Why Pain Management Specialists Use Epidural Injections

An epidural injection provides long-lasting relief for pain or inflammation in the spine or arms and legs. If you have an appointment for epidural injection at the pain management clinic in Utah, your pain specialist will tell you how to prepare and advise you of any changes in your regular medication plan. The doctor may ask you to not eat or drink anything for several hours before the procedure. Talk to your pain management specialist of the risks and precautions if you are pregnant.

What Is An Epidural Injection? 

An epidural injection is an injection of medications taken around the spinal cord. This space is known as the epidural space. The epidural injected around this space provides temporary or prolonged relief from pain or inflammation. If you do not know about the epidural space; it is basically the outermost part of the vertebral canal. Steroids, anaesthetics and anti-inflammatory medications are usually given by epidural injection.  

The injection itself is given with a syringe very similar to the one used for a routine vaccine. The doctor fills the syringe with medication taken from a small vial. The type of medication used depends on the individual needs of each patient. The injection can reduce pain and swelling in and around the nerve roots of the spine, and around damaged nerves that may heal over time.

Fluoroscopy (multiple x-ray images) or computed tomography (CT or CT scan), can be used to help the pain management specialist place the needle precisely in the right place to target the specific area that is causing the pain. 

What Are Some Common Uses Of This Procedure?

An epidural injection is one among many methods used by pain management specialist to relieve pain, along with physical therapy, oral medications and surgery, when a patient is not responding to conservative treatments.

An Epidural Injection Can Be Used To Relieve Pain Caused By:

• • A herniated or swollen disc that compresses nerves causing pain
  • Vertebral stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
  • Postoperative surgical syndrome of "failed back" (chronic back or leg pain after spine surgery)
  • Other injuries to the vertebral nerves, the vertebra and surrounding tissues
  • Bone spurs

How Should I Prepare?

You will receive specific instructions on how you should prepare, including any changes that should be made in your usual medication schedule.

• You may be asked not to eat or avoid drinking any liquid for several hours before the procedure, to avoid stomach problems after the injection, or because in some centers they may offer sedation during the procedure.
• You will have to wear a hospital gown during the procedure.
• You will probably be asked to go to the bathroom before the procedure.
• Then one stays face down or sideways on special fluoroscopy or CT table that provides the doctor with easy access to inject. 
• A nurse and / or a technologist will help you feel as comfortable as possible, during and after the procedure.
• Ask someone to take you home once the procedure is over.

Benefits

• Temporary or prolonged pain relief
• Temporary or prolonged reduction from inflammation in the spine that causes pain
• Improved ability to perform daily life activities without the restrictions previously caused by pain
• It can help confirm the origin of pain
• It could reduce the need for invasive procedures.