is the administration of medication into the epidural space. It is used to treat swelling, pain, and inflammation associated with neurological conditions that affect nerve roots, such as a herniated disk and radiculopathy.
Epidural Injections to Fight Severe Pain
One of the great advantages of an integrated medical practice like S.M.A.R.T. Spine Institute and Surgery Center in Arcadia, CA is the fact that we can prescribe such a wide variety of treatment methods, from chiropractic adjustment and massage therapy to nerve blocks and physical therapy, to provide optimal care for your health challenges.
There are even some occasions when a direct injection of medication directly into the outer portion of the spinal canal can help you achieve rapid, significant pain relief. These epidural injections are another service we offer at our pain relief clinic. The term "epidural" refers to a fluid-filled space called the dural sac. This area lies between the covering that envelopes the vertebrae and an outer membrane known as the dura mater. Medication injected into this site has a strong and immediate effect on nearby sources of pain such as herniated spinal discs and impinged spinal nerve roots.
Any condition that puts pressure on nerve tissue this close to the spinal cord can cause both local and referred pain. Herniated disks, "slipped" vertebrae, joint cysts, bone spurs, and thickened ligaments in the spine from arthritis can narrow the space within the spinal canal, pinching the spinal cord or nearby nerve roots to produce severe pain radiating to the arms and legs.
If conservative healing techniques such as chiropractic adjustment cannot relieve these underlying conditions, or other factors such as swelling and inflammation are contributing to the nerve impingement, epidural injections may be recommended to relieve your agony.
Epidural Injections at S.M.A.R.T. Spine Institute and Surgery Center
An epidural spinal injection is a mix of a powerful analgesic and a corticosteroid drug. (An additional topical anesthetic is administered to the injection site beforehand.) This blend of medicines is injected into the dural sac as close as possible to the injury or impingement site.
We can administer the injection anywhere along the cervical, thoracic or lumbar spinal column, via fluoroscopy guidance as needed to ensure an accurate needle placement.
What To Expect
A picture is taken and printed. The injection itself can be uncomfortable, so a slight sedation is administered so when the patient wakes they just feel relief. In some cases spinal manipulation is administered MUA to improve the patients range of motion and enhance the procedure.
This combined process results in freedom from pain and is usually more than worth it for most patients troubled by severe back, neck, arm or leg pain. It should be noted that epidural injections can be a permanent fix for your underlying condition of coupled with proper follow up excoriate therapy. The painkilling and anti-inflammatory effect eventually wears off, meaning that you may need to receive additional injections or use a freezing of the nerve treatment to maintain a pain-free state.
For safety reasons, we may limit the number and frequency of your epidural injections to 2 or 3 per year per area.
Epidural injections can also have some unpleasant side effects, and patients with certain medical conditions should avoid having them. Whatever your needs or situation, our team at S.M.A.R.T. Spine Institute and Surgery Center is 100 percent dedicated to making you feel better and function better.
Call 626-445-0326 today to learn more about our many pain relief options!