Epidural Injection Tulsa, OK
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Are you seeking relief from chronic back pain, sciatica, or other debilitating conditions? At Memorial Pain Clinic in Tulsa, Oklahoma, we understand the toll that persistent pain can take on your daily life. Our team of experienced specialists offers a range of advanced treatments, including epidural steroid injections, aimed at providing effective pain relief and improving your quality of life.
With a commitment to personalized care and the latest medical techniques, we strive to help you regain control and find comfort in your everyday activities. Discover how our dedicated team can assist you on your journey to pain-free living. To schedule an appointment with us, please call our office at 918-200-9944 today.
What Is an Epidural Injection for Pain?
Epidural injections for pain deliver anti-inflammatory medicine directly to the area around your spinal cord called the epidural space. Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are commonly used to treat many different types of low back and leg pain and to relieve the symptoms of sciatica. The doctors at Memorial Pain Clinic may prescribe epidural injections as part of a comprehensive pain management and rehabilitation plan to help you “Restore Function & Relive Life.”
In addition to treating low back pain, epidural injections can also help alleviate pain in your cervical or thoracic spine.
What Is in an Epidural Steroid Injection?
Epidural steroid injections typically contain a combination of a corticosteroid medication and a local anesthetic. The corticosteroid helps to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain by targeting the nerves in the epidural space, while the local anesthetic provides immediate relief by numbing the area. This combination can effectively reduce pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or sciatica.
Types of Epidural Steroid Injections
Epidural steroid injections can be categorized into several types based on the specific area of the spine targeted and the approach used to administer the medication. They all aim to help patients with chronic pain originating from the back and spine.
Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection
Cervical epidural steroid injections are administered in the neck region of the spine to alleviate pain and inflammation caused by conditions such as cervical disc herniation or cervical spinal stenosis. This procedure involves injecting corticosteroid medication into the epidural space around the cervical vertebrae and spinal nerve roots under fluoroscopic guidance to ensure accurate placement.
Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection
Lumbar epidural steroid injections are commonly used to treat lower back pain, sciatica, and other lumbar spine conditions like lumbar disc herniation or lumbar spinal stenosis. During this procedure, the corticosteroid medication is injected into the epidural space in the lumbar region of the spine, targeting the affected nerves and reducing inflammation and pain.
Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection
Transforaminal epidural corticosteroid injections involve injecting the medication and local anesthetic directly into the foramen—a passageway through which spinal nerves exit the spinal column. This approach allows for precise targeting of the affected nerve root, making it particularly effective for treating conditions such as radicular pain or nerve compression caused by herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injection
Interlaminar epidural steroid injections are administered into the epidural space between the laminae—the bony structures that form the back of the spinal canal. This approach allows for broad coverage of multiple nerve roots and is often used to treat conditions affecting multiple levels of the spine, such as spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease. This helps provide significant pain relief for patients.
Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection
Caudal epidural steroid injections are performed by injecting the medication into the epidural space through the sacral hiatus—the opening at the base of the sacrum. This technique is commonly used to treat lower back pain, sciatica, and other lumbar spine conditions, providing widespread pain relief and reducing inflammation in the lower lumbar and sacral regions.
Epidural for Back Pain Procedure
The epidural steroid injection procedure is done on an outpatient basis, meaning patients go home after the procedure ends. First, the patient will be positioned comfortably on an examination table, usually lying face down for lumbar injections or face up for cervical injections. The skin over the injection site will be cleaned and sterilized to reduce the risk of infection.
Next, a local anesthetic will be applied to numb the skin and underlying tissue, minimizing discomfort during the procedure. In some cases, conscious sedation may be offered to help the patient relax, although this varies depending on the clinic’s protocol and the patient’s preferences.
Once the area is numb, the physician will use fluoroscopic guidance—a type of real-time X-ray imaging using contrast dye—to locate the epidural space within the spine precisely. This ensures accurate needle placement and reduces the risk of complications such as nerve injury.
Once the epidural space is identified, the physician will carefully insert a thin needle into the targeted area under fluoroscopic guidance. A contrast dye may be injected to confirm the needle placement and ensure that the medication will reach the intended site.
Finally, the epidural steroid medication, often combined with a local anesthetic, is slowly injected into the epidural space. The corticosteroid works to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, while the local anesthetic provides immediate relief by numbing the affected nerves.
How Does an Epidural Work?
An epidural steroid injection works by delivering a combination of corticosteroid medication and a local anesthetic directly into the epidural space surrounding the spinal nerves. The corticosteroid medication, such as triamcinolone or methylprednisolone, helps to reduce inflammation and decrease the activity of immune cells involved in the pain response.
This, in turn, alleviates pressure on the spinal nerves and reduces pain signals traveling to the brain. The local anesthetic provides immediate pain relief by numbing the affected nerves. Overall, the injection helps to decrease pain, inflammation, and swelling, allowing patients to experience relief from symptoms associated with conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or sciatica.
How Big Is the Epidural Needle?
Epidural needles typically range in diameter from about 16 to 18 gauge. These needles are relatively thin to minimize discomfort during insertion while still allowing for accurate delivery of steroid medication into the epidural space surrounding the spinal nerves.
What Conditions Can an Epidural Injection Treat?
Epidural steroid injections are commonly used to treat a variety of spinal conditions that cause pain and inflammation. These conditions can include spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, and post-surgical pain. Two of the most commonly-treated conditions are sciatica and herniated discs.
Sciatica Epidural Steroid Injection
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, becomes compressed or irritated. Sciatic epidural steroid injections target the epidural space around the affected nerve roots, delivering corticosteroid medication to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain radiating down the leg. These injections are one of the most popular nonsurgical treatments for sciatica.
Herniated Disc Epidural Steroid Injection
Another condition commonly treated with epidural steroid injections is a herniated disc, where the soft inner material of a spinal disc protrudes outward and presses on nearby nerves. Herniated disc epidural steroid injections aim to reduce inflammation and relieve pain by delivering medication directly into the epidural space surrounding the affected nerve roots. This helps alleviate symptoms such as back pain, leg pain, and numbness caused by nerve compression, particularly in the lumbar spine.
How Long Does an Epidural Last?
Depending on your particular pain level and spinal condition, you may experience temporary pain relief from chronic symptoms ranging from a week up to a year. Epidurals work well for many adults when they are part of a comprehensive therapeutic treatment and exercise plan. The interventional pain experts at Memorial Pain Clinic explain their predicted outcome for you, and the many benefits of getting an epidural injection.
How Long Should You Rest After an Epidural Steroid Injection?
Most healthcare providers advise avoiding strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or prolonged sitting or standing for the first 24 hours following the procedure. However, light activities such as walking are often encouraged to promote circulation and aid in the distribution of the medication within the epidural space. Depending on the patient’s specific needs, physical therapy may be recommended in addition to the injection.
What Are the Benefits of Epidural Injections?
Epidural injections deliver powerful medication directly to the source of your back pain, so they have more of an impact than oral medications. With an epidural, the medication gets there faster than if you take it orally. You also have fewer (if any) side effects than you would if you were taking oral painkillers. ESIs help control the inflammation that contributes to your back pain.
Other benefits include:
- Pain relief in your legs and lower back
- Improves mental and emotional health
- Improves quality of life
- Minimizes need for prescription painkillers
- Can help you avoid or delay surgery
What Are the Epidural Side Effects?
As with any medical procedure, there are some risks, and though rare, they may include:
- Infection
- Temporary numbing
- Allergic reaction
- Headaches
- Fever
In most cases, these side effects are temporary.
The doctors at Memorial Pain Clinic are among the most highly skilled in their profession, so you can trust them when it comes to procedures like this. When you have an epidural injection at our location in Tulsa, OK, you receive the maximum benefits with minimal cause for concern. It’s important to inform your provider if you have any conditions that may affect the outcome of the procedure, such as bleeding disorders.
To learn more about this pain-relieving outpatient procedure, or the many other available options, call or schedule an appointment online today.
Epidural Injection FAQs
What Is the Best Position to Sleep After Epidural Steroid Injection?
After an epidural steroid injection, it’s generally recommended to sleep in a position that minimizes pressure on the injection site and promotes comfort. Many people find that sleeping on their back with a pillow under their knees or on their side with a pillow between their knees provides relief and reduces strain on the lower back.
How Many Epidural Injections Are Safe in a Lifetime?
There is no specific lifetime limit on the number of epidural injections that are considered universally safe for all patients. However, healthcare providers typically agree that patients can safely receive up to six injections annually. In general, healthcare providers aim to minimize the number of injections while still providing effective pain relief and avoiding potential risks associated with frequent injections.
How Much Does an Epidural Cost?
The cost of an epidural steroid injection can vary widely depending on factors such as the location of the healthcare facility, the specific type of injection performed, the healthcare provider’s fees, and any additional charges for facility fees, anesthesia, imaging guidance, or medication. They are generally more affordable with insurance, as the costs without insurance can start at a few hundred dollars per injection.
To learn more about costs and pricing, contact Memorial Pain Clinic directly. We can answer any questions you have about the insurance we take, as well as what you might expect to pay.
Find Relief from Back Pain with Epidural Injections at Memorial Pain Clinic in Tulsa, OK
As you navigate your journey towards pain relief and improved quality of life, know that you’re not alone. At Memorial Pain Clinic in Tulsa, Oklahoma, our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic back pain, sciatica, or other spinal conditions, our experienced specialists offer personalized care and advanced treatments, including epidural steroid injections.
With a focus on compassion, expertise, and patient-centered care, we’re committed to helping you find relief and regain control over your life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a pain-free tomorrow.
