If you suffer from chronic hip or shoulder pain, you’ve likely heard your friends, relatives, and doctors mention the bursa injection. But what exactly does this treatment entail? And will it really help you find chronic pain relief? The Twin Cities’ iSpine Pain Physicians is prepared to tackle these questions and more.

A Guide to Bursa Injections

What Are Bursa Injections?

Bursae are thin, lubricated sacs that reduce the friction between bones and opposing surfaces like skin, muscles, ligaments and tendons. Adults typically have around 160 that vary in size and location from person-to-person. They are most often located in the shoulders, hips and knees.

When bursae become swollen — either by repetitive motion injuries or inflammatory diseases like arthritis and bursitis — they cause significant joint pain. However, injecting a steroid-based medication into the affected area can reduce inflammation and bring you chronic pain relief.

How Are They Administered?

Bursa injections are administered much like any other shot. First, your doctor will numb the skin on your shoulder, hip or another joint with a local anesthetic. Then, they will insert a thin needle into the affected bursa, injecting it with a mixture of anti-inflammatory steroids and more anesthetic. The procedure should only take a few minutes.    

Are They Effective?

After your first injection, you will likely experience chronic pain relief within 30 minutes of the procedure. However, your symptoms will return a few hours later — when the anesthetic wears off. Longer-term hip or shoulder pain relief won’t begin until after the steroid takes effect, which is usually after two to three days. For some, this relief is permanent. Others may need bursa injections every few months.

Are There Any Risks?

According to iSpine, the bursa injection poses minimal risks. Some patients experience slight bruising, swelling or inflammation of the injection site. Other symptoms — such as mild fever, headache, increased appetite and abdominal cramping — are rare, but usually resolve within a few days.

Though the bursa injection is both safe and effective, you’ll need to first consult your doctor to see if this treatment is right for you. So, call iSpine Pain Physicians at (763) 201-8191 today to schedule an appointment. For more on the bursa injection as well as the other treatments they offer for hip and shoulder pain, visit the clinic online.