Epidural Steroid Injection
An epidural steroid injection is a minimally invasive procedure that relieves pain caused by inflammation in the spinal nerves. It involves injecting a corticosteroid and an anesthetic into the epidural space around the spinal cord. The corticosteroid reduces inflammation and pain, while the anesthetic provides immediate relief, with benefits typically felt within a few days to a week.
Candidates include those with:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Sciatica
- Degenerative disc disease
- Radiculopathy
The best candidates are older patients who cannot undergo extensive investigations or surgery, have not responded to conservative management, and experience chronic severe pain. These injections provide a minimally invasive option to manage pain and improve quality of life when other treatments are ineffective or not feasible.
