Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are designed to target inflammation and nerve irritation, a common cause of chronic pain.
As an award-winning pain management physician, Dr. John S. Michels at ISP Health in Dallas, Texas, develops pain treatment strategies tailored to individual needs. Dr. Michels’ success is partially fueled by his own experience with pain from his time as an NFL Super Bowl champion, and his patients value his practical, compassionate approach to managing pain.
Read why Dr. Michels often recommends ESIs to patients seeking relief from the debilitating effects of spinal nerve compression and what you can expect before, during, and after this in-office procedure.
An epidural steroid injection is a minimally invasive procedure that delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space, the area surrounding spinal nerves.
The goal is to reduce inflammation, swelling, and irritation, which in turn decreases pain. Unlike oral medications that work throughout the entire body, ESIs target the exact source of discomfort, making them both effective and efficient for many patients.
Epidural steroid injections are commonly used to treat pain caused by irritated or compressed spinal nerves.
Conditions that may benefit include:
These conditions can cause pain in the neck or back that may radiate down the arms or legs. ESIs can offer long-lasting relief and are typically used in conjunction with physical therapy and other treatments.
Dr. Michels begins with a comprehensive evaluation that typically includes a review of your medical history, a physical examination, imaging studies, and a review of your current medications and other therapies you may have tried for pain relief.
You receive specific instructions on how to prepare and what to expect from the injection, which may vary slightly depending on the condition causing the problem and your overall health.
But, generally, you can expect:
On the day of the procedure, wear comfortable clothing and bring a driver. Patients can return home after the procedure, but driving isn’t recommended immediately following the injection.
An epidural steroid injection typically takes less than 10-15 minutes. You can choose to have the procedure while awake or with sedation, depending on your pain tolerance and other medical conditions. You lie comfortably on a table while we clean your skin and numb it with a local anesthetic.
Using X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy), Dr. Michels precisely places a thin needle into the epidural space. He uses a contrast dye to outline the irritated nerves. He then injects a mixture of steroid and local anesthetic into the targeted treatment site.
After a brief observation period, you can head home.
Patients can experience increased pressure on the nerves initially after the procedure. The anti-inflammatory effect of the steroid can take 10 days to provide relief. But many patients experience pain relief within 24-72 hours, with benefits lasting from weeks to months.
Physical therapy, stretching, and strengthening exercises can extend and enhance the results.
ESIs can be repeated when medically appropriate, depending on your symptoms and treatment goals. Often, though, the injection provides the relief you need to undergo rehab to correct the underlying imbalance that is causing the pain.
Are you ready to learn more about epidural steroid injections? Book an appointment with Dr. Michels at ISP Health today.
