If you are experiencing lower back and radiating nerve pain an Epidural
Steroid Injection (ESI) may be an effective nonsurgical treatment option.
Epidural steroid injections are powerful anti-inflammatories that reduce
nerve inflammation at the disc nerve interface, "the source."
Epidurals wash the nerve root in a mixture of steroid and local anesthetic
to reduce swelling. They may hasten the recovery time by reducing nerve
irritation and edema around the disc herniation. It is important to note
however, that epidurals do not resolve disc herniation, they merely treat
neuropathic pain caused by the herniation.
Your pain management specialist or physiatrist, will use X-ray and contrast
to safely and accurately inject the epidural.
Common reasons to utilize Epidural Steroid Injections include:
Commonly used to relieve back pain when a mechanical spine nerve irritation
is the cause.
Used for exacerbations of radicular and nonradicular pain from nerve inflammation.
When combined with Physical Therapy and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs), Epidural Steroid Injections can often delay or prevent surgical
treatments.
Different Types of Epidural Steroid Injections:
Intralaminar Epidural Steroid Injection is the most common technique for large spread. It is commonly used to
treat spinal stenosis for lower back pain. Given there is wide coverage,
this is used for less specific areas. There is risk of dural puncture
with this procedure.
Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection is used when placement is at a more specific level. The steroid is placed
at the disc nerve interface. This type of epidural is used for selective
acute radicular pain. There is a risk of transient neuritis with this
procedure.
Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection is are given in the coccyx (tailbone or caudal) region to treat chronic
lower back pain and chronic pain in the legs, an injection to the lowest
part of the epidural space. A caudal steroid injection can help reduce
lower back and leg pain caused sciatica, herniated discs, bone spurs or
other back problems. Possible risks include bleeding or infection at the
injection site or possibly a headache if the dura is punctured, which
is unusual.
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Related Testimonials
Interventional Procedure"Dr. Safman is caring and communicates well. The discomfort from the spinal injection is very minor. She makes it an easy procedure."Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"The professional care done with a sense of warmth and humor."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"Every one I came in contact with at Dr Safman office was absolutely some of the best medical staff I ever encountered, can't say enough good things about them."Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"The description of the diagnostics were very well explain including the recommendations for the treatment."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Pain Management"As stated before, she is kind, supportive and professional."Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"They were friendly, efficient and caring. The whole practice is better than I've ever experienced"Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"My appointments have always been professional, caring, and on time."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"Great communication with doctor and he listens to my issues. He has stopped my pain. He has a really good PA too!"Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"She communicated with me throughout the procedure."Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"Very professional, created a peaceful environment and my pain treatment was effective."Provider: Balaji (Bobby) S Charlu MD
Spinal Injections Epidural/Facet"My pain is gone right now. Explains everything she is doing."Provider: Kimberly Safman MD
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