What Are Epidural Steroid Injections?
Epidural steroid injections are a non-invasive treatment option for pain relief, particularly for conditions affecting the spinal nerves. At Bux Pain Management, we specialize in administering these injections, providing a pathway to relief for patients experiencing chronic pain.
What Type Of Steroids Are Used In Epidural Steroid Injections?
In our practice, we employ a range of corticosteroids for epidural injections to address various patient needs and conditions. The selection among dexamethasone, betamethasone, methylprednisolone, and triamcinolone is tailored based on several factors including the patient’s specific condition, the duration of relief, and any potential allergies or sensitivities. These corticosteroids can be effective in reducing inflammation and alleviating pain.
Why Consider Epidural Steroid Injections?
At Bux Pain Management, we often recommend Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs) as a viable treatment method for patients experiencing chronic back or neck pain. By delivering anti-inflammatory medication directly to the pain source, ESIs can provide substantial relief. We administer ESIs for a variety of conditions including:
- Herniated disks
- “Slipped” vertebrae
- Joint cysts
- Bone spurs
- Thickening ligaments in the spine due to spinal arthritis
- BENEFITS INCLUDE
Pain Relief
ESIs can offer immediate alleviation from chronic pain, enhancing your daily quality of life.
Reduced Inflammation
By targeting the inflamed area with steroids, ESIs significantly diminish inflammation.
Non-Surgical Option
ESIs present a non-surgical treatment alternative for those looking to avoid or delay surgery.
Diagnostic Insight
Observing your pain response to the injection provides valuable information regarding the pain source, aiding in formulating a comprehensive treatment plan.
At Bux Pain Management, we often recommend Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs) as a viable treatment method for patients experiencing chronic back or neck pain. By delivering anti-inflammatory medication directly to the pain source, ESIs can provide substantial relief. We administer ESIs for a variety of conditions including:
- Your medical history
- Any allergies or sensitivities
- Other treatment avenues and their respective risks and benefits.
The ESI procedure at Bux Pain Management is often completed within an hour and involves injecting a chosen corticosteroid directly into the epidural space surrounding your spinal cord and nerve roots. The specific steroid and injection details are customized based on your condition and the desired relief duration.
Epidural Steroid Injections at Bux Pain Management can be a pragmatic approach for managing and alleviating chronic spinal pain, intertwining diagnostic and therapeutic advantages in a single, succinct procedure.
Things To Know Before Receiving Epidural Steroid Injections
It is crucial for patients to be well-informed before undergoing an epidural steroid injection. Our team ensures that each patient understands the procedure, the potential side effects, and the post-procedure care required. We strive to provide patient-centered advice and practical tips to boost the morale of our patients and prepare them for a successful treatment.
How Do Epidural Steroid Injections Work?
Epidural steroid injections deliver medication directly to the affected area, providing preventive relief from pain and inflammation. The procedure involves injecting a corticosteroid and a local anesthetic into the epidural space in the spine. When medications are injected into the epidural space, they deliver treatment by flowing around the inflamed nerves. While the anesthetic in the injection may provide immediate relief the corticosteroids alleviate pain by reducing inflammation. Some corticosteroids may start to work in a few hours; others take up to a week before they reduce the inflammation enough to fully relieve your pain. However, corticosteroids can produce long-lasting results, providing pain relief that lasts from a week to a year, depending on your individual response.
The Types Of Epidural Steroid Injections
At Bux Pain Management, we offer various types of epidural steroid injections, including cervical and thoracic epidural injections, caudal injections, interlaminar (also known as translaminar) injections, and transforaminal injections. Each type targets a specific area of the spine, ensuring that patients receive the most effective treatment for their condition.
What Happens During And After Epidural Steroid Injections?
Here’s a step-by-step rundown of what to expect during and after an ESI procedure:
- WHAT TO EXPECT
1. Pre-Procedure Preparation
Upon arrival, you’ll be prepped for the procedure where we’ll review your medical history and go through any questions you may have.
2. Fluoroscopy Guidance
Dr. Bux uses an advanced X-ray technique that produces high-definition images in real time. He uses fluoroscopy to visualize your spine and precisely guide a hollow needle into the epidural space.
3. Contrast Dye Injection
A contrast dye is injected to verify that the medications will flow correctly around the chosen nerves.
4. Medication Injection
Following verification, the corticosteroid medication is injected to alleviate inflammation and pain.
5. Procedure Completion
Once the medication is administered, the needle is withdrawn, and the injection site is cleaned and bandaged.
- POST-PROCEDURE CARE
Immediate Rest
Post-procedure, patients should rest and relax to allow the body to acclimate to the treatment.
Ice Application
If there’s any residual soreness, ice can be applied to the injection site to minimize discomfort.
Pain Relief Monitoring
Patients often feel a reduction in pain 1-2 hours post-injection due to the local anesthetic, with more stable relief typically occurring within 3-5 days.
Aftercare Instructions
Our team provides comprehensive aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery, and we remain available for any follow-up questions or concerns.
The ESI procedure at Bux Pain Management ensures precise medication delivery for effective pain relief. Adhering to post-procedure care instructions will help to ensure a smooth recovery.
How Long Do Epidural Injections Last?
The longevity of relief provided by an epidural steroid injection can significantly vary among patients, often depending on the specific health condition being treated and the area of pain. Patients with less severe inflammation may experience faster relief, which could last for several months, while those with more complex or severe conditions may require more frequent injections. The duration of relief may also be influenced by the pain’s location, as certain areas can respond differently to the injection.
At Bux Pain Management, our team engages in a thorough evaluation of each patient’s unique case to devise an individualized treatment plan, which may include a tailored schedule for additional injections if required, for sustained pain alleviation.
Side Effects And Risk Of Epidural Steroid Injections
Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs) are a widely utilized treatment for chronic back and neck pain. While considered safe, like any medical procedure, ESIs carry potential side effects and risks. At Bux Pain Management, we prioritize patient awareness and education regarding these possible outcomes and adhere to rigorous safety protocols to minimize risk.
- SHORT-TERM SIDE EFFECTS MAY INCLUDE
- Steroid Flush: Patients might experience a “steroid flush,” characterized by flushing of the face and chest, coupled with warmth and a temperature increase lasting for a few days.
- Sleeping Problems: Some individuals may encounter difficulties in falling asleep or staying asleep post-procedure.
- Anxiety: A feeling of anxiety or restlessness may occur temporarily.
- Menstrual Changes: Women may notice alterations in their menstrual cycle.
- Water Retention
- Nerve Damage
- Increased Pain (Rare): Though uncommon, some patients might feel an increment in pain for several days post-procedure.
- RARE SIDE EFFECTS
- Bleeding: There’s a minimal risk of bleeding, particularly for individuals with bleeding disorders or those on anticoagulant medication.
- Nerve Damage: Though very rare, there’s a slight risk of nerve damage.
- Infection: Infections are rare but can occur, especially if there’s a systemic infection or localized infection overlying the injection area.
- Paralysis: (Extremely Rare) yet a serious complication.
- Medication Allergies (Very Rare) Uncommon allergic reactions to the medications used can occur.
While ESIs are considered a trusted and safe method for alleviating chronic pain, like any medical procedure, they carry potential side effects and risks. Our team at Bux Pain Management will review your medical history, discuss any potential risks, and take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe and effective treatment experience.
Managing The Side Effects Of Epidural Steroid Injections
Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs) are a reliable intervention for alleviating chronic back and neck pain. However, like any medical procedure, they come with potential side effects. Effective management of these side effects not only enhances the safety of this treatment but also improves the patient’s overall experience. Below are some side effects associated with ESIs along with tips on managing them:
- TIPS ON MANAGING THE SIDE EFFECTS
Immediate Rest
- Symptom: Characterized by flushing of the face and chest, coupled with warmth and a temperature increase.
- Management: Cool compresses and over-the-counter antihistamines may help alleviate the symptoms. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Sleeping Problems
- Symptom: Difficulties in falling asleep or staying asleep post-procedure.
- Management: Establishing a regular sleep schedule, reducing caffeine intake, and utilizing relaxation techniques like meditation can be beneficial.
Anxiety
- Symptom: A feeling of anxiety or restlessness may occur temporarily post-procedure.
- Management: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and gentle exercise can be helpful. Discuss any persistent anxiety with your healthcare provider.
Menstrual Changes
- Symptom: Women may notice alterations in their menstrual cycle.
- Management: Track menstrual cycles and discuss any significant changes with your healthcare provider.
Water Retention
- Side Effect: Retention of water post-procedure.
- Management: Reducing salt intake and staying hydrated can help manage water retention. Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Increased Pain (Rare)
- Symptom: Though uncommon, some patients might experience an increase in pain for several days post-procedure.
- Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers and rest can help, but it’s crucial to report any sustained increase of pain to your healthcare provider.
Infection
- Symptom: Infections, though rare, can occur, especially if there’s a systemic or localized infection overlying the injection area.
- Management: Adhering to post-procedure care instructions and report any signs of infection to your healthcare provider.
Nerve Damage (Very Rare)
- Symptom: Experiencing unusual sensations such as tingling, numbness, or weakness, and/or a loss of function in the affected area could indicate nerve damage post-procedure.
- Management: Report any unusual sensations or loss of function to your healthcare provider.
Allergic Reaction (Very Rare)
- Symptom: Rare signs of an allergic reaction may include itching, rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing following the administration of the medication.
- Management: Ensure your healthcare provider has a comprehensive and updated record of your medical history, including known allergies, prior to treatment to help mitigate risks. Should symptoms of an allergic reaction occur, seek medical attention immediately.
How Are Epidural Steroid Injections Administered?
At Bux Pain Management, Dr. Anjum Bux administers epidural steroid injections. A mild sedative is used for patient comfort during the procedure. Utilizing fluoroscopy, a real-time X-ray technique, Dr. Bux guides a hollow needle into the epidural space of the spine. A contrast dye is injected to confirm the needle’s position near the targeted nerves. Following this, the corticosteroid and local anesthetic medications are injected into the epidural space to alleviate inflammation and pain. Patients are provided with aftercare instructions to aid in recovery post-procedure.
