An epidural steroid injection is a way to deliver pain medicine fast into the body using a syringe. The epidural steroid is injected into the epidural area. It is a fat-filled area, covering the spinal cord for protection and the surrounding nerves from getting damaged.
There are advantages of epidural steroid injections that may include: You may experience pain relief temporarily. Some will experience long-term relief, and you will likely have better life quality and an improved ability to do some daily activities without the restrictions caused by pain.
Understanding about ESIs
Epidural steroid injections are placed as a corticosteroid medication. It is injected directly around the pinched nerve when exiting the spine in the epidural space. Epidural space will be located where discs and bones of the spin surround the spinal cord and nerves. It is the space into which the disc tissue herniates and causes inflammation and pressure around the spinal nerves.
ESIs are also used to treat back pain caused by the following:
- herniated disc (slipped disc)
- lumbar or cervical radiculopathy
- spinal stenosis
- sciatica
Is epidural steroid injection safe to use?
Although it is rare, the risks and complications apply to lumbar ESI injections, include:
- Low blood pressure
- Severe headache
The perspective for lumbar ESI therapy
Many people have experienced temporary pain relief from lumbar ESIs, and some of them experience longer-term relief that lasts for up to 12 months. But, some people don’t experience any pain relief from epidural steroid injections. The lumbar ESI’s goal is to provide enough short-term pain relief to begin or continue physical therapy or try to avoid more intensive pain relief procedures.
Physical therapy helps promote long-term pain relief by strengthening muscles and supporting the spine. If the lumbar ESI will work for you and help with pain relief, the healthcare provider recommends another injection. But, most providers can limit people to 2-3 ESIs yearly.
How long does ESI last for back pain?
The studies on lumbar ESIs revealed that they provide reliable pain relief for up to six months in several cases. Yet, each person is different and will experience pain differently. So, experience varies. Lumbar ESIs are the most successful, providing temporary pain relief to radicular pain caused by a lumbar herniated disk and lumbar spinal stenosis. Lumbar ESIs are unintended to cure back pain. However, the main goal of ESI is to deliver temporary pain relief for those who suffer from chronic lower back pain.