What is an Epidural Steroid Injection
First we have to ask, what exactly is an Epidural Steroid Injection? It is a very popular procedure that is used to help cure inflamed nerves. Many of these nerves become inflamed due to spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and sometimes even bulging discs.
A needle is used in this minimally invasive procedure in order to deliver the medication into the epidural space. This epidural space is located in between the protective sac of the spinal nerves and bone in the spine.
Epidural Steroid Injections can be done on any level in the spine. They are mostly performed in the cervical or lumbar region in the spine.
What medication is inside the Epidural Steroid Injection?
There are a few medications that are used for the injection. A corticosteroid and anesthetic numbing agent is mixed together inside and put into the needle.
At Florida Surgery Consultants, our spine surgeons use lidocaine as the numbing agent to help deliver the needle into the epidural space. The corticosteroid medication is used to reduce the inflammation in the area.
These two medications in conjunction with one another help the surgeon get into the epidural space and reduce the inflammation of the nerves.
Why Should You Get Epidural Steroid Injections?
If you have been recommended to get an Epidural Steroid Injection, it may be a scary thought because it is an invasive procedure involving needles and medication. Most of our patients are scared of the thought that it is technically considered a “minimally invasive surgical procedure”. Yes, it is considered that, but do not worry. Here are five reasons why you should get epidural steroid injections.
- At Florida Surgery Consultants, we have Board Certified Neurosurgeons who specialize in doing Epidural Steroid Injections. Many other doctors who perform this procedure are pain management physicians. There is nothing wrong with having a pain management physician doing an Epidural Steroid Injection.
- Having your spine surgeon doing your Epidural Steroid Injection can be beneficial, because ultimately if it is necessary our Neurosurgeon will be performing the surgery if the epidural steroid injections fail.
- There is a high probability that the Epidural Steroid Injections will work. No one wants to have to get major back surgery and an Epidural Steroid Injection is a great way to prevent it. On average, one Epidural Steroid Injection can help your pain for over 3 months (sometimes even longer) Less than 10% of our patients end up having to get back surgery.
- In conjunction with Epidural Steroid Injections, physical therapy is also recommended by our Neurosurgeons. The reduced inflammation combined with physical therapy will help slowly heal your back.
- Epidural Steroid Injections can be done three times a year. It will be able to give you a buffer in order to avoid having major back surgery.
- Most Neurosurgeons do not perform epidural steroid injections. The main reason why our Neurosurgeons perform these procedures is to prevent you from having major spine surgery. If surgery can be avoided, our team will always try to avoid surgical intervention.
Conditions that Epidural Steroid Injections can help
Herniated Discs – The material inside your disc can protrude out and cause inflammation of the nerves.
Bone Spurs – These bony growths in your spine can pinch the spinal cords or the nerve roots
Spinal Stenosis – It is the narrowing of the spinal canal which can put pressure on the spinal nerves
Sciatica – Pain in the Sciatic nerve which generally affects one side of the body
Degenerative disc – As you age, the discs begin to wear and cause pain
What are the risks of an Epidural Steroid Injection?
- Anxiety
- Sleeping issues
- Weight Gain
- Steroid Flush – redness in the face or chest
- Menstrual changes
Very Rare Risks
- Allergic Reactions
- Infection
- Nerve Damage
- Bleeding
What are the risks of an Epidural Steroid Injection?
Request and appointment with Florida Surgery Consultants. Our Neurosurgeons are all board certified, do their own Epidural Steroid Injections, and want to avoid surgery at all costs.
However, if the epidural steroid injections do fail, there are also other procedures that are minimally invasive that can be performed.
Request a consultation with us using our consultation form, live chat, or simply by calling our main scheduling line : (888) 411-6824. Make sure to also check out all of our office locations around Florida to see if there is an office close to you.