Study after study has shown how detrimental chronic pain is for people, and its impact isn’t just physical. Long-term discomfort can also lead to anxiety and depression because the brain and nervous system are closely intertwined.
One innovative treatment that has helped many is epidural steroid injections, directly delivering steroidal anti-inflammatory medications combined with a local anesthetic to angry nerves.
Advanced Spine and Pain’s caring team tailors treatment to your condition, and we often turn to epidural steroid injections when medication and other conservative treatments haven’t brought relief.
How do epidural steroid injections work?
Epidural steroid injections have been game-changers in the treatment of pain. When you visit Advanced Spine and Pain for this treatment, we apply a topical numbing agent on the area where you will receive the injection so you don’t feel pain.
We then administer your injection. There are three types of injections, and the one you get depends on the location of your pain and a thorough review of your medical history:
- A transforaminal epidural steroid injection goes where your spinal nerve exits your spine.
- A caudal epidural steroid injection is delivered at the base of your spine.
- An interlaminar epidural steroid injection can be administered anywhere along your spine.
Epidural steroid injections are popular with patients because they relieve debilitating pain and other symptoms and only take about 15 minutes to administer. We monitor you for about 20-30 minutes before you go home. Side effects are mild and usually include post-injection soreness, but an ice pack resolves that quickly.
Some patients require multiple injections, but you will know if you do well before your appointment when you consult with your Advanced Spine and Pain provider.
Many patients notice immediate pain reduction and relief right after their treatment, but don’t be discouraged if you have somewhat of a pain increase in the days following your treatment — this is normal. After 2-4 days, patients generally feel significant relief that lasts for a few months.
How do I know if an epidural steroid injection is the right treatment for me?
Epidural steroid injections are particularly effective for people who suffer with:
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Leg pain
- Radiculitis, or nerve root inflammation, as opposed to radiculopathy (root compression)
- Sciatica, when the sciatic nerve causes back, leg, or foot pain and other symptoms
- Herniated discs (when the soft center of the disc pushes through its annulus or shell)
- Spinal stenosis, when a narrowed spinal canal compresses the cord and nerve roots
You’re most likely a candidate for epidural steroid injection treatment if you suffer from any of these conditions, but we talk with you specifically about whether injections are right for you after we consider your diagnosis, medical history, and symptom severity.
Call the Advanced Spine and Pain office that’s most convenient to you and start a conversation about epidural steroid injections and whether they can give you lasting relief. You may also request an appointment online.
