Epidural Injections
Epidural steroid injections are a nonsurgical way to relieve pain in the neck, upper back, and lower back caused by a variety of conditions that can compress spinal nerves, including ruptured discs, spinal stenosis, cysts, arthritis, fractures, cancer, and shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia).
Back & Neck Pain Treatment in Maryland
Epidural Injections to Treat Back Pain and Neck Pain
Pinched nerves can cause pain not only in the neck or back, but also pain that radiates to the shoulders, arms, and hands or buttocks, legs, and feet. Other symptoms of neck and back pain may include stiffness, weakness, numbness, or tingling. Epidural injections deliver anesthetic medication directly to the affected area and can also be used as a diagnostic tool.
Epidural injections are administered along the path where nerves exit the spine. An epidural injection can be administered to the upper, middle, or lower spine (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar), respectively.
Epidural injections are a short in-office procedure. Before the procedure, you may be given a medication to help you relax, and the area where the injection will be given will be numbed with an anesthetic.
Then the doctor uses a live X-ray image (fluoroscopy) to insert and guide the needle to the foramen “tunnel” of the affected nerve. Once the needle placement is confirmed using a contrast dye, the medication solution is delivered, and the needle is removed.
While it is possible to experience relief with just one epidural injection, repeated injections may be necessary.
Epidural Injection Treatment in Columbia, Eldersburg, and Catonsville
If you are experiencing neck or back pain, visit The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics, where one of our board-certified spine specialists will examine you and conduct tests to determine the exact cause of your pain. For an appointment, call (410) 644-1880 or use our convenient online form to schedule an appointment.
