Epidurals for Back Pain: What You Need to Know
It’s no secret that chronic back pain can disrupt every aspect of your life, from daily tasks to quality of sleep. And if you’re searching for effective relief that doesn’t require surgery, epidural injections might be a treatment worth considering.
Epidurals for back pain target inflammation and nerve irritation at the source, giving you a minimally invasive solution for long-lasting pain relief. Eric Fanaee, MD, offers epidural injections in Bethpage, Smithtown, and West Islip, New York. Here's what you need to know about epidurals for back pain, how they work, and whether they might be right for you.
How epidural injections work
An epidural injection is a targeted pain management treatment designed to reduce inflammation and alleviate chronic pain that originates in your spine. Each injection contains a corticosteroid and sometimes an anesthetic to deliver both immediate and long-term relief.
Back pain often stems from inflammation around the nerves in your spine, causing discomfort, tingling, or numbness. Epidural injections reduce this inflammation and interrupt the pain signals sent to your brain.
Dr. Fanaee administers the injection directly into the epidural space, which is a protective area surrounding your spinal cord. The procedure takes about 30 minutes, and it can be a highly effective option to manage back pain that’s caused by irritated or compressed nerves.
We may recommend epidurals for back pain for conditions like:
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Sciatica
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylolisthesis
Epidural injections are minimally invasive and relatively low-risk, making them a popular option for a variety of people dealing with chronic back pain.
When to consider an epidural for back pain
You may be a good candidate for epidural injections if you have persistent back pain and you haven’t found relief with conservative treatments like physical therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes. Epidurals can be particularly beneficial if your back pain is interfering with your quality of life or daily activities.
Dr. Fanaee specializes in advanced pain management techniques, and our team has the expertise to develop a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs. We’re here to assess your condition, discuss your goals, and give you recommendations that can help you live a more pain-free life.
What to expect during and after an epidural injection
Before recommending an epidural, Dr. Fanaee reviews your medical history and your symptoms and discusses potential treatment options with you. He may also order imaging tests and review the results to determine the best injection site.
We use fluoroscopy (a live X-ray) to precisely place the injection into your epidural space and effectively target the source of your pain. You may feel a slight pinch during the injection itself, but most patients generally tolerate the process well.
After the injection, the anesthetic can offer an immediate, noticeable improvement in pain levels. More significant relief develops over a few days as the steroid takes effect. Some people may need a series of injections to achieve optimal results, but it’s possible to experience months of reduced pain after a single treatment.
Don’t let chronic back pain hold you back. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Fanaee today to explore how epidural injections could be the pain management solution you’re seeking. Call us at 631-265-2020 or book an appointment online.