A Quick Take on the Basics of Epidural Steroid Injections
by Hampry Gomes SEOEpidural
steroid injections, simply known as ESIs, are used for the treatment lower back
pain and for leg pain at times. This is one of the potential treatments for low
back pain and sciatica without surgery. Doctors may administer epidural steroid
injection for immediate pain relief or as a part of an elaborative treatment
program for comprehensive care. Here are some other details.
Understanding the
Benefits:
In
general, the pain-relief benefits of epidural steroid injections last for a
week to a year, depending on the facts of the case. Nevertheless, doctors agree
that epidural steroid injection is a great way to offer sufficient pain relief
in case of sudden or acute pain. Apart from the lumber region, epidural steroid
injections can be used for easing pain in the mid spine, neck and legs.
How does it Work?
With
epidural steroid injections, the medication is administered directly to the
actual source of pain, which is why the effect is considerable. In comparison,
painkillers or even oral steroids have a dispersed action. It is known that epidural
steroid injections can help in reducing local inflammation considerably. In
general, the injection contains a local anesthetic agent, saline and cortisone,
which is the steroid. Saline is mainly used to dilute the anesthetic agent.
For what Conditions
are Epidural Steroid Injections used?
In
general, epidural
steroid injections are used for conditions like lumbar disc herniation, degenerative
disc disease, lumbar spinal stenosis, cysts, and annular tear. In some cases,
steroid injections can be used for compression fractures. Your pain doctor is
the best person to take a call on this.
What are the
Possible Risks? Are there any Side Effects?
Well,
steroid injection has been linked to infections, although extreme infections
are rare. Secondly, it can cause something known as Osteomyelitis. It can also
lead to what is known as Dural puncture, and in some cases, there is a risk of
bleeding, especially for patients who have other bleeding problems. There are
also records of steroid injections causing nerve damage, although very, very
rare.
If
you compare the potential side effects of steroid injections with oral
steroids, the occurrences are rare. Nevertheless, it is important to understand
the possible side effects, which include increased pain in the areas,
headaches, flushing of the face, insomnia or sleep issues, fever after the
injection, increase in anxiety, increased blood sugar. There are also reported
cases of stomach ulcer and cataract, as well.
Epidural
steroid injections have been in use for decades, and your doctor should be able
to explain if this can work for your lower back pain. Most patients have
experienced immediate relief, and others only had good things to say. Check
online to find a pain clinic near you and take an appointment, so as to
understand the possible treatment plans using these injections for quick
relief.
Book an
Appointment:
http://www.advancedpaincare.net/book-an-appointment
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Information:
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Created on May 31st 2018 05:29. Viewed 258 times.