Epidural Injection for Chronic Pain Relief: A Minimally Invasive Option
If you have chronic pain, the physical and emotional toll can wear you out. Everyday activities can become a real challenge as people work to manage chronic back pain, fibromyalgia chronic pain relief providers, or chronic myofascial pain disease. Thankfully, epidural injections are now available as a clinically proven solution to help relieve chronic pain and inflammation.
As more and more in the UK report issues of chronic pain getting to a certain point, chronic pain relief options are on the rise. Epidural injections may be a really good non-surgical remedy that may well make a difference.
This is available to patients as an option with pain specialists at Chase Lodge Hospital to see if it is suitable for you.
What is an Epidural Injection?
An epidural is an injection that delivers medicine directly into the epidural space to help reduce inflammation around the spinal cord and nerves. It is generally a mix of a local anaesthetic to block the nerves and a steroid to bring down the inflammation.
The point of this treatment is to reduce pain from a pinched nerve by reducing the swelling around the irritated nerve roots. It’s frequently used to treat conditions such as chronic back pain, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and fibromyalgia chronic pain relief.
For those experiencing long-term pain, epidural injections can be a big help, as described by HealthDirect.
How Epidural Injections Help with Chronic Pain
An epidural injection for back pain is aimed at precisely the spot of nerve inflammation. This reduces pressure on the nerves so that one is relieved from the pain and can move more comfortably.
Epidural injections come in different types, such as a caudal epidural steroid injection (which is injected through the tailbone and is beneficial if you have widespread pain in the lower back and/or leg). Others can be given in the lumbar or cervical region, depending upon where the pain is.
Some of the advantages of epidural injections:
- Short-term but effective pain control for up to 6 weeks
- An alternative to back surgery for chronic back pain
- Can postpone or eliminate the need to rely on long-term pain medication
- Regarded as an advanced treatment for modern chronic pain relief
This procedure allows patients to experience pain reduction and focus on physiotherapy and everyday activities with more ease.
Conditions Treated by Epidural Injections
They are also frequently used for various chronic pain conditions, as categorised by ICD-10, such as:
- Chronic back pain
- Chronic myofascial pain syndrome
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Sciatica
- Arthritis-related spinal pain
They could also be useful as a complementary treatment to other approaches for fibromyalgia chronic pain relief, especially since many pain flares in fibromyalgia involve nerve compression or inflammation.
Procedure: What to Expect During an Epidural Injection
The procedure typically lasts between 15 to 30 minutes. Patients are either seated or lie on their side while the specialist cleans the injection site and may offer a light sedative to enhance comfort.
Using X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy), a needle is carefully inserted into the epidural space, and the medication is delivered with precision. After the injection, patients are observed briefly before being discharged.
Post-procedure care involves resting for the remainder of the day, avoiding strenuous activity, and monitoring for any adverse effects.
What to Expect After the Treatment
After the treatment, rest for the remainder of the day, avoiding high temperatures or vigorous activity; be alert to any unusual or adverse effects.
Epidural Injection Side Effects and Risks
Epidural injections are generally safe when they are administered by experienced, trained professionals, but there are a few potential side effects:
- Temporary numbing or weakness in the arms or legs
- Headache / rare complications such as nerve damage, if spinal fluid is inadvertently involved
- More severe pain at the injection site (most often temporary)
- Infection (very rare with a sterile technique)
Complications are rare, and most patients tolerate the procedure well. You need to address any concerns with your doctor before you get the injection.
Epidural Injection Cost and Accessibility
The price of an epidural injection ranges depending on the clinic, city, and if you are a private or NHS patient. Sometimes health insurance will cover most or all of the procedure, especially if referred by a specialist.
Our Consultants
You will have direct access to our consultants who will provide you with clear feedback and cost information. Talk to a member of our team to learn more and receive the best chronic pain management in the area.
Conclusion
For those whose chronic pain becomes too much, an epidural injection for back pain is a helpful route toward relief. Focusing on inflammation at the root, this non-surgical approach offers safe and effective treatment that may help patients regain control of their life.
If you’ve been looking into new chronic pain relief treatments, do not shy away. Contact a pain consultant at Chase Lodge Hospital to get started on the road to a life free from pain.
