Epidural Steroid Injections: What to Expect and How They Relieve Pain
Living with chronic pain can make everyday activities challenging and diminish your overall quality of life. If you’ve been struggling with persistent back or neck pain, epidural steroid injections (ESIs) might be a treatment option to consider. At Family Spine and Pain Care Institute, recognized as the best pain management center in Venice, FL, we offer advanced pain relief solutions tailored to your needs. Here’s a closer look at what epidural steroid injections are, what you can expect during the procedure, and how they work to alleviate pain.
What Are Epidural Steroid Injections?
Epidural steroid injections are a common treatment for reducing inflammation and pain associated with conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or sciatica. These injections deliver a potent anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space—the area around the spinal nerves. By reducing inflammation, the injections can significantly decrease pain, allowing you to return to your daily activities with more comfort.
How Do Epidural Steroid Injections Work?
The primary function of an epidural steroid injection is to reduce inflammation around the spinal nerves. When inflammation is decreased, it helps to alleviate pain signals sent to the brain, providing relief from symptoms like sharp, shooting pain, tingling, or numbness in the back, neck, arms, or legs. The relief from these injections can vary; some people experience immediate and long-lasting pain relief, while others may need additional treatments to maintain the effects.
What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure
Before the Procedure:
Your journey with epidural steroid injections begins with a consultation at Family Spine and Pain Care Institute. Our specialists will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and perform a physical exam to ensure that an epidural steroid injection is the right treatment for you. You might be advised to avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before the procedure, and it’s important to inform your doctor of any medications you’re currently taking, especially blood thinners.
During the Procedure:
The procedure is straightforward and usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You will lie face down on a comfortable examination table, and the injection site on your back or neck will be cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. Using X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy), the doctor will carefully insert a needle into the epidural space and inject the steroid medication. Most patients report feeling only mild pressure during the procedure, with minimal discomfort.
After the Procedure:
Once the injection is completed, you will be monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate reactions. It’s recommended to arrange for someone to drive you home, as you might feel slightly drowsy from the anesthetic. Some patients experience initial pain relief due to the anesthetic, but it may take several days to a week for the full effects of the steroid to become apparent. After the procedure, you should avoid strenuous activities for a day or two, but most patients can resume their normal routines quickly.
Is an Epidural Steroid Injection Right for You?
Epidural steroid injections are particularly beneficial for individuals who haven’t found relief from other treatments, such as physical therapy or oral medications. They are a minimally invasive option that can provide significant pain relief without the need for surgery. However, the effectiveness of the injections can vary from person to person, so it’s essential to have a thorough evaluation by a pain management specialist.
Why Choose Family Spine and Pain Care Institute?
At Family Spine and Pain Care Institute, we are dedicated to helping our patients find the most effective pain relief options available. As the leading pain management center in Venice, FL, our team of experts uses the latest technology and techniques to deliver personalized care. We understand the impact chronic pain can have on your life, and we are here to guide you through every step of your treatment.
If chronic pain is affecting your daily life and you’re interested in learning more about epidural steroid injections, contact Family Spine and Pain Care Institute today at www.fsapc.com to schedule your consultation. Let us help you take the first step towards a pain-free life.
