What are Epidural Steroid Injections?

Are you suffering from back pain? Here are some facts about epidural steroid injections that you can use to help you determine if this is the right treatment option for you:

What are epidural steroid injections?

Epidural steroid injections are a safe and effective treatment you can try if you’re suffering from neck, arm, and low back pain due to sciatica. This type of injection has been around since 1950. The goal of this treatment is to reduce the inflammation and swelling around the structures of the spine. During the procedure, cortisone-like medication is injected in the epidural space or the area that surrounds the discs and nerves of the low back and neck.

Epidural steroid injections have been proven to alleviate pain in conjunction with physical therapy, medications, and other pain-reducing techniques. This procedure can be done 3 to 4 times per year, with at least two weeks spacing per injection session. Most patients experience relief after two to three injections. The doctor or physician may suggest other treatment options if a patient fails to feel significant relief.

Epidural steroid injections are very safe. However, just like any other medical procedure, injections may have side effects, including:

• Pain where the needle was injected
• Headaches
• Increased blood sugar level
• Water retention
• Facial flushing with a warm sensation and redness in the face and chest
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Skin discoloration at the injection site

A fever higher than 101 degrees for 24 hours after the procedure can be a sign of infection and requires an emergency response.

Don’t hesitate to contact Spine Center of Texas if you’re experiencing back pain. We will help determine the cause of pain and suggest treatment options that can provide you relief.