Back pain can change how you move, work, and sleep. Many people try medication, ice, and heat with little or only short-term relief. Some keep hoping for the pain to ease, but every day feels like a struggle. You want something that actually works, and this is where an epidural injection for back pain can help. They are fast, effective options for stopping pain and helping you return to your normal life.
Understanding Epidural Injections for Back Pain
Epidural steroid injections target the source of your pain. Your spine is composed of various tissues: bones, discs, nerves, and more. When swelling or a damaged disc puts pressure on a nerve, pain radiates down your back and often into your legs. Sometimes, the pain is sudden. Other times, it builds slowly until it drives you to act.
An epidural injection works by delivering steroids right where your pain starts. Steroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medicines. The injection goes into the epidural space, which surrounds the spinal cord and nerve roots. Administering medicine here calms swelling, eases nerve pressure, and relieves pain.
What Happens During an Epidural Injection?
Doctors perform this procedure in an outpatient setting, which means you will not need an overnight stay. You usually lie on your stomach or side. They clean and numb the skin first to reduce discomfort.
Using a special X-ray called fluoroscopy, your doctor inserts a thin needle into your lower back. The imaging tool helps to target the exact location where nerves feel pain. Once they confirm placement, the doctor injects a corticosteroid plus a local anesthetic.
The entire process often takes less than 30 minutes. You can return home after a short observation. You might feel relief within hours, but the full effect often appears after a few days. Relief can last weeks or even months, depending on your level of swelling and response.
How Do Epidural Steroids Relieve Back Pain?
The main job of the steroid is to stop swelling. Swelling around spinal nerves causes pain, numbness, and tingling that may travel into your leg or foot. By calming inflammation, the steroid takes pressure off your nerves. Fewer inflammatory chemicals circulate.
Many patients report a significant drop in symptoms soon after an epidural injection for back pain. Steroids also prevent new swelling from forming. This means you not only get fast relief but also a longer break from pain. Doctors sometimes combine steroids with a local anesthetic. The anesthetic provides near-instant pain relief, while the steroid creates lasting results.
Are Epidural Injections Safe?
Epidural injections are widely used and considered safe when performed by trained spine specialists.
Possible side effects can include mild pain at the injection site or headaches. There may be more serious reactions, but they are rare. These injections avoid many of the risks linked to long-term pain pills or surgery. Most patients return to their daily activities quickly and report only short downtime.
When Your Orthopedic Doctor May Recommend an Epidural Injection
Not every back pain problem requires an injection. Conservative treatments like medication or physical therapy can address back pain. However, some situations call for a faster or more direct approach. Your orthopedic doctor may suggest an epidural injection for back pain if:
- You have severe pain that does not improve with rest, medication, or physical therapy.
- Your pain travels down your leg or buttock, a symptom called sciatica.
- Diagnostic tests like MRI or CT scans show nerve root inflammation or compression that may stem from a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
- You need to reduce swelling before starting or continuing physical therapy.
- You cannot tolerate or do not want surgery.
- Other pain management methods fail to bring relief.
Epidural injections are often part of a larger treatment plan. The relief you feel can make it possible to stretch, exercise, and move in ways that promote healing. Your doctor will discuss the risks, benefits, and expected outcome with you. Each patient is unique; some individuals experience lasting results after only one injection, while others may require a series of injections over time.
A board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon will help you decide if this fast-acting procedure matches your needs.
How to Find the Best Orthopedic Doctor for Epidural Injections
Finding the right doctor for an epidural injection for back pain can make a big difference in your treatment. Here are some easy steps to guide you:
Check Their Credentials
Look for a doctor who is board-certified and specializes in treating back pain or spine issues. This shows they have the proper training and expertise for the procedure.
Read Reviews
Online reviews can give insight into other patients’ experiences. Look out for mentions of good communication, care during treatment, and pain relief results.
Ask for Recommendations
Talk to your primary care doctor, friends, or family who have had similar treatments. They can help point you toward a trusted specialist.
Verify Their Experience
Ask how often they have performed epidural injections and their success rates. An experienced doctor is more likely to provide effective and safe care.
Schedule a Consultation
Meeting the doctor before committing to treatment is key. Use this opportunity to discuss your condition, ask questions, and see if you feel comfortable with their approach.
Epidural Injection for Back Pain in Rochester Hills, MI
Epidural steroid injections give many patients a renewed sense of comfort. Do over-the-counter medications and physical therapy not solve your pain? An epidural injection for back pain could be the next step. Every patient deserves care from a skilled and compassionate provider. Dr. Bradley Ahlgren is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon.
With advanced training and experience, Dr. Ahlgren guides patients in the best treatment options for lasting back pain relief. Take the next step to reclaim your life – contact Ahlgren Spine Orthopaedic Surgery for a consultation. Call (248) 215-8080 or use our online appointment request form.
We look forward to serving you!
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21896-epidural
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/epidural-corticosteroid-injections
