Living with back pain can be debilitating. For those struggling to find relief, epidural injections offer a minimally invasive solution that reduces inflammation and alleviates nerve pain. Let’s explore how our chronic back pain doctors in Los Angeles use these injections to manage lingering back pain.
Causes of Back Pain
Epidural injections are particularly effective in addressing back pain caused by nerve inflammation. Common conditions include:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Sciatica
These issues often result in nerve compression, causing pain to radiate down the arms or legs.
Types of Epidural Injections
Epidural injections target specific areas of the spine, classified into three main types:
- Cervical epidurals treat neck, shoulder, and arm pain caused by conditions like herniated discs.
- Thoracic epidurals address upper back, rib, and abdominal pain.
- Lumbar epidurals relieve lower back and leg pain, often associated with sciatica.
Your interventional pain management specialist will determine the ideal approach based on your symptoms.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Epidural injections are outpatient procedures performed under image guidance for precision. You’ll lie comfortably while your physician sterilizes the area and numbs the skin with local anesthesia.
After positioning the epidural needle, our chronic back pain doctors in Los Angeles will inject a combination of saline, local anesthetic, and steroid medication.
Most procedures take only a few minutes, and you can typically return home the same day.
Duration of Pain Relief and Factors That Impact It
Pain relief from epidural injections often begins within three to seven days and can last weeks to months, depending on the extent of nerve inflammation and overall spine health. Some patients may require additional injections for sustained relief.
Benefits of Epidural Injections:
- Provides significant pain relief for chronic and acute back pain.
- Minimally invasive with little downtime.
- Reduces reliance on oral pain medications.
Potential Risks of Epidural Injections:
- Temporary soreness at the injection site.
- Rare complications like infection or nerve injury.
Our chronic back pain doctors Los Angeles will discuss these risks to ensure you make an informed decision.
Find Long-Term Pain Relief at Interventional Pain Doctors
When seeking epidural injections in Los Angeles, partnering with experienced professionals is crucial. Our team at Interventional Pain Doctors will assess your symptoms, review imaging, and customize a treatment plan tailored to your needs. With the right approach, significant pain relief and better functionality are within reach. Schedule your consultation with us today!