Dr Dev Mishra Best Orthopaedic Doctor in Delhi NCR Ghaziabad
Epidural Steroid Injections have been utilised for pain relief. A common treatment option for many forms of lower back pain and leg pain. They are excellent non-surgical therapy for low-back pain radiating to the lower limbs and, less typically, neck discomfort radiating to the arms when used as directed. It is necessary for the steroids to reach the epidural space in order to perform an efficient epidural steroid injection.
Dr. Dev Mishra, Orthopedic Surgeon at Shreya Hospital in Ghaziabad do successful epidural steroid injections give pain relief, allowing for the restoration of function and the return to a physical therapy programme. This exercise examines the indications for and techniques for conducting an efficient epidural steroid injection, as well as the role of the interprofessional team in the treatment of patients with low back pain.
The goals of an epidural steroid injection are to:
- Control pain by reducing inflammation in and around the nerve roots
- Improve mobility and function in the lower back and legs
- Allow the patient to participate in and make progress with a comprehensive physical therapy and rehabilitation program
In the course of one’s care program, in most cases, an epidural steroid injection may be recommended after a series of nonsurgical treatments, such as medications and physical therapy, have been tried, and before surgery is considered.
The role of the injection is typically to provide sufficient pain relief to allow a return to everyday activities and to make progress in physical therapy.
Potential Benefits of Epidural Steroid Injections
Most practitioners will agree that an epidural injection can be beneficial during an acute episode of back and/or leg pain. The main drawbacks of the injections are that they are not always effective, and when effective, the pain relief tends to be temporary, ranging from one week to one year. Typically, if the initial injection is effective, up to 3 injections may be given in one year.
When administered in the lumbar epidural space, steroid injections may have the following benefits:
- Reduce nerve pain and inflammation. Steroids decrease the production of inflammatory chemicals and reduce the sensitivity of nerve fibers to pain, generating fewer pain signals.
- Limit oral medication. Pain relief from these injections may help limit or eliminate the need for oral medications, some of which may have side effects when taken long-term.
- Continue or re-engage in physical therapy. This injection may provide sufficient pain relief to allow a patient to progress with a rehabilitative physical therapy program.
- Postpone surgery. Pain relief experienced from lumbar epidural steroid injections may help postpone surgery, and if physical therapy is effective, it may eliminate the need for surgical intervention.
Several techniques may be used to administer an epidural injection depending on underlying the condition, the patient’s needs, and the doctor’s preference and experience.