Epidural Steroid Injections Specialist

What is an epidural steroid injection?

The Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists team uses epidural steroid injections to treat pain associated with spinal pathology.

An epidural steroid injection is a treatment that involves injecting a steroid into the epidural space of the spinal column at the level of pathology determined by the areas of pain as well as findings from your diagnostic studies (X-ray, CT scan and MRI). The corticosteroid helps to reduce inflammation associated with the abnormal anatomy, often affecting spinal nerve roots and the spinal cord. In some cases, an epidural can provide long term relief from pain, especially if it’s given early in the treatment algorithm.

As part of an effective treatment plan, an epidural steroid injection might be able to provide you with the relief you need while your body heals from an injury. It can also be used to help control chronic pain that has continued to progress over time and is not responding well to other types of conservative management.

How long do the effects of an epidural steroid injection last?

An epidural steroid injection can last from a few months to several years. Depending on the cause of the pain, the epidural may offer more long-term results. If an epidural is used immediately after an injury, it will not only help to manage the pain but will also allow the patient to be more active and participate in their own healing process.

Your IPRMS physicians may choose to use an epidural if other treatment options do not provide the amount of relief you need to maintain an active lifestyle. This is often the case if nerve damage or irritation exists due to an injury or illness.

What are the benefits of an epidural steroid injection?

An epidural steroid injection offers several benefits, including:

• May relieve pain in your neck, mid-back, lower back and extremities
• May help to delay or avoid the need for surgical intervention
• May help to improve daily functioning and ADL’s
• May reduce the severity and duration of pain affecting QoL
• May decrease the need for prescription and non-prescription painkillers

The doctors at IPRMS can advise you on how this procedure can help your specific condition or diagnosis.

Are there side effects with an epidural steroid injection?

At your appointment, your IPRMS physician talks to you about what to expect during and after your procedure.

In some cases, after an epidural injection, you may experience:

• Headaches – postural
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Sensation of numbness or weakness
• Neurological injury

Even though side effects can occur, they are typically temporary and are generally not common.

To determine if an epidural steroid injection is right for you, please call Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists for a consultation or book an appointment online today.