When Is an Epidural Steroid Injection Right for Me?

At Orthopedic Laser & Spine Surgery, we pride ourselves on our patient-first approach. This means that we always choose the treatment that is best for the patient in front of us. We base our diagnosis on medical history, lifestyle, healing time, and other important factors. We do it all with you in mind. Choosing an epidural steroid injection as treatment would be no different. One of our board-certified doctors would only perform this procedure if it is the right choice for you.

What Is an Epidural Steroid Injection?

An epidural steroid injection uses a needle to place pain-relieving medication directly into the spine. This space is between the bones, discs, nerves, and tissues of the spine. It is small, but acts as the perfect area for medication to seep into painful issues in the back.

The steroid used is an anti-inflammatory, so it reduces irritation where it needs to. Because of this, epidural steroid injections are most commonly used to relieve the pain of a slipped disc or a pinched nerve.

Is an Epidural Steroid Injection Permanent?

An epidural steroid injection is not permanent and will need to be maintained with routine visits and injections from your doctor. This kind of treatment is good for those who suffer from regular pain and will need to see their back doctor for injections three to six times a year. After each injection, the relief should last anywhere from three to six months.

In short, this kind of treatment is semi-permanent and your doctor will be able to determine if this regime is best for you and your body.

Am I Eligible for an Epidural Steroid Injection?

Epidural steroid injections are not limited to any specific age group or lifestyle. There are certain risks, like needle bleeding or infection, but they are not due to any specific circumstances. You’ll know it is time to consider epidural steroid injections when your pain is chronic and only goes away for a short period of time.

Also, if you have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions, an epidural steroid injection might be right for you:

• Lumbar radiculopathy, sciatica
• Lumbar spinal stenosis
• Postherpetic neuralgia
• Facet/synovial cysts

At the end of the day, your doctor will be the one to assess if an epidural steroid injection plan is the right course of treatment for you. They will make sure you understand why you need that treatment, how often you will get it, and what it will do for you.

Talk to Your Doctor about Epidural Steroid Injections

When it is time to make epidural steroid injections a part of your healthcare routine, you can talk it over with your trusted doctor at Orthopedic Laser & Spine Surgery. They will work hard to ensure you will be comfortable and educated about the procedure and what it will do to improve your health and quality of life. Give us a call at (855) 853-6542 or reach out online to find out more about epidural steroid injections.