An epidural injection is typically associated with childbirth, but it has plenty of other uses as well. Commonwealth Spine & Pain Specialists offers epidural injections as a form of pain management to patients with ongoing pain or inflammation. Read on to learn more!

What is an Epidural Injection? 

An Epidural Steroid Injection is a non-surgical procedure that is performed in the office to treat pain conditions. The injection may reduce pain and swelling in and around the spinal nerve roots, as well as around damaged nerves which in time may heal. The most common conditions treated include:

  • Neck pain
  • Lower Back pain
  • Upper Back Pain
  • Leg Pain
  • Arm pain
  • Herniated Discs
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Sciatica

Different types of Epidural Injections include: 

  • A cervical ESI injection may provide relief from pain radiating out into the shoulders and arms
  • A lumbar ESI may help with pain in the lower back, buttocks, and thighs
  • A thoracic ESI may address pain in the mid-back and shoulder blade region

Procedure

During the procedure, the patient lies face down, and local anesthesia is administered. Next, the pain management specialist inserts a needle into the epidural space and injects a contrast dye. A fluoroscope confirms accurate placement of the needle tip. The steroid-anesthetic mixture is injected next. Patients may need to undergo as many as three injections in order to experience the full benefit the medication can offer.

The different types of medications injected into the epidural space create different effects for patients. Corticosteroids act as anti-inflammatory agents, reducing swelling and nerve irritation to allow the nerve time to heal itself, thereby preventing further discomfort. The duration of improvement from the epidural injection varies. Some patients have permanent relief. In others, the effects may not last long. A patient may experience relief for a matter of days up to several months; however, the pain may eventually return, requiring either a series of injections or an alternative treatment.

If you are in need of outstanding pain management treatment with a compassionate, caring medical group, contact Commonwealth Spine and Pain Specialists for a consultation. Our goal is to help you feel better and live as pain-free as possible!