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Epidural Steroid Injections in Chicago
Pain management should always begin conservatively. However, when medications and physical therapy alone are unable to resolve the issue, epidural steroid injections (ESI) might be the next step. ESI is a minimally invasive procedure that addresses pain caused by inflamed spinal nerves, typically due to spinal stenosis or disc herniation. With it, medications are injected into the area between the bone and spinal nerve sac, helping to reduce or eliminate neck, arm, back, and leg pain.
Steroids Used in ESI
The epidural steroid injection procedure can use different types of steroids to help manage pain. Typically, it centers on a corticosteroid such as triamcinolone, methyl-prednisolone, or dexamethasone. This is accompanied by a numbing agent to help keep the patient comfortable and as pain free as possible until the injection is complete.
The injection is placed into the epidural area of the spine. It is a fat-filled space between the vertebra and dura sac. The steroids work by getting rid of the proteins that trigger swelling in this area. The disadvantage here is that it doesn’t resolve the underlying issues causing pain. However, it can make it easier to then treat issues like herniated discs.
Conditions ESI Can Manage
Getting an epidural injection for back pain doesn’t work for all chronic pain conditions. If you have pain in the neck, arms, lower back, or legs, you might be a candidate. The following conditions are the ones that are typically best addressed with ESI therapy.
- Spinal stenosis
- Herniated discs
- Spondylolisthesis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Sciatica
After ESI Therapy
Expect to be able to get up and walk around directly after the procedure. You will be monitored for a few hours and if everything is well, you will go home. You should have someone drive you since leg weakness or numbness can be present for a short period after these injections.
You should keep a journal documenting how you are experiencing pain after ESI therapy as well as any weakness or numbness you experience. This can help your doctor evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. You will need a follow-up appointment to go over this.
Most people find that their relief lasts several months. However, some only feel better for a few weeks, while in rare cases, ESI can offer relief that lasts years. It is essential that you do not rely on ESI alone but in conjunction with other therapies as well.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an epidural steroid injection?
An epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a minimally invasive procedure that can help relieve neck, arm, back, and leg pain caused by inflamed spinal nerves due to herniated discs or spinal stenosis. If you are experiencing any of these types of pain or need to find pain relief, get in touch with us today at (630) 226-1130 to schedule an appointment.
What not do after an epidural steroid injection?
If you have just had an epidural steroid injection, there are certain activities that you should avoid for the first 24-48 hours to ensure that the injection is effective and that you do not experience any complications. These activities include strenuous activity, bending, lifting, and twisting. You should also avoid sitting and lying flat on your back for prolonged periods. Anything that puts pressure on the injection site should be avoided, and you should take it easy for the first day or two after the procedure.
What conditions are treated through epidural steroid injection?
Epidural steroid injections are most commonly used to treat herniated discs, lumbar radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, and sciatica. It is also used to treat certain chronic low back and neck pain conditions. If you are experiencing any of these types of pain, please contact our office at (630) 226-1130 to schedule an appointment. We would be more than happy to help you find relief.
How well does epidural steroid injection work? What are the benefits of an epidural steroid injection?
Epidural steroid injections are very effective in treating pain caused by inflamed spinal nerves due to herniated discs or spinal stenosis. The benefits of epidural steroid injections include:
- Reduced pain
- Improved function
- Improved mobility
- Reduced inflammation
- Reduced nerve irritation