Back pain affects a large number of adults, both at work and at home, limiting daily activities and negatively impacting sleep, mobility, and overall well-being. In many cases, initial treatment includes oral medication and physiotherapy sessions, but there are situations in which the pain persists.
In such cases, doctors may recommend injectable treatments that target the affected area and aim to reduce inflammation and relieve pain [1]. In this article, you will discover what types of injections are used for back pain, in which situations they are recommended by Centrokinetic specialists, and what the benefits and risks of each option are.
Back pain – common causes and impact on daily life
Back pain is one of the most common medical problems in adults. It may occur in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar area and can be localized or radiate to the arms or legs. For example, a disc herniation at the L4–L5 or L5–S1 level can cause lower back pain, tingling, or numbness in the legs.
Among the most frequent causes of back pain are:
- muscle and ligament strains or injuries;
- disc herniation;
- degenerative processes, such as osteoarthritis;
- inflammatory conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis;
- vertebral deformities;
- certain rheumatic diseases.
The intensity of symptoms may vary from mild discomfort to severe pain, marked limitation of mobility, weakness, or numbness. In rare but serious cases, symptoms such as loss of sphincter control or numbness in the groin/gluteal area may occur – situations that require urgent medical consultation [1][2].
What are injections for back pain and how do they work?
Injections for back pain involve the direct administration of substances into the affected area in order to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, or support tissue repair. These procedures can provide rapid and targeted relief and are recommended only after a complete medical evaluation. Each type of injection has clear indications and limitations, established depending on the cause of the pain [3].
How do Centrokinetic specialists decide whether injections are appropriate?
Before recommending any procedure, Centrokinetic physicians evaluate the cause of the pain through clinical examination and imaging investigations – X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound. In some cases, a multidisciplinary team including orthopedic doctors, neurologists, or rheumatologists is involved to ensure a complete and accurate diagnosis.
In general, specialists consider this type of treatment when:
- the pain persists for several weeks;
- the response to treatments such as medication or physiotherapy is insufficient;
- there are contraindications for oral treatments;
- the patient experiences adverse effects from systemic treatments.
For example, a person who cannot tolerate oral anti-inflammatory medication due to digestive conditions may be a suitable candidate for a locally administered injection. The doctor also assesses whether the injection:
- can reduce inflammation;
- is useful for relieving acute or chronic pain;
- can support functional recovery more quickly.
Below is a summary of the evaluated criteria and their importance
| Criterion evaluated by the doctor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Type of pain (acute vs. chronic) | Some injections act quickly, others have long-term effects |
| Presence of inflammation | Influences whether anti-inflammatory or regenerative therapies are recommended |
| Disc or joint involvement | Some treatments are useful only in imaging-confirmed degeneration |
| Patient comorbidities | Certain treatments are contraindicated in specific conditions |
| Response to previous treatments | The doctor adjusts the strategy if symptoms persist |
| Activity level and patient goals | Affects the type of treatment and pace of recovery |
| Patient tolerance to medication/procedures | Options with minimal risks are selected for each case |
The procedure is performed in a specialized office using sterile instruments and, when necessary, ultrasound or radiologic guidance to ensure maximum precision and safety [1][2][3].
What types of injections may Centrokinetic specialists recommend?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) injections
These injections contain anti-inflammatory substances useful for rapid relief of acute or moderate pain. Local administration may provide superior results compared to systemic treatments. However, they are not recommended for patients with active gastric ulcers, bronchial asthma, or severe kidney disease [4].
Corticosteroid injections
Corticosteroids are used to calm intense inflammation and reduce severe pain. They may be used in conditions such as disc herniation associated with persistent pain, spondylosis, or spondylitis.
Generally, a limited number of injections is recommended, but the exact frequency is determined individually by the physician. Possible effects include temporary increases in blood glucose or blood pressure, which is why repeated long-term administration is avoided [2][3].
Hyaluronic acid injections
Hyaluronic acid is used to lubricate and protect joints. Although more commonly administered in the knee or hip, in certain situations the doctor may recommend injections for spinal joints in cases of wear or degenerative changes. This method may help prevent symptom progression and improve mobility, but the indication and dosage are established exclusively by the specialist [5].
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and Sanakin injections
PRP therapy uses the patient’s own blood, processed to obtain a high concentration of platelets that stimulate natural tissue regeneration. Sanakin injections use cytokine-rich serum, also obtained autologously, with anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects. These treatments are useful in muscle injuries, tendinitis, or early-stage osteoarthritis. The risk of adverse reactions is very low, as the administered substance comes from the patient’s own body [3][6].
Botulinum toxin injections
Botulinum toxin is recommended for patients with persistent muscle contractures or spasticity in the back, especially when other treatments are ineffective. It works by relaxing overworked muscles, temporarily blocking nerve impulses. It may be useful, for example, in patients with post-stroke spasticity or chronic muscle pain. The procedure requires specialized medical supervision [7].
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What types of injections can relieve lower back pain?
Specialists may recommend anti-inflammatory injections, corticosteroids, PRP, Sanakin, botulinum toxin, or other substances. The indication depends on the cause of the pain and each patient’s medical history.
What are the risks of corticosteroid injections?
Corticosteroids may temporarily increase blood glucose or blood pressure. Occasionally, local reactions such as redness or swelling may occur. The doctor adjusts the dose and frequency to minimize risks.
When do Centrokinetic doctors recommend anti-inflammatory injections?
Anti-inflammatory injections are indicated for moderate pain associated with local inflammation, especially when oral treatments are ineffective or cannot be administered.
What safety measures does Centrokinetic ensure?
Procedures are performed with sterile instruments, and when necessary, imaging guidance is used to precisely locate the injection site.
How long do the effects of a back pain injection last?
The duration depends on the type of injection: for example, anti-inflammatory injections may last several weeks, while PRP injections may provide relief for several months. The plan is established individually.
At Centrokinetic, you benefit from a complete evaluation, rapid diagnosis, and injectable treatments tailored to your needs. Our multidisciplinary team guides you step by step to achieve fast relief and long-term stable results. Schedule a consultation at one of the Centrokinetic clinics in Bucharest, Cluj, Brasov, or Timisoara and find out which treatment is right for you.
Attention: The information presented is for informational purposes only and does not replace specialist medical consultation. Self-diagnosis and self-medication are not recommended. Always seek medical advice before undergoing injectable treatment for back pain. For a personalized plan, schedule a consultation at one of the Centrokinetic clinics.
Sources:
[1] “Back Pain - Diagnosis and Treatment - Mayo Clinic.” Mayoclinic.org, 2025, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369911. Accessed December 10, 2025.
[2] “Back Pain Causes, Treatment & Pain Relief.” Cleveland Clinic, February 3, 2022, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/back-pain. Accessed December 10, 2025.
[3] Kokotsis, Michael. “15 Types of Injections for Back Pain.” Harley Street Specialist Hospital, December 7, 2023, hssh.health/blog/15-types-of-injections-for-back-pain/. Accessed December 10, 2025.
[4] “Anti-Inflammatory Injections | ADR Spine.” Adrspine.com, 2025, www.adrspine.com/treatments/anti-inflammatory-injections. Accessed December 10, 2025.
[5] Godek, Piotr, and Kuba Ptaszkowski. “Safety of Epidural Hyaluronic Acid Injections in Managing the Symptoms of Lumbar Foraminal Stenosis: A Prospective Preliminary Study.” Journal of Clinical Medicine, vol. 12, no. 6, March 18, 2023, pp. 2359–2359, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10052817/, https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12062359. Accessed December 10, 2025.
[6] “Creation of an Autologous Cytokine-Rich Serum - Sanakin.” Sanakin, December 13, 2023, sanakin.com/. Accessed December 10, 2025.
[7] Jazayeri, Seyed M., et al. “Efficacy of Botulinum Toxin Type A for Treating Chronic Low Back Pain.” Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, vol. 1, no. 2, January 1, 2011, pp. 77–80, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4335729/, https://doi.org/10.5812/kowsar.22287523.1845. Accessed December 10, 2025.
