For many patients, the idea of a spine or joint injection can feel intimidating—especially if it’s their first time. Questions about safety, discomfort, and recovery are common. At California Sports & Spine Institute (CSSI), patient comfort, education, and precision are central to every procedure.

Understanding what happens before, during, and after a spine or joint injection can help ease concerns and ensure you feel confident going into treatment.

Why Spine and Joint Injections Are Performed

Spine and joint injections serve two important purposes:

Diagnostic: Helping pinpoint the exact source of pain

Therapeutic: Reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and improving function

These minimally invasive procedures are commonly used to treat conditions such as:

Chronic low back or neck pain

Sciatica and nerve-related pain

Facet joint syndrome

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction

Joint pain in the knees, hips, shoulders, and other areas

Before Your Injection: Preparation and Evaluation

Every injection at CSSI begins with a thorough evaluation. Dr. Maxim Moradian reviews your medical history, imaging studies, and symptoms to ensure the procedure is appropriate and safe.

Before your appointment:

You may be asked to adjust certain medications temporarily

Comfortable clothing is recommended

Most procedures do not require fasting

Imaging guidance and sterile technique are planned in advance

Patients are encouraged to ask questions so they fully understand the purpose of the injection and expected outcomes.

During the Procedure: What It Feels Like

Spine and joint injections are performed in-office using advanced imaging guidance to ensure accuracy and safety.

Here’s what typically happens:

The treatment area is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic

Imaging such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound guides precise needle placement

Medication—such as an anti-inflammatory agent, anesthetic, or regenerative solution—is delivered directly to the targeted area

Most patients describe the procedure as brief and well-tolerated, with minimal discomfort. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of injection.

After the Injection: Recovery and Results

After the procedure, patients are monitored briefly before going home the same day.

What to expect afterward:

Mild soreness at the injection site for 24–48 hours

Gradual improvement in pain over several days

Temporary numbness or relief from the local anesthetic

Return to normal activities typically within one day

Dr. Moradian provides individualized post-procedure instructions to support healing and maximize results.

Types of Spine and Joint Injections Offered at CSSI

California Sports & Spine Institute offers a wide range of injection-based treatments, including:

Epidural steroid injections

Facet joint injections

Medial and lateral branch nerve blocks

Sacroiliac joint injections

Peripheral nerve blocks

Joint injections for knees, hips, shoulders, and more

Regenerative injections, including PRP and stem cell therapies

Each treatment plan is customized based on diagnosis, activity level, and long-term goals.

How Injections Fit Into a Long-Term Pain Management Plan

Injections are rarely a standalone solution. At CSSI, they are often part of a comprehensive, non-surgical treatment strategy that may include:

Regenerative medicine

Radiofrequency ablation

Functional rehabilitation

Lifestyle and activity guidance

This approach allows patients to achieve sustained pain relief while preserving mobility and function.

Safe, Precise, and Patient-Focused Care

At California Sports & Spine Institute, spine and joint injections are performed with:

Advanced imaging for accuracy

Minimally invasive techniques

A focus on comfort and safety

Expertise in complex pain conditions

Patients benefit from care that prioritizes diagnosis, precision, and long-term results.

Schedule Your Consultation at CSSI

If chronic pain is limiting your movement or quality of life, a spine or joint injection may be an effective next step. CSSI offers both in-office and telemedicine consultations to determine the best treatment plan.

📍 Arcadia | Glendale | Palmdale

📞 Call (818) 338-6860 to schedule an evaluation

Experience targeted pain relief with confidence and expert care.