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| IN HOUSE EPIDURAL BLOCKOne non surgical approach to relieving back and neck pain is through the use of an epidural steroids injection. Traditionally this is done in a hospital or out-patient hospital suite. The Southeastern Spine Institute has their own complete block suite in house. We can help you right in our own office. Using the state-of-the-art fluoroscope, our skilled doctors can deliver the pain medicine directly to the area it is need the most. What is an epidural?An epidural is an injection that delivers steroids directly into the epidural space in the spine, this space is between the durra mater (a membrane) and the vertebral wall. It is located just outside the dural sac. The dural sac surrounds the nerve roots and cerebrospinal fluid. Epidural Steroid Injections for InflammationInflammatory factors often generates pain associated with a lumbar disc herniation and this inflammation can cause significant nerve root irritation and swelling. Steroids (corticosteroids) have been shown to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of substances that cause inflammation, the epidural steroid injection can be highly effective because it delivers the medication directly to the site of inflammation Epidural steroid injections for rehabilitationIn general, an epidural steroid injection is used to help provide pain relief to enable patients to progress with their rehabilitation. With less back pain patients feel more comfortable and are better able to perform active therapies (Link to physical therapy on SSI web site) such as stretching, strengthening and pain relief exercises plus low impact aerobic conditioning. These activities are important in rehabilitating the lower back and helping prevent or reduce the problems of low back pain in the future. Epidural steroid injections for painLumbar disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, and lumbar spinal stenosisare common causes of severe acute or chronic low back pain and/or leg pain. For these and other conditions that can cause chronic pain, an epidural steroid injection may be an effective non-surgical treatment option.
How is the epidural steroid injection performed?An epidural steroid injection usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes. The patient lies flat on an x-ray table on their abdomen. Prior to the epidural injection, the skin is numbed with lidocaine, which is similar to the novocaine that the dentist uses, this is sometimes called a "local" anesthetic. The doctors at The Southeastern Spine Institute Use a fluoroscopy (live x-ray) during the procedure. A fluoroscopy is considered important in guiding the needle into the epidural space, as controlled studies have found that medication is misplaced in up to 34% of epidural steroid injections that are done without fluoroscopy. Once the needle is in the exact position, the epidural steroid solution is injected. Following the injection, the patient is usually monitored for 15 to 20 minutes before being discharged to go home. Sedatives are rarely necessary because the epidural steroid injection procedure is usually not uncomfortable. If you experience anxiety or discomfort a sedative can be used, but you will need to be monitored for a longer period following the injection. Patients are usually asked to rest on the day of the epidural steroid injection. Normal activities (those that were done the week prior to the epidural injection) may typically be resumed the following day.
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