Epidural Steroid Injections

If you struggle with neck or back pain and need fast relief, see the experts at The Beloved Medicine Clinic, Pain and Spine in Dallas, Texas. Pain management specialists John Melek, MD, MSC, and Engy Melek, MD, RD, LD, offer epidural steroid injections to ease your discomfort and restore your quality of life. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.

What are epidural steroid injections?

Epidural steroid injections are shots of an anti-inflammatory medicine into the epidural space around your spinal nerves. This injection can treat pain caused by inflammation and irritation of the spinal nerve roots. 

If you’re struggling with chronic discomfort, especially neck or back pain, an epidural steroid injection might be a good option for you.

Which conditions can epidural steroid injections help treat?

Epidural steroid injections at The Beloved Medicine Clinic, Pain and Spine can help ease the following:

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Arm pain
• Leg pain
• Radiating pain down to the buttocks
• Herniated disc pain
• Pinched nerve
• Spinal stenosis
• Scoliosis 
• Vertebral bone spurs
• Failed back surgery syndrome
• Spondylolysis
• Spinal nerve injuries

These injections often offer fast relief from ongoing discomfort. 

Am I a candidate for epidural steroid injections?

The team at The Beloved Medicine Clinic, Pain and Spine discusses your symptoms, medical history, medications, lifestyle, and treatment preferences to learn if epidural steroid injections are right for you. 

These shots may be an option if you have ongoing or severe pain that hasn’t subsided with conservative treatments, such as physical therapy. 

You might undergo lab testing, nerve tests, and imaging procedures. About 9 million epidural steroid injections are administered each year in the United States.

What happens during epidural steroid injections?

It’s important to follow your provider’s instructions before undergoing an epidural steroid injection. You might need to avoid foods and drinks for a time or adjust your medications.

You’ll change into a medical gown and lie down comfortably on a table. You might receive a sedative to help you feel more relaxed. 

Your pain management specialist cleans an area of your back and injects local anesthesia to avoid any discomfort. They might use imaging guidance and contrast material to optimize the epidural placement. 

After the needle is in the epidural space near your spinal cord, your specialist injects anti-inflammatory medication into the area, removes the needle, and applies a dressing to the treatment area. 

What can I expect after an epidural steroid injection?

You might experience temporary soreness at the site of the epidural steroid injection. You can go home the same day, but take it easy. Your pain may begin to improve within several days. The length of time you’ll experience relief may vary. It can last for several weeks to months. 

Follow up with your pain management specialist to ensure your customized treatment plan is effective in the long term.

Schedule an evaluation at The Beloved Medicine Clinic, Pain and Spine by phone or request one online today to learn if an epidural steroid injection is right for you.