Epidural Steroid Injections for Chronic Pain
April 20, 2023
Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are a typical therapeutic choice for a variety of lower back and leg pain conditions. The injections have been utilized for many years and are regarded as an essential component for nonsurgical management of sciatica and lower back pain.
The procedure is known as an “epidural steroid injection” because it involves administering a local anesthetic and steroid medication precisely into the epidural area, which encompasses both the spine and nerve endings.
The objectives of an epidural steroid injection are as follows:
- Reduce pain by decreasing inflammation around nerve roots.
- Improve or restore your lower back and leg mobility.
- Allow you to partake in physical therapy or other rehabilitation program options.
Epidural steroid injections are often recommended after a course of non-surgical treatment options, including medication or physical therapy. The main goal of injections is to alleviate the patient’s pain, and allow them to return to their daily activities.
Potential Benefits of Epidural Steroid Injections
According to Spine-Health, the following benefits may result when injections are given in the lumbar epidural area:
- Reduced nerve discomfort/inflammation. The production of pro-inflammatory agents is reduced by steroids, as well as the sensitivity of nerve fibers. This creates fewer pain signals.
- Lesser need for oral medication. Since these injections tend to promote pain relief, an individual who has received the treatment will not have as much of a need for certain oral medications.
- Easier continuation of physical therapy. The sufficient pain relief given by the injection allows a patient to more easily proceed with their program.
- Possibly reduces likelihood of surgical intervention. If pain relief obtained from the injections is sufficient enough, then it may get rid of the need for surgical intervention all together.
Steroid Injection Approaches
An epidural injection may be given using any one of the following approaches:
- Transforaminal injection: This allows the steroid solution to be precisely administered into the epidural area. Transforaminal injections typically target certain nerve roots that are most likely to control inflammation and pain.
- Interlaminar injection: With this method, a needle is placed through the spine-back, and medicine is inserted in the epidural area. It is not as precise as transforaminal injections, however, because it isn’t placed near the targeted nerve root.
- Caudal injection: The administration technique for caudal injections is simple. However, medication will not be administered directly to the pain source or epidural area near nerves. This technique is ideal for controlling broader or diffused pain.
How Epidural Steroid Injections Help
Generally, most research indicate good results. The majority of patients (up to 90%) experience significant pain relief from injections. The relief typically lasts for a week to a year. If the first injection is successful, another injection will be considered in the event the results of the first one begin to fade. Within a 12 month period, a maximum of three injections are usually administered. If you are experiencing chronic pain related to the spine, then this injection is worthy of your consideration.
Your road to a restored life could be one injection away. Be free to contact the team at Spine Diagnostics for any additional questions.