Epidural injections involve the injection of a corticosteroid medication into the epidural space, which surrounds the spinal cord and nerve roots. The goal of the injection is to reduce inflammation, swelling, and irritation of the nerves, which in turn can provide relief from pain and improve your mobility. Dr. Francisco Del Valle Freehold can administer the epidural injection in an outpatient setting to alleviate the symptoms of several medical disorders.
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Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal becomes narrow. Your doctor directly injects the medication into your epidural space, which is the area surrounding the spinal cord and the nerves that run through the spine. The medication used, typically consists of a combination of corticosteroids and local anesthetics, that reduce inflammation and pain in the affected area. They can help relieve the symptoms associated with spinal stenosis, including back pain, leg pain, and numbness. By reducing inflammation, epidural injections can also help create more space in your spinal canal, which may alleviate pressure on the nerves and improve overall function.
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Herniated disc
Epidural injections are a non-surgical treatment option for a herniated disc that involves injecting a corticosteroid medication directly into the epidural space around the affected spinal nerves. This medication helps reduce inflammation and swelling in the area, which can relieve pressure on the herniated disc and alleviate associated pain and discomfort. The injection may also contain an anesthetic to provide immediate pain relief. Overall, epidural injections can help patients manage the symptoms of a herniated disc and improve their quality of life without the need for surgery.
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Degenerative disc disease
The goal of this treatment is to reduce inflammation and pain due to degenerative disc disease. The injection is administered into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots, providing relief to the affected area. You may need several treatment sessions to manage chronic pain due to the disorder. Epidural injections are an effective option for managing symptoms associated with degenerative disc disease, allowing you to resume your daily activities with less pain and greater mobility.
Risks associated with epidural injections
Epidural injections, like all medical procedures, come with some risks. While they are generally considered safe, there are potential risks and side effects associated with this treatment. The most common side effect of epidural injections is pain at the injection site, which you can manage with over-the-counter pain medications. You may also experience headaches, nausea, dizziness, or allergic reactions to the medication used during the injection. Additionally, epidural injections can cause temporary weakness or numbness in your legs, which usually resolves within a few hours after the injection. Rare but serious complications include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, or paralysis. It is essential to consult with your doctor before undergoing epidural injections and to report any unusual symptoms or side effects to the medical provider immediately.
If you have bleeding disorders or an active infection you should avoid this treatment. Women who are pregnant should also avoid epidural injections as the safety of the procedure for the developing fetus is still unknown. If you also have a history of severe allergic reactions or are allergic to any of the medications used in the injection, you may not be a candidate.
For more information about epidural injections, call the Healthcare Pain Centers LLC or book your spot online.
