Nerve irritation or inflammation in the neck, back, or limbs can cause debilitating pain. Epidural steroid injections offer a non-invasive treatment that can address this pain when rest or medication fails to improve symptoms.
At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, our experienced team uses targeted epidural steroid injections to help patients suffering from persistent nerve pain manage symptoms and improve daily function. We can assess your pain and determine whether this treatment is a viable option for you.
How Epidural Steroid Injections Work
Epidural steroid shots inject a corticosteroid medication into the epidural space, which surrounds the spinal cord and nerve roots. The medication reduces inflammation and eases pressure on affected nerves. As inflammation decreases, many patients notice less pain and greater mobility, improving their overall comfort.
What Conditions Do Epidural Steroid Injections Treat?
Epidural steroid injections often help treat conditions that involve nerve irritation or inflammation, such as:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Sciatica
- Degenerative disc disease
- Pinched nerves
These conditions can cause radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs. Targeted epidural steroid injection treatment can potentially help reduce these symptoms.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Understanding the epidural steroid injection procedure can reduce your anxiety before your appointment and make you more confident about what’s to come. Here’s what to expect:
Before the Injection
Your provider will review your medical history and symptoms. Imaging guidance can help identify the precise treatment area, improving accuracy and efficacy.
During the Injection
You will lie on a treatment table while your provider cleans the injection site. The provider uses imaging guidance to place the needle accurately. The injection itself takes just a few minutes.
After the Injection
You may feel mild soreness at the injection site, but most patients return to normal activities within a day. Some patients notice pain relief within a few days, while others experience gradual improvement over time.
How Long Do Epidural Steroid Injections Last?
Relief from epidural steroid injections varies from patient to patient and depends on the condition being treated. Some patients experience pain relief for weeks, while for others, improvement lasts for months. Your provider may recommend a series of injections to help manage ongoing symptoms.
Are Epidural Steroid Injections Safe?
Epidural steroid injections are a safe and effective option when experienced providers perform them. Most patients tolerate the procedure well. Common side effects include temporary soreness or mild discomfort at the injection site. Serious complications rarely occur, but your provider will review any potential risks with you before treatment.
Benefits of Epidural Steroid Injections
Epidural steroid injections can offer several important benefits:
- Reduce inflammation and nerve pain
- Improve mobility and daily function
- Support participation in physical therapy
- Help delay or avoid surgery
These benefits can relieve your emotional strain and daily pain, and help you return to normal activities with less discomfort.
Am I a Good Candidate for Epidural Steroid Injections?
You may qualify for epidural steroid injections if you experience persistent back or nerve pain that limits daily activity. Doctors often recommend this treatment when conservative care fails to provide adequate relief. The team at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine can evaluate your symptoms and determine the best treatment for you.
Contact Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine
If you’ve been struggling through routine daily activities due to ongoing nerve pain, epidural steroid injections can potentially provide the relief you need. The team at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine can work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your needs and helps you achieve your goals. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward relieving your pain and reclaiming your life.