Are you tired of enduring chronic pain with no end in sight? Traditional treatments falling short of providing relief? It might be time to explore a solution that could make a real difference in your journey towards recovery: the epidural steroid shot.
At Pain Medicine Consultants, our team of experts, including Dr. Shinaman, Dr. Kalra, Dr. Longton, and Dr. Gamsky, is dedicated to helping you break free from the grips of pain and reclaim your life. But first, let's determine if you're a suitable candidate for this transformative treatment.
Understanding Epidural Steroid Shots
Epidural steroid shots offer targeted relief for chronic pain by delivering a combination of pain relievers and anti-inflammatory steroids directly to the source of discomfort: your spinal nerves. This procedure aims to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with nerve root compression, caused by conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and bone spurs. When nerve compression occurs, it leads to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness along the course of the nerve, known as radiculopathy. The goal of epidural steroid injections is to lessen the inflammation of the nerve root.
The Epidural Injection Procedure
The epidural space, located above the outer layer surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots, is the target site for the injection. Administering the medication directly around the spinal nerves is crucial for effective relief. Your doctor will guide the needle to this precise location using x-ray visualization, ensuring accurate placement of the medication. The procedure typically lasts about 15 minutes, and light sedation may be used if needed.
Who Can Administer Epidural Steroid Injections?
Epidural steroid injections may be given by various physicians, including anesthesiologists, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, interventional radiologists, and other pain specialists. Typically administered as a series of injections spaced apart over several weeks, this treatment often provides relief within a few weeks, helping control the inflammatory process and offering long-lasting relief.
Are You a Candidate?
If you've been grappling with chronic pain that hasn't responded to conventional therapies, an epidural steroid shot could be the answer you've been searching for. Conditions such as sciatica, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and cervical radiculopathy often find relief through this intervention, particularly when inflammation is a contributing factor.
Conditions Benefiting from Epidural Steroid Injections
Sciatica: Sciatica, a debilitating chronic pain condition, often finds relief through epidural shots. Characterized by inflammation, sciatica manifests as radiating pain from the lower back down one or both legs. Despite numerous at-home remedies and treatment options, some individuals find conventional approaches ineffective, making epidurals a potentially beneficial solution.
Herniated Disc: A herniated disc, marked by the protrusion of the inner disc material through a crack in its outer layer, exerts pressure on nearby nerves, resulting in intense discomfort. When traditional treatments fall short in alleviating this agony, epidural injections offer a viable alternative, targeting the root cause of the pain with precision.
Spinal Stenosis: Spinal stenosis, a condition characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal due to age-related changes, imposes undue pressure on spinal nerves, particularly in the lower back. Given its prevalence in this region, epidural injections emerge as a valuable therapeutic option for mitigating the associated discomfort and enhancing quality of life.
Cervical Radiculopathy: Although cervical radiculopathy manifests in the upper back and neck rather than the lower back, its underlying inflammation can lead to nerve compression and subsequent pain. In such cases, epidural injections serve as an effective means of addressing the root cause of discomfort, offering relief and facilitating the restoration of normal function.
Potential Side-effects and Considerations
While side-effects from epidural steroid injections are rare, it's essential to discuss them with your healthcare provider. These include infection (very unusual), bleeding (also unusual), dural tears (causing headaches), and increased blood sugar (important for diabetics to monitor).
Take the Next Step Towards Relief
Don't let chronic pain dictate your life any longer. Take the first step towards reclaiming your well-being by scheduling an appointment with us today. Whether you're in Pleasant Hill, Pleasanton, or Corte Madera, CA, our team is here to guide you towards a future free from the constraints of pain.
Let's embark on this journey together—because relief is within reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should you rest after an epidural steroid injection?
It's recommended to rest for the remainder of the day after the procedure. Avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours.
How painful is a lumbar epidural steroid injection?
Discomfort during the injection is common but manageable. Local anesthetic is used to minimize pain.
How many epidural steroid injections are safe in a lifetime?
The number of injections depends on individual circumstances. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate frequency and limit.
What is an epidural steroid injection?
An epidural steroid injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly to the spine to reduce pain and inflammation.
How soon can I exercise after an epidural steroid injection?
Wait at least 24 hours before resuming exercise, and consult your healthcare provider for specific recommendations.
What to do when epidural steroid injections don't work?
If injections don't provide relief, your healthcare provider may recommend alternative treatments or further evaluation.
What to expect after a lumbar epidural steroid injection?
Expect temporary soreness at the injection site and potential relief from pain within a few days.
How long do epidural steroid injections last?
Relief varies for each individual. Some experience weeks to months of relief, while others may need regular injections.
Does insurance cover epidural steroid injections?
Coverage depends on your insurance plan. Contact your provider to verify coverage before treatment.
What are the long-term side effects of epidural steroid injections?
Potential long-term side effects include weakened bones, elevated blood sugar, and adrenal gland suppression.
What should you not do after an epidural steroid injection?
Avoid strenuous activities, driving, and heavy lifting for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
Do epidural steroid injections hurt?
Discomfort during the injection is common but tolerable. Your healthcare provider can provide measures to minimize pain.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover epidural steroid injections?
Coverage varies by plan. Contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage details.
How often can you get a transforaminal epidural steroid injection?
The frequency of injections depends on your condition and response to treatment. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate interval.
Why no heat after an epidural steroid injection?
Heat can increase inflammation at the injection site. It's best to avoid heat therapy immediately after the procedure.
Can you eat or drink before an epidural steroid injection?
You may eat and drink normally before the procedure unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
How often can you get epidural steroid injections?
The frequency varies depending on your condition and response to treatment. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate interval.
Are epidural steroid injections FDA approved in 2023?
Yes, epidural steroid injections have been FDA approved for pain management.
Are epidural steroid injections safe?
When performed by a qualified healthcare provider, epidural steroid injections are generally safe and effective.
Can I take ibuprofen after an epidural steroid injection?
You may take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
Can you take prednisone after an epidural steroid injection?
Discuss with your healthcare provider before taking additional steroids after the injection to avoid potential interactions.
Does Medicare cover epidural steroid injections?
Coverage may vary. Contact Medicare or your insurance provider to verify coverage details.
How long do epidural steroid injection side effects last?
Side effects are usually temporary and resolve within a few days. Contact your healthcare provider if they persist or worsen.
How long for an epidural steroid injection to work?
Relief may be immediate or take a few days to weeks to fully take effect.
What are the side effects of epidural steroid injections?
Common side effects include temporary pain at the injection site, flushing, and mild headache.
Why can't you drive after an epidural steroid injection?
Driving is not recommended immediately after the procedure due to potential drowsiness or discomfort.
Can I drink alcohol before an epidural steroid injection?
It's best to avoid alcohol before the procedure to minimize the risk of complications.
Do epidural steroid injections cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a common side effect of epidural steroid injections.
Do epidural steroid injections work?
Many patients experience significant pain relief from epidural steroid injections, but individual results may vary.
How much do epidural steroid injections cost?
The cost varies depending on factors such as location, healthcare provider, and insurance coverage. Contact your provider for specific pricing information.
How often can you have epidural steroid injections?
The frequency depends on your condition and response to treatment. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate interval.
What is a lumbar epidural steroid injection?
A lumbar epidural steroid injection delivers medication to the lower back to alleviate pain and inflammation.
Are you awake during an epidural steroid injection?
You are usually awake during the procedure, but local anesthesia is used to numb the injection site and minimize discomfort.
Are you sedated for an epidural steroid injection?
Sedation may be offered for comfort, but it's not always necessary. Your healthcare provider will discuss sedation options with you before the procedure.
