Epidural steroid injections are an effective treatment to relieve certain types of nerve pain affecting the back, neck, as well as radiating nerve pain. These injections contain anti-inflammatory steroid medication that is injected into the epidural space.
If you have chronic pain and think you could benefit from epidural steroid injections, then contact Cayman Neurology in the Cayman Islands. Our neurologists can evaluate your condition and determine whether they would be of help to you. Schedule your appointment today.
Specialties
Neurology
Pain Management
Diagnostic Tests
Therapeutic Procedures
Why Therapeutic Procedures Are Important
Cayman Neurology and Pain Management provides a comprehensive array of therapeutic procedures to address various pain-related issues. These include epidural steroid injections for conditions like herniated discs and spinal stenosis, facet joints blocks to alleviate facet joint pain, and radio-frequency facet joint ablations for long-lasting relief.
These kinds of therapeutic procedures offer effective options for individuals seeking relief from specific pain conditions.
An epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a minimally invasive therapeutic procedure that is used to manage certain types of spinal pain. Several nerves travel down narrow passageways along your spinal cord. If these passageways become compressed, pressure will be put on your spinal nerves, resulting in pain.
The epidural space is the area around your spine that cushions your nerves and spinal cord. The epidural corticosteroid injection is injected into the epidural space around the spinal nerves and nerve roots to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
While these injections can relieve pain in the short term, they do not always correct the underlying cause. Some structural causes may require further treatment for long-term relief. The ESI provides pain relief because it reduces the pain caused by the inflammation and irritation of your spinal nerve roots.
Some of the common conditions epidural steroid injections are used for include the following:
There are three different types of ESIs, as well as different approaches to make the injection. The approach and type will depend on the location and cause of your symptoms.
The three types of ESIs are as follows:
The different approaches for ESIs include the following:
You may feel some temporary discomfort or pressure during an epidural steroid injection procedure. Before the injection, a local anesthetic may be used to numb the area.
Some people may feel some temporary soreness following the procedure.
You may be a good candidate for an ESI if you suffer from chronic back pain that is affecting your daily activities or limiting your participation in physical therapy. You may also be a good candidate if you have the following conditions:
An evaluation is needed by a healthcare professional to determine whether epidural steroid injections are right for you.
ESIs are performed by an appropriately trained pain physician or other qualified physician with expertise in spinal injection procedures. Other medical professionals may include the following:
Before administering an ESI, your physician will consider your medical history and the symptoms you are experiencing. They may also perform a physical examination. Imaging tests may be used to find the source and location of your nerve irritation.
Before the injection, you should tell your doctor about any allergies or any medications you are taking, particularly blood thinner medications.
Your doctor will explain to you the expected benefits for your condition and any potential risks. You may also receive specific instructions regarding eating, drinking, or taking medications before the procedure.
The ESI procedure generally follows these steps:
The whole procedure can take 15 to 30 minutes.
After an ESI procedure, you will be monitored for a short time before being allowed to leave.
It is normal for it to take between one and three days to feel relief. You may be advised to minimize your activity level for that day. Generally, most can return to their normal activity level the next day.
Like many, you may experience some pain relief. However, if you feel that this procedure has only brought you mild relief, your doctor may schedule 1 or 2 more injections. While the results may vary due to the underlying condition, the relief you experience coupled with physical therapy can last for 3 to 6 months or more.
Some people experience mild temporary soreness at the injection site. It’s also possible to feel some hot flashes or temporary numbness or weakness.
There is a smaller risk of more serious complications following an ESI. These may include the following:
Your physician will discuss the potential benefits and risks and determine whether the procedure is appropriate for you.
If back, neck, or radiating leg pain is affecting your daily activities, Cayman Neurology can evaluate your symptoms and discuss appropriate treatment options. Epidural steroid injections may be one option for managing certain types of spinal pain and providing pain relief. Schedule an appointment with our team in the Cayman Islands to learn whether this treatment may be appropriate for you.
The epidural procedure itself generally takes around 15 to 30 minutes. Patients are usually monitored for a short period afterward before going home.
Some people may notice temporary relief soon after the injection from the local anesthetic. The steroid may take longer to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. The results and duration of relief vary from person to person.
Pain relief can last from several weeks to several months, although the duration varies depending on the underlying condition and individual response to treatment. An injection does not necessarily correct the underlying cause of spinal pain.
Some temporary discomfort or pressure may occur during the injection. A local anesthetic is often used to numb the area and make the procedure more comfortable. Temporary soreness or an increase in pain can occur after the injection.
They may help people with sciatica caused by irritation or inflammation of a spinal nerve root. Lumbar epidural steroid injections can reduce inflammation around the affected nerve and may provide relief from associated back and leg pain.