An epidural steroid injection helps in reducing spinal pain symptoms such as inflammation and pain. It is a minimally invasive treatment that can ease pain in the neck, back, or legs because of inflammation of the spinal nerves or disc herniation. If you suffer from spinal stenosis in Eugene, the specialists at Pacific Sports and Spine will use a steroid injection to prevent pain.
What is the procedure like?
Like any other medical procedure, the doctor will schedule a visit to evaluate your medical history. If you take blood thinners, your specialist will ask you to stop for a few days.
On the treatment day, the doctor begins by cleaning the injection site with an antiseptic. The procedure is non-invasive, and the doctor may apply local anesthesia to numb the treatment area to prevent pain and ease discomfort.
The doctor performs the procedure through X-ray guidance or fluoroscopy. A needle is directed to the epidural space and releases the medication.
After the injection, your doctor may refer you to the observation room for monitoring. After that, you may go home and resume your everyday activities within two days.
Your specialist may schedule repeat injections within one to four-week intervals. However, full recovery differs amongst individuals.
Should you consider epidural steroid injection for spinal stenosis?
Doctors will recommend epidural steroid injection for spinal stenosis if pain medications are no longer effective. These shots are also recommended if you do not take pain medicines such as ibuprofen, Naproxen Sodium, Tylenol, and more. If you suffer from back, neck, or leg pain, this is the right treatment that will ease the pain. The shots deliver the best results within a few weeks.
Why is epidural steroid injection the best treatment for joint pain?
The treatment solution comprises a corticosteroid and local numbing agent for pain relief. The doctor injects the drugs directly to the epidural area of your spinal cord. This open space connects the dura sac, bony vertebra, cord, and surrounding nerves.
The injection involves administering the medications directly to the joints, minimizing pain, inflammation, and swelling.
Your specialist delivers the shots depending on the medication. A single injection is administered, and the doctor may book you for a follow-up appointment.
How much time does an epidural steroid injection take?
At the clinic, the injection will take less than an hour. However, depending on the severity of the inflammation, the doctor can repeat the procedure with more injections.
Side effects and complications
An epidural steroid injection is low risk with no major complications reported. The most common side effect is some pain or pressure in the treatment area. However, your doctor will prescribe a pain medication for relief. You may also experience some discomfort and the injection site may swell. Some people also experience leg numbness or weakness. There is no reason to worry since this will go away in a few days.
Major complications may include headaches, nerve damage, or allergies, which you must report to your health provider.
You can recover from debilitating spinal stenosis through an epidural steroid injection. Schedule an appointment with the experts at Pacific Sports and Spine for evaluation and treatment.