Epidural Steroid Injections: What You Need to Know

Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are a common treatment option for many forms of back pain and sciatica. They involve injecting a corticosteroid medication into the spine's epidural space, aiming to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Understanding the ins and outs of ESIs is crucial for anyone considering this treatment or curious about its efficacy and safety.

ESIs are widely utilized in the United States, and millions are administered annually. According to data from the National Institutes of Health, around 9 million epidural steroid injections are performed each year in the U.S. alone. However, amidst their prevalence, questions persist about their long-term effectiveness, potential side effects, and appropriate usage.

This blog discusses how epidural steroid injections work and their benefits and risks to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI)

An epidural steroid injection involves injecting anti-inflammatory medication, such as a steroid or corticosteroid, into the epidural space surrounding the spinal nerves. It alleviates neck, back, arms, and leg pain caused by inflamed or irritated spinal nerves from specific conditions or injuries. The pain relief an ESI provides can last for days to several months.

ESIs are often confused with epidural analgesia or anesthesia administered during childbirth, labor, or some surgeries. However, both are different. Epidural anesthesia involves injecting local anesthesia to numb treatment areas, whereas ESI involves injecting medication for pain relief.

What Are Epidural Steroid Injections Used for?

ESIs are commonly used to treat pain in various regions, including:

• Back pain: ESIs can be particularly effective for managing pain caused by inflamed spinal nerves due to herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
• Neck pain: Similar to back pain, ESIs can relieve pain by targeting inflammation around the cervical spine (neck) nerves.
• Sciatica: This radiating pain down the leg often stems from a pinched nerve in the lower back. ESIs can reduce inflammation and provide relief from sciatic pain.

How Does an Epidural Steroid Injection Work? 

The injected steroid medication works by calming inflammation around the spinal nerves. This reduced inflammation alleviates pressure on the nerves, leading to pain relief. The steroid's anti-inflammatory properties can also promote healing in the affected area. 

Benefits of Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections offer a range of benefits for individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions, including:

• Pain Relief: By targeting the source of pain, the injection provides lasting relief from the discomfort experienced in the back, neck, arms, legs, etc.
• Reduced Inflammation: Steroid medication suppresses inflammation, so the affected areas are no longer subjected to stress or strain.
• Improved Functioning: An ESI can enhance your functionality, leading to an improved quality of life and increased capability to engage in daily tasks without the limitations imposed by pain.

Risks of Epidural Steroid Injections

While ESI injections can provide significant relief from chronic pain, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with this procedure.

Common side effects of ESI injections are:

• Sleeping problems
• Flushing of the chest and face
• Water retention
• Increased temperature
• Temporary increase in pain for a few days following the procedure
• Anxiety
• Changes in the menstrual cycle

Rare but severe side effects that call for immediate intervention include:

• Numbness or tingling
• Adrenal suppression
• Post-dural puncture headache
• An allergic reaction
• Paralysis (very rare)
• Temporary pain in the back or lower limbs
• Epidural bruising or abscess
• Infection
• Nerve damage

Long-term effects of ESI injections from repeated uses include:

• Bone loss
• Osteoporosis (which increases the risk of bone fractures)
• Hormonal imbalance

How Long Can You Sustain Pain Relief from ESI Injections?

The duration of pain relief can differ depending on the root cause of the pain. It can sometimes range from weeks to months or up to a year.

Which Healthcare Specialists Can Administer Epidural Steroid Injections?

Here is who can give you these injections:

• Physiatrists: With pain management and rehabilitation expertise, they can administer ESIs to treat musculoskeletal and nervous conditions.
• Radiologists: Are skilled in using imaging techniques such as X-rays or MRI scans to guide the injection to the appropriate location.
• Anesthesiologists: These are trained to provide pain relief through various methods, including epidural injections.
• Neurologists: Focus on diagnosing and treating nervous system disorders, including conditions that can be treated with epidural injections.
• Other Surgeons: Surgeons who have undergone additional training in pain management may also be qualified to administer epidural injections.

Visit Michigan Neurology Associates & Pain Consultants for Fast Relief with Epidural Steroid Injection

Michigan Neurology Associates & Pain Consultants is your trusted destination for epidural steroid injections. Our skilled neurologists and pain consultants have extensive experience administering epidural steroid injections to treat a wide range of conditions, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, and more. So you can resume your normal activities and enjoy an improved quality of life. Schedule an appointment today for prompt pain relief and optimal wellness. 

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