Neck and back pain are commonly experienced in most adults at some point in their lives. Thankfully, relief is available with the help of epidural steroid injections offered by Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates in Corinth. Learn more about epidural steroid injections, what to expect from the procedure, and if this treatment is right for you.
What is an epidural steroid injection?
An epidural injection uses a corticosteroid to deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural area of the spine (the fat-filled area that protects the spinal cord at the lower back region). Epidural injections may be recommended to individuals with chronic back pain with other treatment modalities that have failed to provide adequate relief.
What is the difference between a cortisone shot and an epidural steroid injection?
There are different types of cortisone shots available for various conditions. A systemic cortisone shot is given in the arm of buttocks area and enters the blood stream to target widespread inflammation like an allergic reaction or inflamed airways due to a respiratory illness. There are also major joint injections that contain cortisone as well, and those injections are given directly into major joints like the shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles. An epidural steroid injection contains similar ingredients as the other cortisone shots, but the delivery and location of the injection site is different in that this shot is given directly into the epidural region of the neck or back.
There are three primary locations for epidural injections:
- Cervical injections are directly in the neck region
- Thoracic injections involve the middle part of the spine
- Lumbar injections address pain in the lower back
How do corticosteroids reduce inflammation and pain?
The body’s adrenal gland naturally produces a hormone called cortisol to reduce inflammation associated with pain. However, natural cortisol is short-lived, and may not be produced long enough to address the inflammation and pain. Therefore, a synthetic version of cortisol, which is called cortisone, or a corticosteroid can be injected into the targeted area for more lasting relief.
What is it like to receive an epidural steroid injection?
If you decide to receive an epidural steroid injection, there is some pretreatment planning and prepping involved before you get the actual injection.
Pretesting may be necessary, which means your pain management doctor will tell you which medications to stop taking and when, if you take prescriptions like blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications. You will also be given any dietary restrictions or requirements prior to your appointment.
Once you arrive to your appointment, you may be asked to undress so that the pain specialist can access the targeted area. You will receive an intravenous (IV) line to help you relax, although you will not be completely sedated. The pain specialist will use fluoroscopic (which is like an x-ray) guidance to ensure precise delivery of the injection.
Your skin will be cleansed, and the treatment area will be numbed with an anesthetic. Then, the doctor will inject the needle and confirm the location needed to deliver the epidural steroid medication. Lastly, the doctor injects the medication to the targeted area of the spine.
Recovery
After your procedure, the IV will be removed and you’ll rest in the recovery room until you are discharged to go home. You should plan on having a trusted adult drive you to and from the appointment, as you will be unable to drive yourself home. It is not uncommon to experience drowsiness, or mild tingling or numbness in the legs after your epidural steroid injection procedure. However, these side effects should wear off before the end of the day.
How long do epidural steroid injections last?
Results may vary with an epidural steroid injection. Some patients may experience a complete resolution of their pain, while results for others may last between 3 and 6 months.
Who should consider getting an epidural steroid injection?
Chronic back pain that occurs most days or daily for more than 6 months may warrant an epidural steroid injection.
There are a variety of conditions that could benefit from this treatment, including:
- Herniated discs
- Slipped vertebrae
- Joint cysts
- Bone spurs in the spine
- Spinal arthritis
Risks and Complications
Epidural steroid injections are typically safe and effective for most adults. However, contact your pain specialist immediately if you experience nausea, vomiting, chills, high fever, hives, difficulty breathing, or severe pain as these could be signs of complications or an infection. Additional risks, although rare, could include puncturing of the dura mater, which results in spinal fluid seeping out of the injection site, causing severe headaches. However, this can be remedied by a short surgical procedure called a blood patch to seal the leak.
Epidural Steroid Injections in Southwest Tennessee and North Mississippi, including Tupelos, MS and Jackson, TN
Dealing with chronic neck or back pain does not have to be your end game. Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates offers minimally invasive treatments that may include the use of epidural steroid injections for chronic neck or back pain. Learn more about this treatment or find out if it is right for you by contacting Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates at (662) 284-8565 and schedule a consultation today.