How Epidural Steroid Injections Can Help Your Herniated Discs, Sciatica, and More

Living with chronic pain from conditions like herniated discs or sciatica can be debilitating. Everyday activities that once seemed effortless may now feel impossible. At Midwest Sports and Interventional Spine, one effective treatment option we often recommend for managing pain is epidural steroid injections (ESIs). These injections offer targeted relief for various conditions affecting the spine and surrounding nerves, allowing you to regain mobility and reduce discomfort.
 

What Are Epidural Steroid Injections?

Epidural steroid injections are a minimally invasive procedure designed to deliver medication directly into the epidural space of the spine—the area surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots. The injection typically contains a combination of a corticosteroid, which reduces inflammation, and a local anesthetic, which provides immediate pain relief.
 

By targeting the source of the pain, ESIs can help alleviate symptoms caused by nerve irritation or compression. The procedure is performed under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to ensure precision and safety.
 

Conditions Treated with Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections are commonly used to treat a range of conditions, including:

• Herniated Discs: When the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through its outer layer, it can press against nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness. ESIs reduce inflammation around the affected nerve roots, providing relief from these symptoms.

• Sciatica: Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, often due to a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. This can cause pain that radiates from the lower back to the legs. An ESI can help reduce inflammation and relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve.

• Spinal Stenosis: Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can place pressure on the nerves. Epidural injections can help manage the pain and inflammation associated with this condition.

• Degenerative Disc Disease: As the spinal discs age, they may shrink, crack, or lose their cushioning ability, leading to chronic pain. ESIs can help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms related to this degenerative condition.

• Radiculopathy: Commonly referred to as a pinched nerve, radiculopathy occurs when a nerve in the spine is compressed or inflamed. ESIs target the affected nerve to relieve pain and improve mobility.
   

What to Expect During the Procedure

The procedure begins with the patient lying on their stomach or side. After cleaning the injection site, a local anesthetic is applied to minimize discomfort. Using fluoroscopic guidance, the physician inserts a needle into the epidural space and delivers the medication. While some patients experience immediate relief, others may notice improvement within a few days as the inflammation subsides.
 

Take the First Step Toward Pain Relief

Epidural steroid injections are a powerful tool for managing pain caused by herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and other spine-related conditions. While they may not be a permanent solution, ESIs can provide significant relief, allowing you to focus on physical therapy, rehabilitation, and other treatments aimed at long-term recovery.
 

Contact Midwest Sports and Interventional Spine to schedule a consultation and learn whether epidural steroid injections are the right choice for your condition. Visit our office in Lake Geneva or Kenosha, Wisconsin, or call (262) 299-6199 to book an appointment today.