Up to 80% of people will experience back pain in their lifetime. When back pain becomes persistent or severe, it can affect all parts of your life. You may have trouble sleeping, working, or enjoying time with family and friends.
If conservative treatments like rest, physical therapy, or over-the-counter medications haven’t provided enough relief, an epidural steroid injection may be a good next step. Ioannis Skaribas, MD, DABA, FASA, of Expert Pain in Houston, Texas, wants you to understand how this treatment could potentially relieve your low back pain.
An epidural steroid injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space. This is the area surrounding the spinal nerves in your lower back. The epidural space can become irritated due to conditions such as:
The steroid reduces inflammation and swelling around the spinal nerves, which can ease pain and improve function.
An epidural steroid injection is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed under fluoroscopy (a type of real-time X-ray) to ensure precision.
You’ll lie on an exam table on your stomach or side, and a technician cleanses and numbs the skin in the injection area.
Using fluoroscopy, Dr. Skaribas inserts a thin needle into the epidural space, which delivers a combination of corticosteroid and local anesthetic.
The procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes, with a short monitoring period afterward. Most people return home the same day.
Epidural steroid injections are a minimally invasive way to deliver medication directly to the source of irritation. Typically, recovery is quick, and you experience improved function, allowing you to participate more effectively in physical therapy and daily activities.
In some cases, injections help patients manage pain without the need for surgical intervention.
You may begin to feel relief within a few days, although full benefits may take up to a week. The effects can last for several weeks to several months, depending on the underlying condition causing your back pain. In some cases, Dr. Skaribas recommends a series of injections as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
At Expert Pain, we carefully evaluate each patient to ensure the most appropriate and effective care.
You don’t have to live with low back pain. We’re here to guide you toward lasting relief and improved quality of life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about your treatment options for low back pain.
