What Can You Expect from Spinal Epidural Injections for Pain Relief?

Spinal epidural injections are commonly used treatments for chronic back pain and various spinal conditions. These injections target the epidural space around the spinal cord, particularly where nerve roots exit and extend to other body parts. Such areas near the nerve roots can be the primary sources of pain, such as sciatica.

Epidural steroid injections are utilized to address back pain resulting from conditions like a herniated disc, lumbar or cervical radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, and sciatica. Corticosteroids, potent anti-inflammatory medications, when administered into the epidural space, can considerably alleviate inflammation surrounding an agitated nerve.

In many instances of persistent back pain, doctors may suggest a spinal injection. These injections serve two main purposes: diagnostic and therapeutic. A spinal injection can help determine the cause of pain or be used directly to treat the pain. Common injections for back pain include: Stellate ganglion block, which reduces pain and swelling in the head, neck, upper arms, and chest. This injection is applied to the sympathetic nerves on the sides of the voice box that might be damaged by conditions like shingles.

Preparing for spine injection therapy is crucial. Health care providers recommend spine injection therapy to alleviate back and neck pain, complementing other treatments such as medications and physical therapy. Another effective method for pain control is acupuncture or dry needling. When surgery isn’t an option or not preferred, spinal cord stimulation in the Center for Neuromodulation provides an alternative.

Orthobiologic injections offer a long-term solution for chronic back pain, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, and more. Spine orthobiologics aid in repairing damaged cells in the body.

One systematic review assessed the effect of caudal epidural injections with or without steroids in managing various chronic low back and lower extremity pain types. However, it’s essential to note that blind spinal injections can sometimes result in the medication being placed incorrectly.

All spine injection procedures can be classified into two categories: Diagnostic (Test) Blocks and Therapeutic (Treatment) Blocks. Diagnostic blocks contain a contrast agent and local anesthetic.

For more information, you can visit the following resources:
Harvard Health,
University of Virginia,
Hospital for Special Surgery,
University of Texas Health,
University of Michigan,
Ohio State Wexner Medical Center,
Ohio State Orthobiologics,
OHSU,
University of Rochester.