Epidural Steroid Injections

Cervical Epidural Injections: Unveiling Your Path to Pain Relief

At the Center for Pain & Spine in Vista, CA, we understand that living with chronic low back and leg pain is like carrying an unshakeable burden. But what if there’s an exit route from this agony, a non-surgical option that offers relief? Enter the world of epidural steroid injections.

The Purpose of the Procedure

The Grueling Reality of Chronic Low Back and Leg Pain

The hardship of persistent low back and leg pain is not just physical. It seeps into your mental health, painting your days in shades of frustration and helplessness. At Center for Pain & Spine, we will help you uncover the cause of your pain and find the best way to treat it. 

Root Causes of Chronic Low Back and Leg Pain

The pain you’re experiencing could be the result of a slew of conditions such as a herniated lumbar disc, degenerative disc disease, or lumbar spinal stenosis. These terms might seem like complex jargon, but stick around and we’ll simplify them.

How Steroid Injections Work

An epidural injection is a steroid-rich mixture injected straight into a region known as the epidural space. This area, nestled between the dura mater (a membrane) and the vertebral wall, houses the nerve roots and cerebrospinal fluid, bathed in fat and tiny blood vessels.

Epidural injections work in two main ways – by harnessing the power of steroids and initiating a flushing effect. Let’s delve deeper into these mechanisms.

Steroids: The Pain Busters

Steroids (specifically corticosteroids) play a significant role in combating inflammation, halting the production of inflammation-causing substances. In conditions like lumbar disc herniation, inflammatory factors can trigger nerve root irritation and swelling. Delivering these inflammation-fighters directly to the site of inflammation makes epidural injections remarkably effective.

The Rinse Cycle

The flushing effect of epidural injections is like a mini detox for your spine. It helps cleanse the region around pain-inducing structures, clearing away inflammatory problems and aiding in pain reduction.

When Are Epidural Injections Recommended?

Epidural steroid injections aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but they are typically recommended to those who need sufficient pain relief to progress with their rehabilitation. A patient who’s at ease can focus more on active therapies, such as stretching, strengthening exercises, and low impact aerobic conditioning, all of which are crucial in lower back rehabilitation.

Conditions that Require Epidural Steroid Injections

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Lumbar Disc Herniation

When a disc degenerates, its inner core can extrude – or herniate – back into the spinal canal. This herniated disc material can aggravate the nerve, causing pain to radiate from the lower back, through the buttocks, into the leg or down to the foot.

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Degenerative Disc Disease

This condition is characterized by the breakdown or aging of one or more discs in the spine. This often leads to inflammation and discomfort.

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Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis involves the narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back region. This can put pressure on the nerves that go through the spine which resuls in pain.

Do Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections Work?

Epidural injections significantly reduce pain for approximately 50% of patients that receive them. Although the relief can vary from a week up to a year, these injections can provide significant respite during severe pain episodes.

Schedule Your Epidural Steroid injection in Vista, CA

At the Center for Pain & Spine it’s about the holistic journey towards wellness. Our team of professionals are dedicated to helping patients navigate their rehabilitation process, ensuring personalized care every step of the way.

Call us now to Schedule Your Epidural Steroid Injection Appointment. 

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Epidural Steroid Inoculations safe?

Indeed, they are generally safe, and complications are sparse. However, akin to any medical procedure, there can be risks and side effects, which ought to be discussed with a healthcare provider.

What's the duration of the procedure?

The procedure generally requires less than 30 minutes. Call to discuss for your specific case. 

How frequent can I receive an Epidural Steroid Inoculation?

The frequency of the inoculations will hinge on your personal condition and response to the treatment. Generally, they are spaced apart by a few weeks or months.

Can I resume work post an Epidural Steroid Inoculation?

Most patients can return to work the subsequent day, although it’s best to avoid strenuous activities for a day or two.

Are Epidural Steroid Inoculations painful?

There might be some discomfort during the procedure, but a local anesthetic is typically utilized to numb the area and alleviate discomfort.

    What types of insurance do you accept at Center for Pain & Spine?
    • Medicare
    • Aetna
    • Cigna
    • Humana
    • United Health Care
    • Anthem Blue Cross
    • Scripps Health
    • Health Net
    • Alignment Health Plan
    • Personal Injury Protection/ Med-Pay
    • Personal Injury on Lien Basis
    • Self-pay

    We have applied to other carriers and are waiting to hear back. If you don't see your insurance listed, call to check that the list is up to date and discuss alternative options.

    Expert

    Comprehensive Care

    Our clinic offers comprehensive care for back and spine pain and our team of experts is trained in a range of procedures to effectively manage back and spine pain.

    Botox

    Cervical Facet Injections

    Sacro-Iliac Joint Injection

    Diagnostic Medial Branch Block

    Lumbar Facet Injection

    Treatment

    Advanced Techniques

    We utilize advanced techniques to effectively manage back and spine pain. These procedures have been shown to be effective in relieving pain and improving quality of life.

    Radiofrequency Ablation

    Lumbar Radiofrequency Neurotomy

    CERVICAL RADIOFREQUENCY NEUROTOMY

    Joint Injection

    Discography

    Procedures

    Minimally Invasive

    If you are suffering from back and spine pain, our clinic offers minimally invasive procedures that have a high success rate in reducing pain and improving mobility. These procedures can help alleviate pain and improve mobility.

    Kyphoplasty

    Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injection

    Thoracic Facet Injection

    Sacroiliac Joint Fusion

    Spinal Cord Stimulator

    Spinal Decompression

    Treat Your Pain

    Don’t Let Pain Hold You Back

    Call Now

    (760) 385-3031

    Office

    2301 S Melrose Dr, Vista, CA 92081

    Monday - Thursday

    9am - 5pm

    Friday

    9am - 1pm

    Saturday

    Closed

    Sunday

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