Epidural steroid injections are one of the most common procedures I perform. This is in no small part due to the fact that every year one of the top reasons people see a doctor is back pain. Patients often have questions like, “How does the steroid work to stop the pain?”, “How long can I expect this to last?”, and “Isn’t this just a patch and not really fixing the problem?” Let’s dive into these important questions and explore how epidural steroid injections can help alleviate back pain caused by radiculopathy.
How Epidural Steroid Injections Reduce Pain
Radiculopathy, commonly referred to as a pinched nerve, happens when a nerve root in your spine becomes irritated or compressed. This can lead to radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs or arms, depending on the location of the nerve compression. Inflammation plays a significant role in this condition, often caused by herniated discs, bone spurs, or spinal stenosis.
Epidural steroid injections deliver a powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space, the area surrounding the irritated nerve. The corticosteroid reduces swelling and inflammation, which in turn alleviates pressure on the nerve and provides relief. By targeting the source of inflammation, these injections can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility.
For more details on specific types of injections, visit our pages on Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections to learn about treating lower back pain, and Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections for addressing neck and upper extremity discomfort.
How Long Do Epidural Steroid Injections Last?
The duration of pain relief varies from patient to patient. On average, we anticipate 3-4 months of relief for patients. Many patients report a 50-70% reduction in pain, and studies show success rates for pain relief are approximately 70-80% in carefully selected cases. The length of time depends on factors such as the severity of inflammation, the underlying cause of the radiculopathy, and the patient’s overall health.
Steroids work by breaking the cycle of inflammation. While the injection doesn’t cure the underlying condition, it gives the body a chance to heal by reducing inflammation and allowing you to participate in physical therapy or other treatments aimed at long-term recovery. For many patients, this period of relief is enough to improve their quality of life and delay or even avoid surgery.
Why Not Just Rush to Surgery?
One common misconception is that epidural injections are simply a “band-aid” solution. However, there are many reasons why we don’t immediately resort to surgery:
- Minimally Invasive: Epidural steroid injections are far less invasive than surgery. They carry fewer risks and require no downtime compared to the weeks or months of recovery after a spinal operation.
- Diagnostic Tool: These injections can also help identify the source of your pain. If the injection provides relief, it’s a strong indicator that inflammation in a specific area is contributing to your discomfort.
- Avoiding Surgical Risks: Surgery always carries risks, including infection, scarring, or complications related to anesthesia. By exploring less invasive options first, we reduce the likelihood of unnecessary surgical interventions.
- Facilitating Healing: The reduction in inflammation provided by the injection can allow you to focus on other therapies, such as strengthening exercises, posture correction, and lifestyle changes that address the root cause of your pain.
The Role of Comprehensive Care
Epidural steroid injections are just one tool in the treatment of back pain and radiculopathy. A comprehensive care plan often includes physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle modifications to optimize long-term outcomes. Surgery is usually considered only when all other options fail to provide relief, and your condition significantly affects your daily activities.
If you’re experiencing back or neck pain, we’re here to help. Learn more about how we treat lower back pain on our page about Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections. If your discomfort stems from neck or upper back issues, explore our page on Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections to see how we can provide relief.
Take the Next Step
If you’re struggling with back or neck pain and are curious if epidural steroid injections might be right for you, call 602-633-4334 to schedule a consultation with Red Butte Pain Solutions today. Our experienced team will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Relief could be just an injection away!