Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections in San Antonio, TX

A lumbar epidural steroid injection is a frequently employed treatment for various types of lower back pain. This procedure involves the administration of anti-inflammatory medication into the epidural space surrounding the spinal nerves in the lower back.
 
It is a minimally invasive approach designed to alleviate or manage chronic pain resulting from irritation and inflammation of the spinal nerve roots in the lumbar region, often triggered by conditions like spinal stenosis or disc herniation, as well as other injuries and conditions.
 
Healthcare providers may suggest lumbar epidural steroid injections as part of chronic pain management. These injections typically contain both a corticosteroid and an anesthetic numbing agent, with the corticosteroid serving to reduce inflammation effectively when delivered directly to the affected area.

A lumbar epidural steroid injection works by addressing the pinching or inflammation of nerve roots attached to the lumbar region of the spinal cord. During this procedure, conducted by a pain management specialist at San Antonio Pain Consultants, a corticosteroid is injected into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord.
 
The steroid exerts its effects on the irritated nerves responsible for pain, reducing both swelling and pressure on the nerves. The objective is to deliver the medication as close as possible to the affected nerve.
 
Once the needle is accurately positioned, a combination of anesthetic and corticosteroid medications is introduced into the epidural space encompassing the nerve roots. Pain may temporarily worsen for a period of two to three days following the lumbar epidural steroid injection before showing signs of improvement.
 
Typically, the effects of epidural steroid injections become noticeable within two to seven days. These injections typically provide temporary pain relief, lasting for a duration of three months or longer, although the degree of relief may vary from one individual to another.

Pain responses to a lumbar epidural steroid injection can vary among individuals. Typically, a lumbar epidural steroid injection is slightly uncomfortable, but it should not cause severe pain.
 
Patients who are concerned about pain levels have the option to request a mild sedative from their doctor to induce relaxation before the procedure commences. During the injection, the doctor administers a numbing anesthetic, which provides numbness in the targeted area for several hours, in addition to the corticosteroid.
 
As the anesthetic wears off, some soreness may be experienced, and there might be an increase in pain. The epidural space, where the steroid is injected, is relatively confined, and introducing steroid fluid into this space, especially when nerves are already inflamed, can lead to a temporary increase in pressure that may irritate spinal nerves.
 
Typically, individuals can resume their usual activities the day after the procedure, but soreness may limit more strenuous activities for a few days.
 
The mild discomfort experienced during the injection is generally outweighed by the relief provided, as epidural steroid injections have the potential to offer temporary, and in some cases, permanent alleviation of back and leg pain stemming from conditions such as herniated discs or degenerative spine diseases. The effects of these injections often persist for several months.

Lumbar epidural steroid injections are a common pain management solution for those who haven’t found relief from other first-line treatments. Lumbar epidural steroid injections can help patients achieve long-lasting and profound relief from chronic back pain to drastically improve their overall wellness and quality of life.
 
Used alone or as part of a comprehensive custom treatment plan lumbar epidural steroid injections can address spinal nerve irritation, inflammation, and swelling.

Lumbar epidural steroid injections are available at San Antonio Pain Consultants. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are located at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251. We serve patients from San Antonio TX, Helotes, TX, Alamo Ranch, Leon Valley, TX, Shavano Park, TX, Balcones Heights, TX, Fair Oaks, TX, Fair Oaks Ranch, TX, Castroville, TX.