21 Nov How does an epidural steroid injection work for pain relief?
Epidural injections offer pain relief to patients suffering from lower back and leg pain. This non-invasive treatment option is highly effective in treating patients with sciatica and lower back pain. The injection delivers a dose of steroids and anesthetic directly into the epidural space in the spine. Steroids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce inflammation and pain.
The epidural space is the outermost part of the spinal canal, filled with cerebrospinal fluid. It helps cushions the spine against injury and maintains pressure in the brain. An inflammation in this area can cause pain and prevent healing from injury or spinal conditions.
Epidural injections are an effective way to avoid surgery. In case an injury needs time to heal, an epidural steroid injection can reduce inflammation around the injured area, and allow the area to heal.
There are a number of conditions that might warrant the use of epidural steroid injections, such as –
- Injury or trauma
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Herniated disc
- Bone spurs
The injection is precisely placed in the affected area, using X-ray guidance. The injection is comprised of –
- steroids (to reduce inflammation)
- anesthetic (to instantly relieve pain during the procedure), and
- saline (to dilute the inflammation producing chemicals)
Epidural spinal injections are often used as part of a holistic treatment plan.
If you are looking for back pain treatment in Chicago, call one of the leading back specialists in Chicago, Illinois Pain Institute at 800-340-PAIN Today! Illinois Pain Institute is Chicago’s leading and longest-established, multi-site pain management practice. Our doctors specialize in the accurate diagnosis and precise treatment of neck pain, back pain, herniated discs, sciatica, headaches, pelvic pain, musculoskeletal pain, and many other painful conditions.