Epidural Steroid Injections
Targeted Treatment for Back & Neck Pain
How Do Epidural Steroid Injections Work?
An Epidural Steroid Injection is a procedure SpineOne performs to help relieve inflammation and pain from conditions such as spinal stenosis and disc herniation. The procedure delivers corticosteroid and an anesthetic numbing agent directly into the epidural space (between the bone and protective sac of the spinal nerves. The goal is to deliver targeted relief at the source of the pain so that you can resume normal activities and rehab for ongoing spine health.
Your doctor may prescribe this treatment to relieve low back pain caused by narrowing of the spinal passage from a disc herniation, bone spur, structural misalignment of the spine, or other degenerative conditions.
Steroids injected into the epidural space can decrease inflammation and allow you to resume normal function. The steroids may not change the underlying condition, but their rapid pain relief can break the cycle of pain and inflammation allowing your natural healing and rehab to provide lasting benefits.
How Long do Epidural Steroid Injections Last for Back Pain?
SpineOne patients on average experience relief from an epidural steroid injection for anywhere from three to six months. Your doctor may order a series of injections based on your response and overall pain relief. This period of back pain relief allows your body’s natural healing and a program of physical therapy to promote long term spine health.
What is the Success Rate of Epidural Steroid Injections?
This procedure at SpineOne is done under fluoroscopic guidance and radiographic confirmation. ESI’s done in this way have been shown to provide relief in the majority of patients, due to their precise and targeted application of the medication. While the effect of the medication may be temporary, the resulting improvement in range of motion, mental health, quality of life, and diminished reliance on pain medications all have long term benefit.
Are there Risks with Epidural Steroid Injections?
The most common side effect from an ESI is a severe headache that may last from a few hours to a few days. It’s also possible you may experience a brief increase in pain before it gets better. Your doctor at SpineOne will manage the effects of your treatment closely and may schedule subsequent treatments depending on your response and level of pain relief.