Epidural Injections Coconut Creek, FL
Epidural injections can offer pain relief and reduce inflammation in a variety of conditions. They can also ease symptoms that directly affect the spinal cord, back, and surrounding structures. Although epidural injections are typically associated with labor, they are also a treatment option with pain management doctors to help alleviate pain in various parts of the body. We can assess your case and determine whether you may benefit from epidural injections.
At Interventional Pain & Wellness Center, we offer epidural injections for patients who have undergone injury, those with chronic pain, or those who have ongoing health conditions. Our team can help you get back on your feet and learn to manage your own pain and symptoms at home. To learn more about a procedure or schedule an appointment, call (954) 633-2397 today.
What are Epidural Injections?
Epidural injections consist of corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory medicine, and a local anesthetic that are injected into the epidural space located at the base of the spinal cord. The epidural space is the outermost area of the spine between the dura mater (a membrane) and the vertebral wall, containing fat and small blood vessels. The dural sac surrounds the nerve roots and contains cerebrospinal fluid.
Epidural injections provide instant temporary or prolonged relief (depending on the cause) from pain and inflammation. They intend to reduce swelling around the spinal nerve roots and ease inflammation in damaged nerves in other parts of the body. It is possible to administer the injections in certain locations that target specific nerves depending on the patient’s case and condition.
Candidates for Epidural Injections
Good candidates for epidural injections include those with neck or back pain associated with irritation or inflammation of the spinal nerves. Patients with certain spine conditions, such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, sciatica, spondylolisthesis, and degenerative disc disease, also largely benefit from epidural injections. Other health conditions that produce chronic pain and inflammation may qualify a patient for an epidural injection.
General back pain due to sore muscles, spasms, and the like is not a viable reason for an epidural injection. These injections target inflamed nerves rather than large muscle groups, so they would not benefit patients with back pain. Patients who are also not good candidates for this procedure include those who have an active infection, bleeding disorder, or allergies to the medications in the injection. Candidacy is determined during the consultation visit once we assess the patient’s case and examine them physically. We may also run tests to ensure they can receive the injection without risk.
Conditions and Uses for Epidural Injections
Epidural injections typically supplement other treatments for various health conditions. Patients may require medications, physical therapy, invasive treatments, and, in severe cases, surgery with or without epidural injections depending on their case.
Epidural injections can help reduce pain associated with:
- A herniated or bulging disk that impinges nerves causing pain
- Bone spurs
- Injuries to spinal nerves, vertebrae, and surrounding tissues
- Post-operative “failed back” surgery syndromes (chronic back or leg pain after spinal surgery)
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list. Patients may benefit from epidural injections if they experience one of these or other conditions that produce a lot of pain, inflammation, or swelling. Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of these conditions or have chronic nerve pain. We can determine the right treatment for each person’s case.
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The Treatment Process
During the consultation visit, we will thoroughly examine the patient and assess their case. Upon understanding their health condition completely, we will provide individualized instructions for the day of the epidural injection procedure. This will include what to eat and what foods and beverages to avoid, medication schedule changes, and fasting requirements. We will also inform them of what to wear and how to make the process as smooth as possible following the procedure.
On the day of the injection appointment, we will ask you to use the restroom and change into a hospital gown. The patient will lie down on their stomach or side on a special fluoroscopic or CT table that will give us easy access to the injection site(s). A nurse or technologist will help make you as comfortable as possible both during and after the procedure and can provide relaxation medication if need be.
The doctor will identify where to administer the injection, clean and sterilize the skin with an antiseptic solution, and inject a local anesthetic to numb the area before administering the epidural. Once the area is numb, they will use an imaging guidance tool to place the epidural needle in the exact position. When the needle is in place, we will inject a contrast material so the doctor can accurately target the nerves for sufficient distribution of the medication. Finally, the doctor will slowly inject the medication.
After the procedure is complete, the patient needs to rest for up to an hour to ensure they do not have any side effects from the medications or the injection itself. Patients should arrange to have someone drive them home after the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Epidural Injections
Q. What is in an epidural injection?
A. An epidural injection is an injection that consists of steroids, anesthetics, and anti-inflammatory medications. It is administered into the epidural space at the base of the spinal cord just outside of the spinal canal. Epidural injections offer relief from pain, inflammation, and swelling.
Q. How often do I need epidural injections?
A. The number of injections and duration of injection depends on each patient’s unique case and any existing health conditions they may have. Depending on the results and pain relief from the first injection, we can determine the number of subsequent injections you may need.
Q. How long does an epidural injection last?
A. Some patients find permanent relief from one epidural injection, while others may experience relief for only a few days. The length of time largely depends on the patient’s condition, their current health state, and any existing conditions and medications. We will be able to determine this following the first injection procedure.
Q. Who can administer an epidural injection?
A. A radiologist or anesthesiologist most often performs epidural injections. However, a neurosurgeon, orthopedic surgeon, pain specialist, or neurologist may also administer it. Our qualified physicians are trained and experienced in administering epidural injections. We will discuss this and the criteria for epidurals during your initial consultation visit.
Q. Are epidural injections safe?
A. Epidural injections are fairly safe when administered properly and by a certified technician or specialist. There are certain limitations and risks associated with these injections, especially when administered into the neck as opposed to the epidural space. We will discuss your individual risk factors prior to the procedure day.
Start Feeling Better – Visit Us Today
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
Schedule a Visit Today
Epidural injections are available at our office. The Interventional Pain & Wellness Center team looks forward to treating you and helping reduce your pain. Call our office at 954-633-2397 to learn more or schedule an appointment.
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