Epidural Steroid Injections In West Orange, NJ

Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are a minimally invasive pain management treatment often used to address chronic pain and discomfort caused by irritated, pinched, or inflamed spinal nerves. Not to be confused with epidural anesthetic injections, which are often given during childbirth or certain surgeries, they precisely deliver anti-inflammatory steroid medication into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord and nerves.

The goal of coating irritated spinal nerves with steroid medication is to reduce swelling to relieve pain and other symptoms. Epidural steroid injections are generally a temporary pain solution that needs to be administered at regular intervals, but in some cases, the relief they provide can also allow for more permanent healing to take place. At Resolve Pain, our leading doctors may occasionally recommend epidural steroid injections as a standalone treatment option, but more often will integrate them into a broader, more holistic treatment plan that also involves other complementary therapies.

Steroid Injections For Pain Management

Corticosteroids, often referred to simply as steroids, are human-made drugs that closely mimic cortisol, a natural hormone produced by the adrenal glands. One of cortisol’s many functions in the human body is to reduce inflammation and this is also one of the primary reasons why corticosteroids are prescribed. There are many types of corticosteroid drugs, some of the most common being prednisone, cortisone, and methylprednisolone. Anti-inflammatory corticosteroids are different from the anabolic steroids that are sometimes misused by athletes.

Epidural steroid injections may be administered into different segments of the spine, depending on the location of the nerve pain being treated: Cervical ESIs target the neck, thoracic ESIs target the mid-back, and lumbar ESIs target the lower back. Access may be gained to the epidural space by guiding the injection needle precisely between two vertebrae (known as an interlaminar injection) or through the foramina (known as a transforaminal injection). Your skilled Resolve doctor will determine which approach is the safest and most effective based on the specifics of your particular case.

Conditions Treated

Epidural steroid injections can be used to treat pain and inflammation in the spinal nerve roots that arise from a wide variety of different causes. At Resolve Pain, some of the most common conditions we treat with ESIs include:

• Herniated Discs
• Spinal Stenosis
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Facet Joint Arthritis
• SI Joint Dysfunction
• Spondylolisthesis

To learn more about ESIs and whether or not this treatment option may be the right fit for your particular needs, circumstances, and health goals, book an appointment at Resolve Pain today!

How The Steroid Injection Works

An epidural steroid injection procedure typically takes less than half an hour to complete and patients can usually resume regular daily activities within 24 hours after treatment. When you arrive for your ESI appointment, you’ll be asked to lie comfortably on your stomach. The injection site will be cleansed and a local anesthetic administered to reduce pain and discomfort during the procedure. Your experienced Resolve doctor will use fluoroscopy to precisely guide the needle to the targeted treatment area and slowly inject medication into the epidural space. Depending on the situation, corticosteroid medication may be mixed with a local anesthetic to further maximize pain relief.

At Resolve Pain, the safety and comfort of our patients is our number one priority and we’ll be by your side every step of the way to ensure a smooth experience and exceptional outcome. If you feel discomfort at any point during an epidural steroid injection, let your doctor know immediately.

When You Can Expect Relief

Patients usually notice a decrease in pain and inflammation within 1-3 days after receiving an epidural steroid injection. In some cases, pain may briefly increase before improving. If you have any questions during the recovery process, the Resolve team is always available to speak with you personally.

Why Choose Resolve Pain And Spine?

Resolve Pain is a leading pain management clinic that is built around holistic, multidisciplinary principles. Our experienced pain specialists use a combination of integrative, functional, regenerative, and interventional techniques to uncover the underlying causes of chronic pain and put patients on the quickest road to enduring recovery. We specialize in epidural steroid injections as well as other spinal injection treatments and look forward to working with you!

Schedule An Appointment Today!

Break the cycle of chronic pain with a personalized treatment plan that includes epidural steroid injections and much more. Contact our West Orange or Brick location today to book your initial consultation!