Epidural Steroid Injection in Dallas

What is Epidural Steroid Injection?

An epidural steroid injection is a procedure used to ease pain in the back, neck, or legs caused by inflammation of the spinal nerves. This helps reduce inflammation and pain. The steroid epidural injection is commonly used to treat conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or sciatica. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and patients may experience pain relief that lasts from several weeks to months, depending on the condition being treated.

How does an Epidural Steroid Injection Work?

Epidural steroid injections work by delivering a corticosteroid, which is a potent anti-inflammatory medication, directly into the epidural space around the spinal cord and nerves. This space is located just outside the protective covering of the spinal cord. When inflammation occurs due to conditions like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, it can cause pain by irritating the spinal nerves.

The steroid injection epidural reduces this inflammation, thereby decreasing pain and swelling in the affected area. The medication also helps to flush out inflammatory proteins from the area, reducing nerve irritation even more. Pain relief can begin within a few days and may last several weeks to months, depending on the underlying condition and severity of inflammation being treated. This procedure helps improve mobility and function while minimizing the need for oral medications.

Epidural Steroid Injection Procedure Details

The epidural steroid injections procedure typically looks like this:

Preparation. After arriving at the pain management clinic, the patient changes into a gown and lies face down or on their side. The skin around the injection site is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.
Needle Insertion. Using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray guidance), the doctor carefully inserts a needle into the epidural space, which is the area around the spinal cord and nerves.
Injection. A mixture of steroid and anesthetic is injected into the epidural space to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Monitoring. The patient is observed for 15-20 minutes after the injection to ensure there are no immediate side effects.
Post-Procedure. Patients are usually advised to rest and may experience relief within a few days, with effects lasting weeks to months.

Types of Epidural Steroid Injections

Here are the different types of spinal epidural steroid injections

Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection. Administered in the lower back through the sacral hiatus, this injection is used for pain relief in the lower spine, especially when direct access to the lumbar region is challenging.
Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection. Targeted at the neck region, this injection helps ease pain radiating down the arms due to nerve compression in the cervical spine.
Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection. Given in the lower back, this is commonly used for treating pain radiating down the legs, typically caused by conditions like sciatica or lumbar disc herniation.
Thoracic Epidural Injection. This injection targets the mid-back area, helping to ease pain caused by nerve compression or inflammation in the thoracic spine.

Who can Benefit from an ESI Injection?

People who can benefit from an epidural steroid injection procedure are:

Individuals with Chronic Back or Neck Pain. Especially those with conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or sciatica.
Patients Experiencing Nerve Pain. Those with nerve pain radiating down the arms or legs due to compressed nerves.
People with Inflammation-Related Pain. Individuals suffering from inflammation in the spinal nerves that causes significant discomfort.
Patients Seeking Non-Surgical Pain Relief. Those who prefer a minimally invasive option before considering surgery.
Individuals with Acute Pain Episodes. Those who experience sudden flare-ups of severe pain and need quick relief.
Patients Requiring Pain Relief for Physical Therapy. Those needing reduced pain to participate in physical therapy effectively.

Benefits of an Epidural Steroid Injection

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Pain Relief. Provides effective relief from chronic back, neck, and leg pain by reducing inflammation around the spinal nerves.

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Improved Mobility. Helps restore movement and function by easing pain, allowing patients to resume daily activities.

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Non-Surgical Option. Offers a minimally invasive alternative to surgery for managing pain caused by conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.

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Quick Recovery. The procedure is quick, with minimal downtime, so patients can often return to normal activities shortly after.

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Targeted Treatment. Delivers medication directly to the source of pain, making it more effective than oral medications.

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Reduced Need for Medications. By addressing the pain at its source, the injection can reduce the need for long-term use of pain medications, which often come with side effects.

Side Effects of Epidural Steroid Injections

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Dizziness and Nausea. Mild symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or feeling unwell can occur.

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Headache. A headache may develop, especially if the spinal fluid is punctured during the epidural procedure.

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Nerve Root Damage. Rarely, there can be increased pain or nerve damage, leading to additional symptoms.

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Infection. There’s a small risk of developing an infection in or around the spine.

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Bleeding. Bleeding around the spinal column (hematoma) is a rare but serious risk.

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Allergic Reactions. Some patients may experience an allergic reaction to the medication used.

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Breathing Difficulties. If the injection is in the neck, breathing problems may occur.

Overall the procedure is considered safe if performed by an experienced and licensed professional.

Choose Us for Epidural Steroid Injection Procedure in Dallas, TX

At Foundation Pain & Spine Pain Management Clinic in Dallas, TX, we provide expert care for the spinal epidural injection procedure, led by our experienced MD and Founder, Dr. Thompson. Our clinic is dedicated to offering fully personalized treatment plans to help you find relief from chronic back, neck, or leg pain.

With advanced techniques and genuine care, we ensure a safe and effective experience. Whether you need an epidural steroid injection or other treatments like viscosupplementation, our goal is to improve your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your way to pain-free life.

Our Insurance Partners

At Foundation Pain & Spine, Dr. Thompson and his team are here to help patients find relief from pain. Effective pain relief starts with a pain specialist and Dr. Thompson is here for you.

What Clients Say About Us

      
   Foundation Pain & Spine PLLC
   52 Google reviews 
  Write a review 
  
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Tom 
 2024-07-09
 
 
  Started seeing Justin with level 8 pain for decades. Was told major back surgery was my only option to relieve it. I am not a surgicsl candidate due to fatal allergy to anesthesia. Dr. Thompson put in an intrathecal pain pump using alternate anesthesia. My pain levels now are 5-6! Major relief. I now can walk shoet distances and make my way through the grocery store. I am so grateful.  He is attentive and listens to the patient and includes them in treatments.  Clinic staff is excellent also. I am blessed to have been referred to him.  Incredible clinic.
  
 
       
   Trish Cross 
 2024-05-03
 
 
  Very caring, understanding and professional.
  
 
       
   Paul Terrell 
 2024-04-12
 
 
  Excellent physician who truly care for the well being of his patients. He has gone out of his way to accommodate my everchanging needs on more than one occasion. Navigating life after an injury that left me disabled has been more than challenging but I am confident I will get through it with Dr Thompson in my corner.
  
 
       
   Renee Cooper 
 2023-10-20
 
 
  Dr. Thompson is the first doctor to manage my pain, he's a great doctor that actually listens and evaluate your opinions. My case is complicated but he's been a great help.
  
 
       
   Skyler Karins 
 2022-05-19
 
 
  Two weeks ago I was helping a family lay sod grass and the next day I started to experience hip, leg, and foot pain. I was just taking over the counter pain relief for 2 weeks, but the pain just continued to get worse. I scheduled an appointment and Dr. Thompson was able to see me the same day. He did a great job of assessing my pain and doing a thorough exam on where my pain might be generating from. He prescribed me two pain medications that have me feeling back to my normal self. Words can’t describe the happiness I feel to be back to normal. Thank you Dr. Thompson for helping me get back to a better quality of life.
  
 
       
   KidFink 13 
 2022-05-01
 
 
  Most of the reviews you see may not be authentic. The first appointment he seemed to care and listen to my problems being a paraplegic and my surgery I had coming up needing a pain doctor to take over my post surgery pain medication. He mentioned a procedure to look into that he could do also gave me a lower dosage of what I had been taking for the past 2 years so I was in agony for 15 days I went through 2 or 3 appointments each with a gap of 15 days and did not raise my dosage and sent me to get an MRI. There were a lot of people there to get procedures done I didn’t think much of it at first until I went back to talk about why he gave me an MRI.  Told me that I’m a good candidate and we should move forward with the procedure that I did not agree on. I said I am not comfortable with it and told me, that I am not a good match for his care and I should find someone else. Reminded him that I need a pain management doctor for surgery. Post surgery the doctors at the hospital tried to contact his office multiple times multiple days with no answer. So they had to send in a prescription and released me. I had to get in contact with him to finally get a script. So if you are having surgery and or not comfortable with going through a procedure I would not recommend because that’s all he does is procedures and does not like to prescribe pain medication when it says in his description that he does. I have my own opinion on why he only wants to do procedures but that’s not here nor there. I am only writing this as a warning for other people in my position. Wish you well and my have a better experience than I do.
  
 
       
   Ashley Grissom 
 2022-04-06
 
 
  It is a great office it's just very hard to get in contact with anybody by making an appointment or calling!

Frequently Questions About Epidural Steroid Injection

What is an Epidural Steroid Injection?

An epidural steroid injection is a procedure where a corticosteroid medication is injected into the epidural space of the spine to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, typically caused by conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.

How does an Epidural Steroid Injection Work?

The injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area of the spine, targeting nerve roots and reducing swelling and irritation, which helps alleviate pain and improve mobility.

What to Expect After a Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection?

After a lumbar epidural steroid injection, you may experience temporary soreness at the injection site and some initial increase in pain. Many people notice pain relief within a few days, with improvements continuing over the following weeks.

How Often can You get a Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection?

The frequency of transforaminal epidural steroid injections varies based on individual needs and treatment response. Typically, injections can be administered every 6 to 12 weeks, but your doctor will recommend the best schedule for your condition.

How Long Should You Rest After an Epidural Steroid Injection?

How long should you rest after an epidural steroid injection?

Author

Dr. Justin Thompson

Dr. Justin H. Thompson, MD, is the founder and CEO of Foundation Pain & Spine. A native Texan and graduate of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dr. Thompson specializes in pain management. With advanced training from Baylor University and Virginia Commonwealth University, he offers innovative, personalized treatments to help patients overcome chronic pain and restore their quality of life.
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