Epidural Injections

Epidural Injections

Epidural injections are a type of interventional procedure performed in office by Pain Management physicians. These injections are usually done for patients experiencing pain in the neck (cervical), mid/upper back (thoracic), and/or low back (lumbar). These types of pains will sometimes move into the extremities as well causing “radicular pain”. Radicular pain is generally caused by, but not limited to, bulging or herniated discs in the spine. These disc disorders can cause residual nerve compression and/or inflammation to the surrounding nerves. Epidurals can help alleviate the pain caused from these disc disorders by aiding in the relief of surrounding disc inflammation and irritation. Depending on where the patient is experiencing pain is where the injection will be performed. These procedures are also done under fluoroscopic guidance (real time x-ray), which allows the physician to see exactly where the needle is being placed in the spine. This type of imaging modality helps to increase the accuracy and overall pain relief experienced by the patient. For a video that demonstrates a cervical epidural injection, please refer to spine-health’s website and demonstration.