Benefits of Epidural Steroid Injections for Chronic Pain Management
Epidural steroid injections reduce inflammation surrounding injured spinal nerves to give focused relief from chronic pain. This treatment helps people with disorders like sciatica or herniated discs feel better in their legs, neck, and lower back. It also improves their mobility and quality of life. For pain relief and inflammation reduction, see Dr. Atallah, DO, and his kind staff at Modern Pain Management. We have convenient locations to serve you in Houston, TX, and Sugar Land, TX. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online.


Table of Contents:
What are the main benefits of epidural steroid injections for chronic pain?
How do epidural steroid injections reduce inflammation associated with chronic pain?
Can epidural steroid injections improve mobility in patients with chronic pain?
Who is a good candidate for chronic pain management with epidural steroid injections?
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One of the biggest benefits of epidural steroid injections, also known as ESIs, is their ability to provide rapid pain relief. These injections deliver corticosteroids, powerful anti-inflammatory agents, directly into the epidural space in the spine to effectively reduce inflammation, a major contributor to chronic pain. This relief can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life and mobility.
At our clinic, we value minimally invasive procedures like ESIs, which are an attractive option for patients who wish to avoid invasive surgical procedures or aren’t suitable candidates for surgery. With no extended recovery period and a lower risk of complications such as infection and bleeding, ESIs are a generally safe and effective treatment option.
Another benefit of ESIs is their role in breaking the cycle of pain and inflammation. The relief provided by these injections can enable our patients to participate in physical therapy and rehabilitation programs, both of which are key components in managing chronic pain conditions.
Furthermore, ESIs can also serve as a diagnostic tool. If the patient’s pain is significantly reduced following the injection, it helps our team of pain management specialists pinpoint the exact source of the pain, which can guide future treatment decisions. Overall, epidural steroid injections offer an effective, minimally invasive treatment option for chronic pain that can provide fast relief, promote healing, and guide further treatment decisions.
ESIs involve injecting a corticosteroid, like methylprednisolone or triamcinolone, into the epidural space. Corticosteroids have robust anti-inflammatory properties that work to suppress inflammation and offer temporary relief and improved functionality. The ways these corticosteroids work include suppressing cytokine production, inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, modulating immune cells, and reducing edema.
Alongside the corticosteroid, a numbing agent, usually a local anesthetic like lidocaine, is mixed into the injection. This provides immediate pain relief by blocking nerve conduction in the area where it’s injected, aiding in breaking the cycle of pain.
While ESIs can be very effective in managing inflammation and pain, they are not a permanent solution or cure for the underlying condition causing the pain. At Modern Pain Management, we frequently combine ESIs with treatments like physical therapy to optimize outcomes. The benefits of ESIs can last from one week to several months, and repeat procedures are possible if needed.
By decreasing inflammation and, in turn, pain, epidural steroid injections offer relief and improved function. Corticosteroids are known for their power to minimize inflammation. The reduced inflammation relieves pressure on the nerves in the epidural space, leading to less irritation, less pain, and improved mobility.
Numerous studies support the efficacy of ESIs in improving mobility in chronic pain patients. Studies confirm that ESIs can significantly reduce pain intensity and improve mobility in patients suffering from conditions like lumbar spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease.
The duration of relief from chronic pain and improved mobility after receiving ESIs can vary. While some patients experience relief quickly, others may require a few sessions to notice a substantial difference. Typically, the effects of these injections last for several months. However, when the steroids wear off, the pain may return. In some cases, patients require repeat ESIs to sustain pain relief and mobility improvement, which we can administer here at Modern Pain Management.
ESIs aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution for chronic pain. Therefore, patients must consult a reputable healthcare professional to find out if they are suitable candidates for this treatment. ESIs are an advantageous treatment approach for improving mobility in patients suffering from chronic pain. They can provide significant relief and help improve mobility, enhancing the quality of life for many patients.
At Modern Pain Management, we understand that chronic pain can be debilitating and significantly decrease your quality of life. We provide a range of treatments to manage such pain, including epidural steroid injections (ESIs). ESIs are an effective solution for chronic pain resulting from various conditions that affect the spine or nerve roots. These conditions include sciatica, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, and failed back surgery syndrome.
That said, ESIs are not suitable for all patients experiencing chronic pain. For instance, those with allergies to the medications used in the injection, uncontrolled medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease, an active infection, or bleeding disorders may not be eligible. Additionally, patients who are pregnant are not suitable candidates for this treatment due to potential risks to the fetus.
It’s worth noting that while ESIs can provide significant relief from chronic pain, they are not a cure for the underlying condition causing the pain. This treatment approach is usually utilized as part of a comprehensive pain management plan that may also include physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and other treatments.
At Modern Pain Management, our healthcare professionals will conduct a thorough evaluation before beginning any treatment for chronic pain. This helps us understand the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives, ensuring that we tailor the treatment plan to your specific needs and health circumstances. Our team believes in personalized pain management care and is committed to supporting our valued patients in navigating their journeys to sustained pain relief. We have convenient locations to serve you in Houston TX and Sugar Land TX. For more information, please contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Houston TX, Sugar Land TX, Pearland TX, Jersey Village TX, Missouri City TX, Stafford TX, and Richmond TX.