When chronic pain disrupts daily life, finding relief becomes more than a priority—it becomes a necessity. For many patients, especially those struggling with conditions like arthritis, herniated discs, sciatica, or joint inflammation, pain management injections offer a powerful, non-surgical solution. According to Jordan Sudberg, a renowned pain management specialist, these injections not only alleviate pain but can also improve mobility, reduce dependency on oral medications, and enhance quality of life.
With years of clinical experience and a deep commitment to holistic pain care, Dr. Sudberg believes that understanding your options is the first step toward effective treatment. In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common types of pain management injections and how each one works—along with expert insights from Jordan Sudberg himself.
What Are Pain Management Injections?
Pain management injections are targeted treatments that deliver medication directly to the source of pain, often with the guidance of advanced imaging such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound. These injections typically contain a combination of a local anesthetic (for immediate relief) and a corticosteroid (for long-term inflammation reduction).
“These procedures are minimally invasive and highly effective when appropriately matched to a patient’s condition,” says Jordan Sudberg. “They’re often used as part of a comprehensive pain management plan that may include physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and other treatments.”
1. Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs)
Used for: Herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, and other spine-related conditions.
How it helps: ESIs reduce inflammation around spinal nerves by delivering corticosteroids into the epidural space of the spine.
According to Dr. Sudberg, “Patients suffering from radiating back or leg pain often experience noticeable relief within a few days of an epidural steroid injection. It can be a game-changer for those hoping to delay or avoid surgery.”
2. Facet Joint Injections
Used for: Arthritis-related back pain, whiplash injuries, and chronic neck or lower back pain.
How it helps: These injections target the small joints along the spine called facet joints. Medication is delivered directly into the joint capsule to decrease inflammation and pain.
Dr. Sudberg explains, “Facet joint injections are both diagnostic and therapeutic. If the pain subsides after the injection, we know that particular joint is the source of the issue.”
3. Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Injections
Used for: Lower back pain stemming from the sacroiliac joint where the spine meets the pelvis.
How it helps: Medication reduces inflammation in the SI joint, improving mobility and reducing localized pain.
“This is especially helpful for patients with conditions like ankylosing spondylitis or after trauma to the pelvis,” says Jordan Sudberg. “When physical therapy alone isn’t enough, SI joint injections provide critical support.”
4. Trigger Point Injections
Used for: Myofascial pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, and muscle spasms.
How it helps: Trigger point injections involve inserting a small needle into tight muscle knots (trigger points) and injecting a local anesthetic—sometimes with a corticosteroid.
“These injections provide immediate relief by breaking the pain cycle in muscle tissue,” Dr. Sudberg explains. “They’re particularly effective for patients whose pain is localized in specific muscular areas.”
5. Nerve Blocks
Used for: Pain conditions involving nerve damage or nerve entrapment, such as neuropathy, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), or shingles-related pain.
How it helps: Nerve blocks interrupt pain signals being sent to the brain by injecting medication near a specific nerve or group of nerves.
“Nerve blocks can serve multiple purposes: diagnosis, treatment, and even preparation for more advanced procedures like radiofrequency ablation,” Dr. Sudberg notes.
6. Joint Injections (Knee, Shoulder, Hip)
Used for: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and joint inflammation.
How it helps: Joint injections deliver medication directly into the affected joint to reduce swelling, pain, and stiffness.
Dr. Sudberg adds, “Many patients report improved joint function within days, allowing them to return to activities they thought were no longer possible.”
In some cases, viscosupplementation, which involves injecting hyaluronic acid into the joint (especially the knee), is also an option. This helps lubricate the joint and improve movement.
Are Pain Management Injections Right for You?
While pain management injections are not a cure-all, they are a vital tool in modern pain care. According to Jordan Sudberg, the key is proper diagnosis and personalized treatment planning.
“Injections are most effective when used as part of a multidisciplinary approach,” he explains. “We look at the whole person—their lifestyle, their condition, their goals—and tailor a plan that gives them the best chance at long-term relief.”
Final Thoughts: Relief Without Surgery
Pain management injections offer patients an opportunity to reduce suffering, restore function, and reclaim their lives—often without the need for surgery or heavy reliance on medications.
With expertise from professionals like Jordan Sudberg, patients are empowered to understand their treatment options and make informed decisions. Whether you’re managing back pain, joint pain, or muscle tension, there’s likely a targeted injection that can help you move forward—pain-free.