When Should You See a Doctor for Epidural Steroid Injections?

If you have a great deal of pain in your back, medications like ibuprofen or other over-the-counter drugs provide only short-term solutions. Epidural steroid injections (ESI) are a more effective way to relieve unwanted discomfort in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar areas of the spine.

Of course, it is important to understand when this treatment is appropriate for your needs. The good news is that Dr. Jerry Lewis can determine your candidacy for steroid injections during an assessment. Learn more by calling Lewis Pain & Physical Medicine. Our Frisco, TX team understands your back pain and can create the best care plan possible moving forward.

What causes pain in the back and spine?

Many people benefit from epidural steroid injections because of the various causes that lead to spinal pain, including:

• Spinal stenosis: Nerve pain caused by narrowing of the spine
• Spondylolysis: Stress fractures in the vertebrae
• Herniated disc: Damage to the disc that causes protrusion of the inner material
• Degenerative disc disease: Age-related wear and tear of the discs in the spine
• Sciatica: Radiating nerve pain from the lower back
• Trauma or injury: Accidents that cause damage to the discs or vertebrae

Additionally, steroid injections ease pain in patients who hope to complete physical therapy without discomfort.

What about other methods of pain relief?

Chronic back pain can interfere with many different aspects of your life. Exercise, work, and even social activities may be difficult to manage. Even walking up the stairs feels like a daunting task.

Drugstore and prescription medications may help but come with a host of unwanted side effects. Steroid injections provide an intermediate option between drugs and invasive procedures. Of course, it is important to speak with a professional about any concerns you have about ESI before undergoing the procedure.

Are steroid injections safe?

When administered under proper medical supervision, steroid injections are considered a safe way to reduce pain associated with the spine. Steroid injections are recommended more often than surgery and come with minimal side effects. They are also more accessible, making them an attractive option for those who want to avoid the costs and risks associated with surgery.

What is involved with steroid injections?

Steroid injections are made up of a corticosteroid and an anesthetic numbing agent. Dr. Lewis delivers the injection directly into the spinal nerve to reduce inflammation and swelling. ESI is a minimally-invasive procedure that is quick and seamless.

Treatment is performed on an outpatient basis in the comfort of our Frisco, TX office. We use cutting-edge x-ray technology to precisely locate and inject the steroid into the correct locations. Lewis Pain & Physical Medicine then provides information on how to best care for yourself following the procedure.

What happens after epidural steroid injections?

Patients may need to be monitored for a short period after treatment, then a responsible adult can drive them home. Some soreness is normal around the injection sites but can be managed with medication. Dr. Lewis may schedule follow-up appointments to discuss your progress and determine if additional injections may be needed.

Find real pain relief with ESI

Back pain should not be ignored, and steroid injections could improve your quality of life. Learn more about ESIs by calling Lewis Pain & Physical Medicine today for an appointment in Frisco, TX. Dr. Jerry Lewis offers personalized care plans based on your specific needs. Take control of your pain with ESI.