What Is an Epidural Steroid Injection?
An epidural steroid injection is a minimally invasive procedure that delivers anti-inflammatory medication into the epidural space surrounding the spinal nerves.
When a spinal nerve becomes irritated or inflamed, it can cause pain not only in the back but also along the path of the affected nerve. By placing medication near the irritated nerve, an epidural steroid injection may help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms.
The goal of the procedure is not simply to temporarily cover up pain. Reducing inflammation may make it easier for patients to participate in physical therapy, exercise, and other treatments intended to improve mobility and function.
What Conditions Can Epidural Steroid Injections Treat?
Epidural steroid injections may be considered for several conditions that cause back, neck, arm, or leg pain.
Common conditions include:
Not every type of back pain is caused by the same problem, which is why determining the source of the pain is an important part of developing an effective treatment plan.
What Is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a common term used to describe pain that travels along the sciatic nerve.
Symptoms may begin in the lower back and extend through the buttock and into the thigh, calf, or foot. Some patients also experience numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness. A herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or another condition affecting a spinal nerve may be responsible.
Identifying what is irritating the nerve helps determine whether an epidural steroid injection or another treatment may be appropriate.
What Happens During an Epidural Steroid Injection?
Epidural steroid injections are performed at Glowacki MD as an outpatient procedure. At Glowacki MD, fluoroscopy, or real-time X-ray guidance, is used during interventional procedures to help accurately guide treatment to the targeted area.
Once the appropriate location is identified, medication is carefully delivered into the epidural space near the affected nerve.
Patients will receive specific instructions from the office regarding how to prepare for their procedure and what to expect afterward.
How Long Does an Epidural Steroid Injection Last?
The amount and duration of pain relief can vary significantly from one patient to another.
Some patients may experience substantial improvement, while others may receive more limited relief. The underlying condition, severity of nerve irritation, duration of symptoms, and individual response to treatment can all affect the outcome.
An epidural steroid injection may also be one component of a larger treatment plan rather than a stand-alone treatment.
When Should You See a Pain Management Specialist?
Occasional back discomfort often improves with rest and conservative treatment. However, an evaluation may be appropriate when pain:
- Persists for several weeks or longer
- Frequently returns
- Travels into an arm or leg
- Causes numbness or tingling
- Interferes with work or sleep
- Makes walking or everyday activities difficult
- Has not improved with conservative treatments
- Significantly affects quality of life
Persistent pain does not always mean that surgery is necessary. Interventional pain management offers a variety of diagnostic and treatment options that may help identify and address the source of pain.
Interventional Pain Management in Troy, Michigan
At Glowacki MD, treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation that may include a review of your symptoms, medical history, previous treatments, diagnostic imaging, and physical examination.
Depending on the cause of your symptoms, treatment may include epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, medication management, physical therapy, or other interventional pain management options.
The goal is to create an individualized treatment plan focused on reducing pain and improving your ability to function.
Schedule a Consultation With Glowacki MD
If chronic back or leg pain is interfering with your daily life, you do not have to assume that living with the pain is your only option.
Glowacki MD – Institute for Pain, Spine & Headache Disorders provides comprehensive interventional pain management in Troy, Michigan.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Martin Glowacki, contact Glowacki MD at (248) 813-0060.
