Basics of Epidural Steroid Injections - EP 13

Basics of Epidural Steroid Injections

Today on the podcast, Dr. Danko explains one of the most basic injections in pain management, the epidural steroid injection. What is it and what does it entail? What are the common conditions that are treated by epidural steroid injection? Tune in for all of the details.  

 

Episode Highlights:

• An epidural steroid injection is an injection of steroid into a space in the spine called the epidural space. 
• The spinal cord travels from the base of the skull into the low back and there are big nerves called nerve roots coming out of the spine and into the extremities which help control the major functions in your body.
• A condition such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis will cause compression of the nerves and create symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling, burning, etc.
• What is a steroid and how is it helpful?
• These injections can be done in an office setting, ambulatory surgery center, or a hospital setting depending on where the procedure is done and typically involves X-Ray guidance to help target the exact location.
• Contrast dye is used to show the appropriate spread of the area where the doctors are wanting to inject the medication which is the epidural space.
• Dr. Danko explains the several types of approaches to target the spine from different angles.
• Common conditions that are treated with these injections are lumbar disc herniations and lumbar radiculopathy, and spinal stenosis.
• Dr. Danko explains what typically happens prior to an injection.
• How is it determined whether or not the injection was successful?
• These injections can be repeated 3-4 times per year.
• How does insurance work for these injections?
• Are there reasons not to get these injections? Dr. Danko explains the contraindications.
• There are other options if you are not a candidate for these injections. Dr. Danko explains the options that you may explore with the doctor.

 

Resources Mentioned:

https://premierpaintreatment.com/

https://premierpaintreatment.com/locations/

https://www.facebook.com/PremierPainTreatment/

Call the office at 513-454-7246