When to Consider an Epidural Injection for Back or Neck Pain
If you’re experiencing persistent back or neck pain, especially if it radiates down your arms or legs, you may benefit from an epidural injection. These injections are often used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain caused by nerve compression.
At Spinal Diagnostics, we specialize in interventional pain management and offer epidural steroid injections as a nonsurgical treatment option for many spinal conditions. Here’s how they work — and when to consider one.
What is an epidural injection?
An epidural injection delivers corticosteroid medication directly into the epidural space surrounding your spinal cord and nerves. This area is often the site of inflammation and irritation that causes radiating pain. The injection can reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve mobility.
It’s commonly used for conditions such as:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Sciatica
- Degenerative disc disease
Epidural injections can be done in the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), or lumbar (lower back) regions, depending on where your pain originates.
When should you consider one?
You may benefit from an epidural injection if:
- You’ve had back or neck pain for more than six weeks
- Your pain radiates into your arms or legs
- You haven’t found relief from physical therapy, medications, or rest
- You’re not ready or eligible for surgery
It’s important to note that while the injection can offer significant pain relief, the results vary from person to person. For some, the relief may last weeks or months, while others may need additional treatments or therapies.
What to expect during the procedure
Epidural injections are typically performed under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to ensure accuracy. The procedure is quick, often completed in less than 30 minutes, and you can go home the same day.
Some patients feel relief within a few days, while others may experience gradual improvement. The injection can help reduce pain enough to resume physical therapy and other treatments that promote long-term healing.
If you’re struggling with chronic neck or back pain, contact us at Spinal Diagnostics to find out if an epidural injection is the right treatment option for you.