Epidural Injection for Back Pain – Back pain is one of the most common health problems that can affect daily life and make even simple activities difficult. When pain becomes severe and doesn’t improve with rest, medicines, or physical therapy, doctors may recommend an epidural injection. This treatment involves injecting medicine near the spinal nerves to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. It is often used for conditions like a slipped disc, sciatica, or spinal stenosis. An epidural injection can provide quick relief, helping patients move more comfortably and continue other treatments. In this blog, we will explain how it works, its benefits, and possible risks.
What Is an Epidural Injection?
An epidural injection is a medical procedure in which anti-inflammatory medicine, such as a steroid or corticosteroid, is injected into the space around the spinal nerves in the lower back. The main purpose of this injection is to reduce long-lasting pain caused by irritation and swelling of the spinal nerve roots in the lumbar region (lower back). This condition, known as lumbar radiculopathy or radicular pain, often causes discomfort that can travel from the lower back down to the hips, legs, or feet, making daily activities difficult.
Types Of Epidural Injections
- Transforaminal Epidural Injection
- Interlaminar Epidural Injection
- Caudal Epidural Injection
How Epidural Injection for Back Pain Work?
An epidural injection for back pain works by delivering medicine directly to the area around the spinal nerves, called the epidural space. This space is close to the nerves that send pain signals from your back to other parts of your body. The injection usually contains a steroid (to reduce swelling and inflammation) and a local anaesthetic (to give quick pain relief). This injection also helps to flush the chemicals responsible for pain from around the inflamed nerve.
By reducing inflammation around the irritated nerves, the injection helps lower pain, improve movement, and make it easier to continue physical therapy or other treatments for long-term recovery.
Read More: What is Pain Management?
Benefits Of Epidural Injection
Here are some main benefits of Epidural Injection for Back Pain:
Pain relief – Helps reduce back or leg pain, making it easier to move and perform daily tasks.
Targeted treatment – Delivers medicine directly to the source of pain for better results.
Reduces inflammation – Lowers swelling around spinal nerves, easing pressure and discomfort.
Faster relief – Often works more quickly than oral medicines.
Supports recovery – Makes physical therapy easier and more effective by reducing pain during exercises.
May prevent surgery – Can delay or avoid the need for surgical treatment in some cases.
Why the Procedure is Performed
Your doctor may suggest an epidural steroid injection (ESI) if you have pain that starts in the lower back and spreads to the hips or down the leg. This type of pain is usually caused by pressure on a nerve as it exits the spine, often due to a bulging disc. An Epidural Injection is generally advised only when your pain has not improved with medications, physical therapy, or other non-surgical treatments. It aims to reduce inflammation around the affected nerve, helping to relieve pain and improve your ability to move and perform daily activities.
Possible Risk Factors Of Epidural Injection
Epidural Injection for Back Pain also have some risk factors:
Temporary pain or soreness – Some people may feel pain at the injection site for a short time.
Headache – A rare side effect if the needle punctures the spinal fluid.
Infection – Very uncommon, but there is a small risk at the injection site.
Bleeding – More likely in people with bleeding disorders or those taking blood thinners.
Nerve damage – Extremely rare, but can occur due to injury or irritation of a nerve.
Side effects of steroids – May include increased blood sugar, mood changes, or fluid retention for a short period.
Best Clinic For Epidural Injection for Back Pain – Pain Medics Clinic
Pain Medics Clinic is widely trusted as one of the best places for epidural injections to treat back pain. This is the only clinic in the region run by a World Institute of Pain Certified Doctor. Our clinic is known for its experienced doctors, advanced facilities, and patient-focused approach. Each treatment is carefully planned after a detailed examination, ensuring that patients receive the most suitable care for their condition. Our team uses safe and precise techniques to give epidural injections, aiming to reduce pain quickly and improve mobility.
Pain Medics Clinic also provides clear guidance before and after the procedure, so patients feel informed and confident about their treatment. With a strong commitment to quality care, modern technology, and excellent patient support, Pain Medics Clinic has built a reputation for helping people find lasting relief from back pain. We are a trusted choice for those seeking effective, professional, and compassionate pain management.
