does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific symptoms and health history.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
If you are managing ongoing joint, back, or nerve pain, a consultation can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms and whether injections are appropriate.
Schedule an appointment with Principal Spine & Pain Consultants to discuss joint injection options in Carrollton and Denton.