An estimated 84% of adults will experience back pain at some point in their lifetime. Back pain can be extremely debilitating, as it can affect your sleep and limit your ability to do everyday tasks. Epidural injections for back pain are a minimally invasive treatment that can reduce your symptoms and help you get back to your usual activities.

What Are Epidural Injections for Back Pain?

Epidural injections are steroid medications delivered directly into the epidural space, which is the region that lies outside of the sac of fluid that surrounds the spinal cord. The epidural space is made up of nerves, blood vessels, fat and connective tissues.

Many times, back pain is caused by pressure being placed on one or more nerves, usually due to a bulging or herniated disc. The steroid medications used in epidural injections act on those nerves to reduce chronic pain, as well as symptoms including swelling, irritation, muscle weakness, numbness and tingling.

Epidural injections can help you experience pain relief for at least three months, though results may vary from one patient to the next. Depending on the underlying etiology the relief can sometimes be permanent. This treatment is usually only given two or three times a year. 

When Are Epidural Injections for Back Pain Typically Used?

Epidural steroid injections are typically given when your back pain does not respond to other nonsurgical treatments, including physical therapy and medications. These injections are highly effective at reducing lumbar radicular pain or sciatica that is caused by inflammation and irritation of spinal nerves in the lower back.

The following conditions may be treated using epidural injections:

• Herniated disc. A bulging or herniated disc occurs when the gel-like substance inside the disc leaks out to pinch or press on nearby nerves in the spine.
• Degenerative disc disease. Over time, wear and tear on a disc can cause its cushioning to erode, which can trigger inflammation in spinal nerves.
• Spinal stenosis. This condition occurs when the space inside the backbone shrinks or narrows to put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

How Are Epidural Injections Performed?

Epidural injections for back pain are usually administered by physiatrists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.

First, you will sit or lie down on an X-ray table while a physiatrist cleans and prepares the injection site on your back. A local anesthetic will be applied to numb the treatment area.

Next, an X-ray will be used to help the physiatrist guide the needle into your back. Once the needle is properly placed, the injection will be given to reduce your pain and swelling. Many patients report feeling some pressure while the injection is being given.

Your physiatrist will monitor you for adverse effects for 15 to 20 minutes following your procedure, after which you can go home to relax and recover.

What Is Recovery Like?

Downtime and recovery from an epidural injection for back pain are minimal, usually lasting two to three days.

Many patients go home to rest for the remainder of the day following their appointments. You may need someone to drive you home, especially if you are given sedatives or medications to help you relax during the procedure.

You may experience slight pain and discomfort around the injection site for the first few hours, which may gradually intensify over the next few days. The steroid medication usually starts producing its pain-relieving effects around the two- or three-day mark.

Epidural injections may relieve your back pain for several weeks or months, but they will not address its root cause. You may want to continue working with an orthopaedic specialist who can treat your underlying condition.

Who Are Ideal Candidates for Epidural Steroid Injections?

Epidural steroid injections may be right for you if you have lumbar radicular pain or sciatica and your symptoms are not improving with other nonsurgical treatments.

This treatment may also be ideal for you if you have:

• Degenerative disc degeneration
• Spinal stenosis
• Spondylosis
• Herniated disc

You may want to consider epidural injections if your goal is to avoid surgery and opioid use. An interventional physiatrist can review your medical history, evaluate your condition and recommend the most feasible treatment options.

Contacting the Experts

University Orthopaedic Associates has a team of experienced Interventional Physiatry and Pain Management specialists who can properly evaluate your condition and administer epidural steroid injections. Contact UOA today at (732) 537-0909 to request an appointment if you need treatment for back pain.