Neck and back pain are common. In fact, most individuals will experience some form of neck or back pain in their lifetime. While occasional aches and pains can be normal, chronic or severe pain should not be ignored. This could be caused by a variety of conditions or injuries that require medical care. If you suffer from certain spinal cord conditions that result in chronic pain, epidural steroid injections may be right for you.
What are epidural steroid injections?
An epidural steroid injection or ESI is a minimally invasive procedure involving an injection to treat pain and inflammation of the spinal cord. It’s an outpatient procedure with minimal downtime. The needle is inserted into the epidural space, which is the outermost part of the spinal canal, a fat-filled area located between the bone and nerves of the spine. The injection contains a corticosteroid medication and sometimes an anesthetic that is injected directly into the targeted area for pain relief and to reduce inflammation. The effects of ESI may last for several months or longer, although repeat injections may be necessary to achieve long-term success.
Who is a candidate for epidural spinal injections?
If you experience neck, arm, lower back or leg pain, epidural steroid injections may be right for you. Additionally, there are various medical conditions that cause pain in these areas that may respond well to ESI treatment. Keep in mind that ESIs are often not used as a standalone treatment but are often paired with physical therapy to regain mobility and strength in the spine and surrounding musculature that support the spine. You may benefit from ESIs if you have one or more of the following conditions:
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylolysis
- Herniated disc
- Degenerative disc
- Sciatic
- Bone spurs
What to expect when receiving an epidural spinal injection
The procedure takes between 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the location of the targeted area and how many injections are needed. The treatment area will be cleaned and numbed beforehand. The pain management specialist in Corinth will use fluoroscopy guidance to ensure precise placement of the injection needle. Once in place, the doctor injects the corticosteroid medication, and then removes the needle. The injection site may require bandaging for minor bleeding. Afterwards, you may be a little sore and it may take up to a week before you feel the injection’s full effect. Most individuals that receive an ESI can stand and walk immediately after receiving their injection. However, you will be unable to drive for at least 24 hours afterward.
Are epidural spinal injections safe?
ESIs are generally safe for most healthy individuals that present with chronic pain originating from the spine. As with any injection procedure, there is a relatively minor risk of infection or bleeding at the injection site. Additionally, let your pain doctor know prior to your procedure if you are taking blood thinning medications. Other possible complications may include dizziness, headache, or feeling sick to your stomach. Nerve root damage with leg pain, allergic reaction to the medication used, difficulty breathing, a possible rare brain and nervous system problem or bleeding around the spinal cord may occur, although rare.
Chronic Pain Management with Epidural Spinal Injections in Southwest Tennessee and North Mississippi, including Tupelo, MS and Jackson, TN
Chronic pain should not prevent you from enjoying life or traveling. If you suffer from chronic pain and are in search of relief, contact Midsouth Spine & Pain Associates to learn about our less invasive methods of pain management. To learn more or schedule a consultation, please call (662) 284-8565.