Epidural Injections for Pain Management

Epidural Injections for Pain Management

Epidural injections, also known as epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are a fairly common treatment for people who struggle with pain in their lower body, including the legs and lower back. Epidural injections have been used by medical professionals for pain management treatment Chicago for many years.

This article explores the use of ESIs for managing different types of pain and describes how the procedure works and what to be aware of.

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What Is an Epidural Injection?

Epidural injections are designed to help provide relief from pain and inflammation that affects the back, legs, and sometimes the arms. These injections can also be useful for helping to identify the precise site and source of the pain which can be useful for developing a further plan for pain management treatment.

During these injections, you will have a certain medication administered directly into the area surrounding your spine. This area is called the epidural space. The primary purpose of this injection is to provide relief from pain.

There are a number of different medications that may be administered during an epidural injection. The most common are steroids, painkillers, and anti-inflammatory drugs.

By helping to eliminate inflammation, epidural injections can help to reduce chronic pain. The administration of anesthetics can also be useful for helping to get rid of pain caused by an unknown source.

What Are Epidural Injections Used For?

Epidural injections are generally used to reduce pain and inflammation. They are especially well-known to be useful for helping to fight pain resulting from:

  • Herniated disks
  • Compressed nerves (including those caused by herniated discs)
  • Narrowing of the spinal canal (known as spinal stenosis)
  • Post-surgery pain
  • Injuries caused to the vertebrae or tissues near the spine
  • Bone spurs

 

While these are the most common conditions treated by ESIs, they are not the only ones. Don’t hesitate to ask a doctor for more information about the conditions treated by ESIs in pain management treatment Chicago.

There are some other benefits of ESIs.

  • Using ESIs can help to limit the use of oral medication, especially in people who have trouble swallowing or digesting them.
  • ESIs can help people re-engage with physical therapy for long-term treatment.
  • Using an ESI can help people postpone surgery, allowing for physical therapy to make a better improvement

Precautions

When preparing for an ESI, there are some things to be aware of.

While side effects are not usually serious, you may experience some mild side effects such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, or flushing. In rare cases, patients may faint due to the procedure lowering blood pressure.

 

It’s also important to be upfront with your doctor about your medical history. Underlying conditions, allergies to certain drugs, and other medical complications can interfere with the procedure.

If you’re looking for pain management treatment in Chicago, an ESI may help you. ESIs are useful for helping to identify and treat pain in the extremities and lower back. If you are looking for a chance to overcome your pain, don’t hesitate to reach out.