Procedures
Epidural Steroid Injections
Overview
An epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a minimally invasive procedure that can help relieve neck, arm, lower back, and leg pain caused by inflamed spinal nerves. Patients with spinal stenosis or herniated discs may benefit from these injections.
Procedure
During the procedure, x-ray imaging will be used to ensure the surgeon is at the correct spinal level. Once the level has been located, a numbness medication, Lidocaine, is used to numb the area of the injection. Then, the steroid injection will be administered into the epidural space between the vertebrae and spinal nerves. The steroid injection typically includes a corticosteroid and a numbing agent. Following the injection, the patient is able to go home the same day. The patient should make arrangements to be driven to and from the office the day of the injection.
Results
The duration of pain relief from epidural steroid injections can vary from weeks to months. In patients who experience only mild relief, additional steroid injections may be performed to achieve full effect.
Nerve Block
Overview
A nerve block injection is a minimally invasive procedure that can temporarily relieve nerve pain. Nerve block injections “block” the pain in areas which did not respond to conservative treatments, such as medications and/or physical therapy. A nerve block injection may be done 1-2 times, possibly along with an epidural steroid injection.
Procedure
During the procedure, x-ray imaging will be used to ensure the surgeon is at the correct spinal nerve level. Once the level has been located, a numbness medication, Lidocaine, is used to numb the area of the injection. Then, the anesthetic injection will be administered to the spinal nerve. Following the injection, the patient is able to go home the same day. The patient should make arrangements to be driven to and from the office the day of the injection.
Results
Pain relief following nerve blocks is typically temporary and rarely lasts long term. Following a failed nerve block injection, the patient may be considered for ablation or surgical interventions.