Epidural Steroid Injections
What are Epidural Steroid Injections?
Epidural injections mean delivery of medications to the epidural space in the spinal cord. Similar to the brain, the spinal cord is well protected with spinal fluid, which is contained by a few layers of membranes.
Epidural steroid injections include a long-lasting steroid and a local anesthetic. The steroid reduces the inflammation and irritation and the anesthetic interrupts the pain signal transmission. The medicine is then distributed throughout the spine to reduce inflammation and irritation. The entire procedure usually takes less than fifteen minutes.
Epidural steroid injections are simple and safe procedures. They are done under x-ray guidance and with light sedation. Patients are normally released after 1-2 hours and can return to their normal work and activities the next day, if sedation is used.
What are the Advantages of Epidural Steroid Injections?
- Minimally invasive
- Short recovery
- High success rates
- Local anesthesia
- Minimal or no blood loss
- Reduce inflammation and irritation
- Takes less than 15 minutes
- Same day, outpatient procedure
What conditions can Epidural Steroid Injections Treat?
Spinal conditions commonly treated with epidural steroid injections normally involve pain caused by the following:
- Radicular pain/radiculitis: Pain that radiates from an irritated spinal nerve root
- Nerve compression in the neck (cervical spine) and the lower back (lumbar spine)
Other conditions can be treated with epidural steroid injections include:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal stenosis
- Herniated discs spondylosis
- Sciatica
Before surgical spine treatment is considered, we will exhaust conservative, non-surgical spine treatment options first. Our advanced diagnostic and pain mapping techniques enable us to ensure precise diagnosis, which is one of the most important factors towards effective treatment of your pain.
