Epidural steroid injections have been used to alleviate chronic back pain for decades. They work by helping to reduce the inflammation that can provoke nerve irritation and pain in the back, neck, arms, and legs. Despite their success record, it’s important - as with any medical procedure - to educate yourself on what to expect.
At The Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine, with offices in Shrewsbury, Toms River, and Edison, New Jersey, Steve Paragioudakis, MD, and Marc Menkowitz, MD, offer a wide array of pain relief options to create customized treatment plans. For patients with chronic back pain who have not responded to first-line therapies, such as over-the-counter medications and physical therapy, these plans may include epidural steroid injections.
First, here are the key facts about back pain.
What causes chronic back pain?
Chronic back pain is often the result of nerve compression, which can be caused by:
- Herniated disc
- Degenerative disc disease
- Bone spurs
- Narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis)
- Sciatica (radiculopathy)
The epidural steroid injections used by the spine specialists at The Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine contain an anesthetic for pain relief along with depomethylpredisone, a long-acting steroid that helps reduce inflammation and nerve irritation.
Are steroid injections safe?
When performed by a skilled physician such as those at our practice, epidural steroid injections are an extremely safe and effective treatment for sciatica, and other forms of chronic back pain, as well as nerve irritation. Some patients choose to have treatment under intravenous sedation, which makes the procedure completely pain free. Fluoroscopy, a type of X-ray imagery, is used to accurately guide the placement of the injection.
However, treatment is simple and is typically performed with local anesthesia. In these instances, patients may feel a slight pressure sensation as the injection is delivered to the targeted region of the spinal canal. Patients tolerate the procedure extremely well and most report little to no discomfort.
The experts at Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine have performed countless epidural steroid injections with outstanding results. The only complaint some patients report is temporary soreness at the injection site.
Some individuals, such as pregnant women or those who take blood thinners, are not candidates for epidural steroid injections. Prior to any treatment, our doctors start with a thorough examination, which includes taking a complete medical history.
Successful treatment outcomes
Epidural steroid injections help reduce inflammation, swelling, and edema in the injured area. Sometimes treatment offers a cure. In other cases, such as with spinal stenosis, the injections don’t remedy the underlying condition responsible for the pain. However, they still can provide extended pain relief. In doing so, they enable patients to participate in successful rehabilitation programs they may not otherwise be able to undertake, such as physical therapy.
By relieving your chronic discomfort, epidural steroid injections can also reduce the emotional toll caused by chronic pain.
If you’re suffering from chronic back pain, book a consultation at The Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine today. Call the office or request your appointment online.First, here are the key facts about back pain.
What causes chronic back pain?
Chronic back pain is often the result of nerve compression, which can be caused by:
- Herniated disc
- Degenerative disc disease
- Bone spurs
- Narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis)
- Sciatica (radiculopathy)
The epidural steroid injections used by the spine specialists at The Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine contain an anesthetic for pain relief along with depomethylpredisone, a long-acting steroid that helps reduce inflammation and nerve irritation.
Are steroid injections safe?
When performed by a skilled physician such as those at our practice, epidural steroid injections are an extremely safe and effective treatment for sciatica, and other forms of chronic back pain, as well as nerve irritation. Some patients choose to have treatment under intravenous sedation, which makes the procedure completely pain free. Fluoroscopy, a type of X-ray imagery, is used to accurately guide the placement of the injection.
However, treatment is simple and is typically performed with local anesthesia. In these instances, patients may feel a slight pressure sensation as the injection is delivered to the targeted region of the spinal canal. Patients tolerate the procedure extremely well and most report little to no discomfort.
The experts at Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine have performed countless epidural steroid injections with outstanding results. The only complaint some patients report is temporary soreness at the injection site.
Some individuals, such as pregnant women or those who take blood thinners, are not candidates for epidural steroid injections. Prior to any treatment, our doctors start with a thorough examination, which includes taking a complete medical history.
Successful treatment outcomes
Epidural steroid injections help reduce inflammation, swelling, and edema in the injured area. Sometimes treatment offers a cure. In other cases, such as with spinal stenosis, the injections don’t remedy the underlying condition responsible for the pain. However, they still can provide extended pain relief. In doing so, they enable patients to participate in successful rehabilitation programs they may not otherwise be able to undertake, such as physical therapy.
By relieving your chronic discomfort, epidural steroid injections can also reduce the emotional toll caused by chronic pain.
If you’re suffering from chronic back pain, book a consultation at The Center for the Functional Restoration of the Spine today. Call the office or request your appointment online.
