When pain settles into the middle of your back, simple movements like turning, reaching or taking a deep breath can be challenging. A thoracic spinal injection is a minimally invasive, evidence-based option for thoracic spine pain treatment that can help identify and ease the source of your discomfort. At Fondren Orthopedic Group, a Division of OrthoLoneStar, our board-certified, sub-specialized spine physicians use this procedure as part of a personalized care and treatment plan built around your needs.
As the largest physician-owned orthopedic group in Houston, with multiple convenient locations, Fondren brings together a multidisciplinary team that collaborates closely on your care and works to see you quickly so that you can get answers without a long wait.
The thoracic spine is the middle section of your back that connects your neck to your lower spine. A thoracic facet injection delivers medication directly to the small facet joints between your vertebrae, which provide stability and allow smooth motion. This mid-back pain injection helps your physician pinpoint the source of your pain and reduces inflammation, so you can feel more comfortable.
This treatment may be a good fit if rest, physical therapy, or medication have not provided the upper back pain relief you hoped for, or if your physician needs to confirm whether your facet joints are the source of your pain. The best next step is a one-on-one evaluation. Our specialists review your history, symptoms and imaging, then recommend a patient-centered plan that fits your situation.
Thoracic pain is less common than neck or lower-back pain, yet it can be just as limiting. If your pain originates from the thoracic joints, a thoracic spinal injection may help with:
We perform your thoracic spinal injection on an outpatient basis using state-of-the-art image guidance for precision. Your physician carefully directs the injection into the targeted facet joint, where a combination of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medications helps reduce irritation and interrupt pain signals. The injection itself takes only a few minutes, and most patients return home the same day.
For a day or two after the injection, you may notice mild soreness at the injection site, which commonly responds well to rest and ice. Patients often begin to feel relief within a few days as the medication takes full effect. Your care team will share clear aftercare guidance and discuss next steps, which may include rehabilitation and recovery support or follow-up care.
Choosing where to treat your back starts with confidence in your care team. We support you with:
Take the first step toward pain relief by filling out our online form to schedule your appointment. Our team will walk you through your insurance coverage and options before you visit to find the plan that’s right for your needs. We’re thankful to take care of you.