26 Sep Can an Epidural Injection relieve Lower Back Pain?
Chances are, if you are reading this, you have heard of epidural injections as a treatment for low back pain. Here are the important facts about epidural steroid injections.
Epidural Injections
Epidural injections, or ESIs, can be used to treat common back conditions like spinal stenosis and herniated discs. The procedure involves placing a hollow needle into the space between the spinal nerves and bones to deliver anti-inflammatory medicine.
While the injection can’t cure your pain, it greatly helps to relieve your symptoms. After pain relief from the injection, you can undergo physical therapy and exercises to further improve your back condition.
Here are some conditions where epidural injections can help.
- Lumbar disc herniation
Commonly known as a ‘slipped disc’, this condition is caused due to herniation or slipping of an intervertebral disc when the softer center pushes out through a tear in the tougher outer portion of the disc. This can cause pain, weakness or numbness on one side of your body and down the leg.
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
‘Stenosis’ refers to abnormal narrowing of spinal canal. This narrowing of spinal canal reduces the space between the spinal nerves and bones. This can lead to pain and symptoms of sciatica, such as pain and weakness in the lower back and legs.
- Annular tears
The outer part of the spinal discs is made up of ligaments. This tough exterior protects the softer inner part yet allows you to move, twist, and bend. If the outer part of the disc weakens, it can tear and cause pain in the lower back.
- Degenerative disc disease
Lower back pain can also be result of degenerative disc disease which is caused due to age-related wear and tear on the discs. This can cause shooting pain, numbness, and weakness in your back and legs.
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