There’s a reason why nearly 70% of laboring women choose to receive an epidural to ease their pain; because it works. While you are not going into labor, the persistent pain you have been feeling may make you understand why so many choose this method of pain relief. Lower back pain can be quite severe and may come to a point that it is disrupting your life. If you’re curious about epidural steroid injections, you’ve come to the right place (and no, the needle really isn’t that big).
1. What is an Epidural Steroid Injection?
This is a treatment intended to administer pain medicine to a targeted area very quickly, specifically in the lumbar region. If you suffer from a herniated disk, spinal stenosis, sciatica or other ailments in your lower back, you may be eligible to receive this treatment.
2. What is in the Medicine?
The injection contains a corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory) , an anesthetic (numbing agent), and typically saline (to clean the area). The corticosteroid will work to reduce the swelling which in turn will provide you with pain relief.
3. What Happens During the Procedure?
Your doctor will disinfect the area where the injection will take place and you will be asked to stay very still. The medicated solution is carefully injected into the epidural space near your spinal cord.
4. Will it Hurt?
This procedure is not pain free but the good news is that the discomfort lasts only a few seconds and is minimal. Your doctor will likely inject a local anesthetic to numb the area and you may feel slight pressure from the insertion of the needle. In comparison to the pain you’ve been experiencing, the injection will feel like a piece of cake.
5. How Long Will the Effects Last?
The medicine should begin to take effect within a few days of receiving it. Depending on the severity of your pain, the relief may last for a few months or much longer. You may need multiple injections over the course of a year, which your doctor will discuss with you.
6. Are There Any Side Effects of This Procedure?
No treatment is without risks. Some mild side effects may include pain at the injection site, headache or hot flashes. These are usually temporary and will subside after a few days. Some more serious complications can include an allergic reaction, infection or nerve damage.
If you have been suffering from back pain and have tried over the counter medication, rest and physical therapy to no avail, epidural steroid injections may be right for you. Call our offices today to discuss if an epidural steroid injection is right for you.
Elite Pain Queens Back Neck Knee PRP & Cortisone Injections by Dr Y. Abrakhimov NYC 62-40 Woodhaven Blvd Suite p17, Queens, NY 11374 (718) 200-8846 https://www.elitepainqueens.com/
Recent Comments