Epidural Steroid Injection

What is the Epidural Steroid Injection?

Epidural injections have been used to treat a number of different pain issues from neck, arm, leg, and back pain. Epidural injections have also been used to help relieve the pain associated with labor and delivery.

The Epidural is a slightly invasive procedure done right at the spine. A small injection is made at the spine to numb inflamed spinal nerves. The Epidural injection has been used to treat nerve pain since 1952. The procedure has been used to treat a number of different issues from spinal stenosis and spondylolysis to disc herniation and labor pain.

The Effects of Epidural Steroid Injection

However, the pain relief is meant to only be a temporary solution and is often used alongside other forms of treatment. An epidural injection typically lasts anywhere from one week to one year. Injections may be given up to three times in 6 months. However, one of the biggest benefits of the epidural injection is the fact that it provides strong enough relief to allow the patient to work on other forms of rehabilitation and therapy such as stretching exercises.

The epidural injection can be a safe and helpful medical instrument. With the use of epidural injections, patients may be able to find a suitable solution to avoid surgery of the back and spine. This is an important aspect to consider when deciding on a treatment plan.

What to Consider for this Treatment

Another thing to consider when deciding on if epidural injections are right for you is the fact that the injection may provide faster, and longer lasting relief. Unlike with traditional pain medication that is taken orally, the epidural injection does not have to travel through the blood stream and require time to take effect.

The benefits of epidural steroid injections are significant and far outweigh other options that may cause more harm such as surgery or oral medication.