Paincare Florida

Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs)

PAIN TREATMENT

Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections: Pain Management

When conservative treatments and medications fail to relieve pain radiating from the spine, a minimally invasive, non-surgical option is epidural steroid injections (ESIs). ESIs are a common and effective treatment for managing chronic or difficult-to-treat pain conditions of the spine.[1] If you are suffering from severe sciatica, back or neck pain, epidural steroid injections may quickly relieve your pain and improve the quality of your life.

Here, we’ll explore how epidural steroid injections work, their benefits and why you should seek treatment through reputable pain management clinics.

How Epidural Steroid Injections Work

Epidural steroid injections, also known as lumbar steroid injections, spinal injections or back pain injections. [2] These injections are not the same as epidurals administered during childbirth or surgery.[2] ESIs work by delivering a potent anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space around the spinal cord and nerve roots.[1] This space is filled with spinal nerves, which can become inflamed due to conditions such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis.[2]

Epidural steroid injections are done as an outpatient procedure and are usually painless. Once the injection is complete, you can go home and return to normal activities the following day. The procedure is guided by fluoroscopic (X-ray) to ensure precise placement of the needle and medication[3], maximizing the effectiveness of the treatment while minimizing potential risks.

Conditions Treated with Epidural Corticosteroid Injections

Back pain injections offer a nonsurgical solution for various spinal conditions, including:

  • Herniated Disc[4]
  • Slipped discs[4]
  • Spinal Stenosis[5]
  • Sciatica[1]
  • Joint cysts[6]
  • Bone spurs[6]
  • Degenerative Disc Disease[5]
  • Spondylolysis[6]
  • Spondylolisthesis[6]
  • Thickened spinal ligaments[6]
  • Pinched Nerves[6]
  • Post-Surgical Back Pain
  • Chronic Lower Back Pain

Benefits of Epidural Steroid Injections

Spinal steroid injections help reduce inflammation and swelling in the area, leading to prolonged pain relief, enhanced mobility and overall function.[7] They offer a minimally invasive alternative to surgery for managing chronic spinal pain and are typically completed within 15-30 minutes on an outpatient basis. Effective pain relief from ESIs may reduce the need for oral medications and surgery.[5]

ESI Specialists & Pain Management Clinics

Epidural steroid injections should be administered by experienced specialists, such as pain management physicians, anesthesiologists, or interventional radiologists, who have specialized training in these delicate procedures. These professionals typically work in pain management clinics that offer a multidisciplinary approach to treating chronic pain. Pain management clinics are equipped with the latest technology and facilities to ensure the highest standards of care and safety during the procedure.

Patients should seek clinics with an excellent reputation, positive patient outcomes, and practitioners board-certified in pain management. A comprehensive pain management plan often includes not only ESIs but also physical therapy, counseling, and lifestyle modifications to address the root causes of pain and enhance overall well-being.

Back pain injections are a valuable tool offered by pain management specialists. Consulting a pain doctor ensures comprehensive medical care, specialized expertise, and a broader range of treatment options to address spinal conditions effectively.

Resources:

  1. Staehler R. Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections for Low Back Pain and Sciatica. Spine-health. 2019. Updated October 22, 2020. Accessed May 26, 2024. Available from: https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/injections/lumbar-epidural-steroid-injections-low-back-pain-and-sciatica
  2. Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI): What It Is, Benefits, Risks & Results. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Accessed May 26, 2024. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22301-epidural-steroid-injection-esi
  3. Epidural injections for back pain: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. MedlinePlus [Internet]. Accessed May 26, 2024. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007485.htm
  4. Epidural Corticosteroid Injections. Johns Hopkins Medicine [Internet]. Accessed May 26, 2024. Available from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/epidural-corticosteroid-injections
  5. Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections: What It Is, Benefits, Risks & Side Effects. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Accessed May 26, 2024. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22091-lumbar-epidural-steroid-injection
  6. Patel K, Chopra P, Upadhyayula S. Epidural Steroid Injections. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021. Updated July 03, 2023. Accessed May 26, 2024. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470189/
  7. Epidural injection for chronic pain relief. Health Direct [Internet]. October 12, 2021. Accessed May 26, 2024. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/surgery/epidural-injection-for-chronic-pain-relief
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