Epidurals aren’t just for expecting mothers! Epidural steroid injections offer relief for patients who have lower back pain and leg pain. This non-surgical method of treatment can be very effective for treating patients with sciatica and lower back pain. The injection delivers a dose of steroids and anesthetic into the epidural space in the spine.
The spine has much more going on than vertebrae and the spinal cord. The epidural space is the outermost part of the spinal canal and is filled with cerebrospinal fluid, which helps maintain pressure in the brain and cushions the spine against injury. When this delicate area is inflamed, it causes pain and impedes healing from trauma or spinal conditions.
This method of treatment is an effective way to avoid surgery, especially when the cause of the pain is not yet known. In the case of an injury that needs time to heal, an epidural steroid injection reduces extra inflammation around the injured area, allowing space to heal. Steroids are powerful anti-inflammatory molecules that inhibit the immune response, thus reducing pain.
There are a number of conditions that might warrant the use of epidural steroid injections, such as:
- Injury or trauma
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Herniated disc
- Bone spurs
The injection is precisely and strategically placed in the area of concern. The injection itself is comprised of the steroids, which actively work to reduce inflammation, lidocaine to temporarily stop pain during the procedure, and saline, which dilutes the chemicals that produce inflammation.
Epidural spinal injections may provide permanent pain relief, but are most often used as part of a holistic treatment plan developed for each individual patient. At Clearway Pain Solutions, we develop interdisciplinary treatment plans that provide pain relief and real solutions to your needs. Call one of our many office locations today or schedule an appointment online.
