Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection
Epidural steroid injection is a procedure administered to relieve pain caused by pinched or inflamed nerve(s). These epidural steroid injections can be used for various types of pain, including joint pain, knee pain, back and neck pain.
The injection of medication into the surrounding area helps to decrease pain and swelling of the inflamed nerve(s). Some common types of epidural steroid injection procedure used to help reduce pain are thoracic epidural steroid injection, lumbar epidural steroid injection, caudal epidural steroid injection or cervical epidural steroid injection. Although rare, risks of epidural steroid injection procedure may include infection, allergic reaction to the medication, spinal headache, nerve damage, and prolonged increase in pain.
Lumbar Selective Nerve Block:
A selective nerve block is used to relieve severe pain caused by irritation to the nerves in the spine, such as with a “slipped” disc or pinched nerve. Selective nerve blocks can also be used to diagnose a back problem and determine if a nerve root is the source of pain.
As the name indicates, a selective nerve block, targets specific nerves, rather than an entire area. The injection delivers a therapeutic combination of steroids and anesthetic to reduce inflammation and reduce pain. While pain relief is temporary, the length of time is dependent on the patient’s specific condition and symptoms.
When used to diagnose a condition, a smaller dose of medication is injected into the painful nerve(s). If pain is relieved, then the doctor can confirm a diagnosis and proceed with a treatment plan. Selective nerve block is also effective for relieving arm or leg pain and are generally not used for midline back pain.
Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection:
Cervical epidural steroid injection procedure are administered to relieve pain in the neck, shoulders and arms caused by pinched or inflamed nerve(s) in the cervical spine. Conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis or arthritis can compress and pinch nerves causing inflammation and pain. The cervical epidural steroid injection into the surrounding area helps to decrease swelling of the inflamed or pinched nerve(s) as well as reduce inflammation and pain. Although rare, risks cervical epidural steroid injection procedure may include infection, allergic reaction to the medication, spinal headache, nerve damage, and prolonged increase in pain.
