Many residents of Southern California choose to receive back pain treatment at Advanced Pain Medical Group to manage their chronic pain, chiropractic conditions, and general discomfort. One of the most common procedures at the Pain Clinic is steroid injections.

What Are Steroid Injections?

This pain treatment method consists of anti-inflammatory steroid injections (such as Cortisone) into the area around your spinal nerves. Other names for this procedure include:

  • ESI Injection
  • Back Pain Injection
  • Epidural Steroid Injection

What Kinds Of Chronic Pain Does This Treatment Help?

Steroid Injections are used to treat a variety of conditions, most of them including pinched or inflamed nerve roots near your spinal cord. These conditions include:

  • Degenerating Spine (Spondylolysis)
  • Narrowing Of The Spine (Stenosis)
  • Herniated Disks
  • Pain Following A Failed Back Surgery
  • Scoliosis
  • Spinal Bone Spurs (Osteophytes)
  • Spinal Injuries

How Soon Will This Treatment Take Effect?

Most patients experience less pain within two or three days.

How Long Will Spinal Injections Alleviate My Pain?

Results vary from person to person. Many people have relief for weeks or months, and a few experience relief for up to a year.

Are There Any Side Effects To Cortisone Injections?

As with any medical procedure, there are a few possible side effects. Talk to your health care provider about whether you should be concerned about them and whether any symptoms might need immediate care. These might include:

  • Low Blood Pressure
  • Reactions To The Medicine (rashes, hot flashes)
  • Bleeding That Could Indicate A Blood Clot
  • Temporary Loss Of Bladder Control

How Often Can I Have This Procedure?

Most pain clinics will limit you to two or three treatments per year. Receiving too many treatments in a year could weaken your muscles and spine.

Is An Epidural Spine Injection The Same As An Epidural During Childbirth?

No. Epidurals during childbirth are local anesthetic medicines that make portions of your body numb.

What Are The Different Types Of Steroid Injections?

These procedures are classified according to which part of your spine receives the medication. Thus, your physician may describe your treatment as:

  • Lumbar (Lower Back)
  • Thoracic (Upper & Middle Back)
  • Cervical (Neck)

What Will I Need To Prepare For My Treatment?

Your provider might ask you to refrain from eating and drinking for a specified time before your steroid injections. In addition, you may need to adjust your schedule of medications for a day or two. If you are going to have a sedative before your procedure, you will need to arrange for a ride home.

Learn More About Pain Management And Steroid Injections In Southern California

With eight locations in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Kern counties, Advanced Pain Medical Group is ready to help you find relief from many different chronic pain conditions. So don’t put off your journey to a more comfortable life. Call us today.