Relieve Your Pain with Epidural Steroid Injections
Chronic pain can be debilitating, affecting your quality of life and making everyday activities a challenge. If you’re one of the millions of Americans suffering from chronic back or neck pain, you may have tried various treatments with little to no relief. At Palomar Spine and Pain, we understand the impact that chronic pain can have on your life, and we are dedicated to offering effective, evidence-based treatments to help you regain control. One such treatment we provide is epidural steroid injections.
Understanding Epidural Steroid Injections
Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are a minimally invasive procedure used to treat inflammation and pain associated with spinal conditions. These injections deliver a powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space around the spinal cord, targeting the source of pain and providing significant relief.
How Do Epidural Steroid Injections Work?
The primary goal of an ESI is to reduce inflammation and swelling around spinal nerves. The corticosteroid medication in the injection works by:
Reducing inflammation: The steroid helps decrease inflammation around the irritated nerves, reducing pain and improving function.
Alleviating nerve compression: By reducing inflammation, the injection can relieve pressure on the nerves, alleviating pain and discomfort.
Providing long-lasting relief: While some patients may experience immediate relief, others may notice gradual improvement over several days. The effects of the injection can last from weeks to months, depending on the individual.
Conditions Treated with Epidural Steroid Injections
ESIs are commonly used to treat a variety of spinal conditions, including:
Herniated discs: When the cushioning discs between vertebrae bulge or rupture, they can compress nearby nerves, causing pain.
Spinal stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to pain and discomfort.
Sciatica: Compression of the sciatic nerve can cause pain that radiates down the leg.
Degenerative disc disease: As discs wear down over time, they can cause pain and inflammation.
Spondylolisthesis: A condition where one vertebra slips forward over another, causing nerve compression.
The Procedure: What to Expect
At Palomar Spine and Pain, we prioritize patient comfort and safety. Here’s what you can expect during an epidural steroid injection procedure:
Consultation and Assessment: Before the procedure, you will have a thorough consultation with one of our experienced pain management specialists. They will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and may order imaging studies to determine if an ESI is the right treatment for you.
Preparation: On the day of the procedure, you will be asked to lie face down on an exam table. The injection site will be cleaned, and a local anesthetic may be applied to numb the area.
Guidance: Using fluoroscopy (live X-ray) for precise placement, the doctor will insert a thin needle into the epidural space. A contrast dye may be injected to ensure the correct positioning of the needle.
Injection: Once the needle is properly positioned, the steroid medication is injected into the epidural space. The entire procedure typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
Recovery: After the injection, you will be monitored for a short period before being discharged. Most patients can resume normal activities the next day, although you may be advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few days.
Why Choose Palomar Spine and Pain?
At Palomar Spine and Pain, we are committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to your unique needs. Here are a few reasons why you should consider us for your pain management:
Experienced Specialists: Our team of board-certified pain management specialists has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of spinal conditions.
Cutting-Edge Techniques: We utilize the latest advancements in pain management to ensure the most effective and least invasive treatments possible.
Personalized Care: We understand that every patient is different. Our specialists work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific condition and goals.
Comprehensive Services: In addition to ESIs, we offer a wide range of pain management services, including physical therapy, medication management, and other interventional procedures.
Take the First Step Toward Pain Relief
If chronic back or neck pain is affecting your quality of life, epidural steroid injections may be the solution you’ve been searching for. Contact Palomar Spine and Pain today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you achieve lasting pain relief and improved function. Don’t let pain hold you back any longer—take the first step toward a pain-free life with Palomar Spine and Pain.