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When people hear the word “epidural” they usually associate it with the painkiller injections that are sometimes given to women during childbirth, however, injections of steroids can also provide relief from chronic back pain. The epidural layer is the layer around your spinal cord. Injections in this layer can significantly reduce inflammation and pain. If you are suffering from chronic pain that has not responded well to oral medications, there are a number of other options available to curb pain and help with healing. Epidural steroids can be helpful for a number of conditions.
Epidural steroid injections offer relief for patients who have lower back pain and leg pain. Inflammation of the nerves roots due to a damaged disc, contact or injury can cause uncomfortable pain in the lower back and legs. This non-surgical method of treatment can be very effective for treating patients with sciatica and lower back pain.
The epidural injection delivers a dose of steroids and anesthetic into the epidural space in the spine. This results in very potent anti-inflammatory action that will provide relief for back and leg pain. It will not cure the underlying cause of the pain but will break the inflammation and pain cycle.
After your injections, you may feel relief in one to three days but sometimes it can take a week to feel the benefits. In general, most people can tolerate the steroid injection very well. Some people may experience more than usual pain that will subside, temporary bruising, flushing of the face for an hour or two, minor anxiety, and trouble sleeping. All of these should disappear in a few days and are not permanent.
Each injection will usually provide two to three weeks of relief. In cases of acute injuries like whiplash, this can be enough time for the body to begin healing itself. With chronic conditions, multiple injections may be needed to provide more long-term relief.
You will lie on your belly during the procedure so the doctor can access your back. The steroids are injected into the epidural layer of the spine in the area that is currently affected by a painful condition. Because of negative pressure in the space around the spine, the medication stays in the area of the injection to provide pain relief.
Steroid injections can be performed at any part of the spine. Common injection points include:
Recovery from an epidural steroid injection is usually quick and uncomplicated. You may experience pain and swelling at the injection site for a day or two after the injection. Applying ice to the site for 15 to 20 minutes at a time can relieve any pain.
Some people may experience reduced sensation in an extremity that was affected by pain. This will usually resolve within around eight hours.
Epidural injections can be used to treat a wide variety of back and neck pain. Common conditions treated with epidural steroids include:
Call Clearway Pain Solutions to schedule a consultation to see if epidural injections are a good option for you. We work to get you back to a pain free life.
We believe that you do not have to live in pain. At Clearway Pain Solutions, we use a range of treatment options to manage your pain effectively. Are you suffering from chronic pain? Get in touch today. We can assess the source of your pain and develop a treatment plan that works for you.