When to Consider Epidural Injections for Back Pain
Approximately 80% of people experience back pain at some point in their lives. It’s a common complaint, and the causes behind it are complex, making it challenging to find a solution.
Some episodes of back pain indeed heal on their own. However, when that pain persists for weeks, months, or longer, it’s considered a chronic condition. Chronic back pain can limit your life, and it’s not unusual to try many treatments that are ineffective.
Dr. Seth Kaufman of South Florida Interventional Orthopedics and Spine is double board-certified in physical and rehabilitation medicine. He has helped countless patients with chronic back pain, from elite athletes to seniors, reclaim active lives with non-surgical solutions, including epidural injections.
In this blog, Dr. Kaufman breaks down the ins and outs of chronic back pain and how epidural injections may help alleviate yours.
When to consider an epidural for back pain
At South Florida Interventional Orthopedics and Spine, your spinal treatment plan begins with a comprehensive evaluation. Dr. Kaufman reviews your medical history, performs a thorough examination, and considers your symptoms. He may also order diagnostic imaging or other tests to reach a diagnosis.
For mild to moderate pain, he typically recommends non-invasive treatments, such as physical therapy or oral medication.
If you have radiating pain in your arms or legs, or if other treatments don’t deliver adequate relief, you might be a candidate for epidural injections. Epidural injections are minimally invasive, and they provide more powerful medication directly to your spine.
Dr. Kauman might recommend an epidural if you have:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Herniated disc
- Radiculopathy
- Sciatica
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
Epidural injections can help treat inflammation, swelling, and a range of nerve-related issues that affect your spine and other parts of your body.
Getting an epidural injection for back pain
Epidural steroid injections for back pain combine a local anesthetic with a corticosteroid. The local anesthetic begins providing pain relief immediately, and the corticosteroid offers longer-lasting relief.
If you choose to get an epidural for your back pain, Dr Kauman will administer the injection on an outpatient basis. The procedure takes under an hour, you’re observed for about 15-20 minutes, and then you’re free to go home.
You lie down on an X-ray table, and our team prepares your skin for the injection. Then, your doctor inserts a needle into the epidural space of your spine, using X-ray imaging to achieve precise placement.
The injection itself takes just a few moments. You need to remain still, but it shouldn’t be painful. Once you’re released from the office, you should begin noticing the effects of the injection. The corticosteroid may take a few days to start working, and the pain relief you experience can last up to several months.
Chronic back pain doesn’t have to limit your life. To find out if you’re a good candidate for epidural injection, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kaufman at South Florida Interventional Orthopedics and Spine. He has offices in Davenport and Miami, Florida. Please call the office nearest to you, or request an appointment using our online booking tool.