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Chronic pain can significantly impact your daily life, necessitating professional treatment. Epidural steroid injections are a standard treatment option for various sources of back and neck pain, so understanding their application can be beneficial. Here is more information on what these injections are, the conditions they treat, and the procedure itself:
What Is an Epidural Steroid Injection?
An epidural steroid injection is a medical procedure that delivers medication directly into the epidural space of the spine, the area surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots. The injection typically contains a corticosteroid, a potent anti-inflammatory agent, and sometimes a local anesthetic for immediate pain relief. By placing the medication near the affected nerves, the injection reduces inflammation and alleviates pain.
What Conditions Does It Treat?
These injections are utilized to manage pain caused by several spinal conditions where nerve inflammation is a key factor. A specialist will determine if this treatment is appropriate for your specific case. These injections do not cure the underlying condition, but they provide temporary pain relief, allowing you to participate in physical therapy and other rehabilitative treatments.
Conditions treated include:
- Facet Joint Arthritis: Inflammation in the small joints between your vertebrae causes pain, and steroid injections help manage this discomfort.
- Bone Spurs: Overgrowths of bone can narrow the space for nerves, leading to pain, and this procedure helps alleviate the associated inflammation.
- Thickened Ligaments: Ligaments in the spine thicken over time and press on nerves, so injections are used to reduce inflammation.
- Spinal Stenosis: This condition involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, which puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, and injections offer relief.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: As spinal discs wear down, they can cause pain and inflammation, which may be managed with this treatment.
What Does the Process Involve?
The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, so you can go home the same day. You will be positioned on a table, and the injection site will be cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. The physician then guides a thin needle to the precise location in the epidural space.
Once the needle is correctly placed, the corticosteroid medication is injected, and the needle is removed. The entire process is usually brief, and you will be monitored for a short period before being discharged. You may feel some pressure during the injection, but the local anesthetic helps minimize discomfort throughout the procedure.
What Are the Benefits?
The primary benefit of an epidural steroid injection is substantial pain relief, which helps improve your quality of life. By reducing pain and inflammation, the injection may allow you to engage more effectively in a physical therapy program, strengthening your back and improving your mobility. This may lead to longer-term pain management and a quicker return to your normal activities.
Consult a Specialist Today
Epidural steroid injections are a beneficial component of a comprehensive pain management plan for specific spinal conditions, as they deliver targeted anti-inflammatory medication. This treatment can provide the necessary pain relief to help you progress with physical therapy and other rehabilitative efforts. If you are experiencing chronic back or neck pain, consult with a pain management specialist. A specialist will diagnose the source of your pain and determine if you are a suitable candidate for this procedure.
