What You Want to Know When Considering an ESI
You’ve hurt your back, or you have a degenerative condition that’s causing you significant discomfort. You’ve tried a number of other treatments, but the pain persists. You’ve heard about epidural steroid injections (ESIs), but you don’t know exactly what they are and whether they’re right for you. Let’s look at some of the questions frequently asked about epidural injections for back pain.
What Is an Epidural Steroid Injection?
An epidural steroid injection, commonly referred to as an “epidural,” involves the injection of medication called a corticosteroid at the site of a pinched nerve. It’s called an epidural because the injection is made into the epidural space, where the bones and discs of the spine surround the nerves and spinal cord. Corticosteroids are essentially anti-inflammatory drugs.
What Types of Conditions Are Commonly Treated with Epidural Injections?
ESIs are frequently used to alleviate back pain stemming from a ruptured, herniated, or slipped disc. In addition, they can provide relief from discomfort related to radiculopathy (inflammation), including sciatica and spinal stenosis (a narrowing of the spinal canal that causes pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots). An epidural can also lessen pain associated with cysts or degenerative disc disease.
What Can You Expect When You Get an Epidural Injection?
The process takes very little time, often less than 15 minutes. You’ll have a needle inserted in the area from which your pain emanates, with a catheter attached. The catheter remains in place and carries the medication to the site of your pain. The steroid should start to have an effect within a half an hour.
What Are the Potential Risks and Benefits of an Epidural Injection?
There are risks anytime you put a needle in your body. You may experience bleeding or nerve damage, and you may develop an infection. Many patients who receive epidurals also report insomnia, increased blood sugar, and even a temporary increase in pain. There are also concerns that ESIs can weaken bones or muscles near the site of the injection. Nonetheless, epidurals are generally believed to be among the safest and most effective ways to treat pain.
How Often Can You Get an Epidural Injection?
Because of concerns about the potential side effects of steroids, most insurance companies and health care providers limit injections to twice or three times yearly.
How Long Can You Expect an Epidural Injection to Abate Your Pain?
The longevity of relief provided by an epidural depends on a number of factors, from the extent of your injury to your overall health. While epidurals commonly provide relief for weeks or months, they can sometimes manage pain for up to a year.
