When Are Epidural Injections Recommended?
Back pain may affect movement and other aspects of daily activity. Epidural injections are a nonsurgical treatment option for certain types of back pain, including discomfort related to irritated or inflamed spinal nerves. A pain management provider evaluates symptoms and medical history before discussing whether an epidural fits the patient’s treatment needs. Here is more information on when epidural injections are recommended:
Understanding Epidural Injections
Epidural injections deliver medication into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord to address inflammation associated with certain types of back pain. A pain management specialist performs the procedure in an outpatient setting and places a needle into the targeted area of the spine. The provider may use imaging guidance to assist with needle placement before administering the medication. Individual experiences vary, and the specialist explains the procedure and treatment expectations based on the patient’s condition.
Treating Persistent Pain
An epidural provides a treatment option for certain types of persistent back and nerve-related pain. A pain management specialist may discuss injections after reviewing symptoms, medical history, and previous treatment approaches. The evaluation helps determine whether an epidural injection fits the patient’s individual care plan.
An epidural may address symptoms and conditions involving the spine and surrounding nerves, including:
- Addressing back pain: Injections target areas associated with persistent spinal discomfort.
- Addressing nerve symptoms: Treatment are able to be used for radiating pain, numbness, burning, or tingling.
- Addressing disc conditions: Epidural injections may form part of treatment for herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
- Addressing nerve compression: Treatment are able to be discussed for nerve impingement, sciatica, or radiculopathy.
- Addressing bone spurs: Injections may address inflammation associated with spinal bone spurs.
Treatment responses and duration vary among patients. The specialist reviews individual progress after the procedure and discusses additional care based on the patient’s response.
Qualifying for Treatment
A pain management specialist reviews symptoms, medical history, and examination findings before recommending an epidural. Diagnostic imaging may provide additional information about the spine and surrounding tissues when appropriate. Patients should discuss current medications, supplements, and other relevant health information with their provider during the evaluation. The specialist uses the information gathered to determine whether an epidural fits the patient’s individual treatment needs.
Preparing for the Procedure
Preparation for an epidural injection begins with instructions from the pain management specialist. Patients may receive guidance about certain medications before the procedure based on their health information and treatment plan. The outpatient procedure involves changing into a gown and lying on an examination table while the provider prepares the treatment area.
The specialist cleans and numbs the injection site before placing the needle into the targeted area. Imaging guidance may assist with needle placement, and the provider administers the selected medication after positioning the needle. Patients should follow the specialist’s directions before and during the procedure based on their individual care plan.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Ongoing back pain may require additional evaluation when previous treatment approaches have not addressed individual symptoms. Epidural injections provide a nonsurgical treatment option for certain types of back and nerve-related pain. A pain management specialist evaluates symptoms, medical history, and diagnostic findings before discussing whether this treatment fits the patient’s needs. Schedule an appointment with a pain management specialist today to discuss epidural injections and available treatment options.
