Steroid Epidural Injection For Back Pain
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Health Fitness -> subcategory Medicine.
Steroid Epidural Injection for Back Pain
Overview
Back pain affects 80% of Americans at some point in their lives, according to WebMD. Since pain is subjective, its intensity varies from person to person. What might be debilitating for one individual could be tolerable for another. It's essential for patients to find a practitioner who listens and helps identify a solution tailored to their pain.
Initial Steps
The first step usually involves consulting a family doctor, either a general practitioner or an internal medicine specialist. General practitioners often recommend exercise, non-steroidal medications, muscle relaxants, and alternating ice and heat for back strain due to heavy lifting or similar causes. Internal medicine doctors may refer patients to orthopedic specialists for further evaluation and similar treatment options, possibly including physical therapy.
When Conservative Treatments Aren’t Enough
For patients who don't find relief from basic treatments, epidural injections might be the next option. The process begins with spine radiographs. If these show abnormalities, an MRI is conducted to provide a detailed view of the spine, including alignment issues, arthritis, or disc degeneration.
Meeting the Pain Management Specialist
A specialist in pain management, possibly an anesthesiologist, will review the patient’s medical history, covering lifestyle, exercise, and diet. After a thorough physical examination, including reflex and strength tests, the specialist determines if a steroid epidural injection could be beneficial.
Preparing for the Procedure
On the day of the injection, patients must fast from midnight and avoid consuming anything in the morning. They should leave jewelry and valuables at home and wear easy-to-remove clothing.
Upon arrival, patients register and then change into a hospital gown. Vital signs are checked, and an intravenous line is established for administering any necessary medications during the procedure.
The Injection Process
The patient is then taken to the procedure room. Depending on the facility, they may be positioned sitting or on their side. However, advanced procedures use fluoroscopy, where the patient lies on their stomach. This technique allows precise guidance of the injection to the source of the pain.
Recovery and Results
After the injection, patients spend 30 minutes to an hour in recovery before dressing to go home. Relief usually becomes evident within two days to two weeks, and up to three injections might be required for optimal results.
In conclusion, steroid epidural injections offer a promising option for those who haven't found relief through conservative treatments. Patients should work closely with their healthcare providers to determine the best course of action for their specific condition.
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