Epidural Steroid Injections in The Woodlands and Houston

If you are experiencing back pain or neck pain, then epidural steroid injections could be helpful. What should you know about injections for back pain? Learn more about an epidural steroid injection in the neck or back below, and rely on Houston Spine and Rehabilitation Centers to help you address back pain, neck pain, and sciatica.

What Is an Epidural Steroid Injection?

An epidural steroid injection is a shot that you receive in an irritated, inflamed, or painful area of your back. This injection contains an anti-inflammatory medication called a steroid, which will help you quell pain, irritation, and inflammation throughout that part of your body. The size of the injection, the frequency of the injection, and the location of the injection will all vary depending on the type of injury you have.

What Conditions Does Epidural Pain Management Treat?

There are several conditions that can be treated using epidural pain management. A few examples include:

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a condition that causes your spinal canal to narrow, compressing the nerves. The narrowing can take place at any location throughout your spinal canal. This inflammation can be treated using an epidural injection in the back.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a condition that takes place when one of your vertebrae slips out of place. This can lead to lower back pain, inflammation, and pressure. A steroid injection can help treat this condition.

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc occurs when the liquid cushion between one of your vertebrae ruptures. This liquid can leak down your spinal canal, leading to inflammation. This condition can also be treated using an epidural injection. 

Degenerative Disc

Degenerative disc disease is a chronic medical condition that gradually causes your spinal discs to dry out. This could cause your vertebrae to collapse on top of one another, leading to inflammation and pain. 

Sciatica

Sciatica is inflammation of the sciatic nerve. This pain can radiate from your lower back into your legs. This can also lead to numbness, tingling, and weakness in your thighs and feet. An epidural injection can treat inflammation of the sciatic nerve.

What Happens Over the Course of Treatment?

Before the injection, the doctor is going to take a close look at your medical history and previous imaging studies. That way, he or she can plan the best approach for the injection. This will also give you an opportunity to ask any questions you might have.

During the procedure, he will sign a consent form and list the medications you are taking. You will also be asked to disclose any allergies you might have. A local anesthetic will be used to numb the area. Then, using x-ray guidance, the doctor will insert the steroid needle into the affected area to deliver the anti-inflammatory. The location of the injection will vary depending on the type of discomfort you have.

Restrictions After Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection

It is important to be aware of possible injection side effects. You should know about several possible restrictions, including:

• The location may feel sore for up to 24 hours after the injection.
• You should avoid applying heat to the injection area for at least 72 hours.
• You should not drive for 12 hours after the injection, so you might need someone to come with you to the appointment.

We will work with you to keep your risk of side effects and complications as low as possible.

Epidural Steroid Injections in The Woodlands

If you are looking for help with epidural steroid injections in The Woodlands, we can help you. We are Houston Spine and Rehabilitation Centers, and it is our honor to provide injections for back pain and neck pain. New patients get a consultation, and we only recommend surgery as a last resort. If you have concerns about epidural steroid injection cost, we can help you with that. Contact us today to make an appointment with one of our professionals.