For many individuals, back pain has become a daily expectation. In fact, it’s the most common type of pain reported in the United States. The good news? There is help available.
Leia Rispoli, MD, is a double board-certified pain management specialist with offices in Newport Beach and Marina Del Rey, California. Dr. Rispoli uses advanced, nonsurgical solutions to manage chronic pain with targeted therapies that address the underlying cause.
Here’s when and why Dr. Rispoli may recommend an epidural injection to relieve back pain.
An epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a minimally invasive procedure that delivers a powerful anti-inflammatory medication, typically a corticosteroid, into the epidural space around your spinal cord.
This can help reduce swelling and inflammation irritating nearby spinal nerves, which can cause pain in the neck, back, arms, and legs. Pain relief can last for days to months.
Epidural injections aren’t typically the first line of defense against back pain. Dr. Rispoli often recommends starting with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, and lifestyle modifications.
However, she may consider an epidural injection for:
If you've tried medications, physical therapy, and other conservative methods for several weeks or months with little to no relief, an epidural injection might help manage your pain.
Back pain accompanied by nerve pain that shoots down the legs is often caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal). An epidural injection may help reduce nerve inflammation and ease discomfort.
Herniated or bulging discs can press on nearby nerves and cause significant pain. An epidural injection can help reduce inflammation and relieve the pressure on the affected nerve.
Aging spinal discs are prone to degeneration over time, sometimes leading to chronic pain and inflammation. Epidural injections can help manage symptoms and improve mobility.
Dr. Rispoli often considers epidural injections one component of a comprehensive care strategy. For instance, she may suggest an epidural injection to relieve pain so you can participate more fully in physical therapy.
Your customized treatment plan may also include regenerative medicine therapies (i.e., platelet-rich plasma injections), nerve blocks, and spinal cord stimulation.
An epidural injection is a relatively quick, in-office procedure that usually takes 15-30 minutes.
Dr. Rispoli applies a local anesthetic to numb the injection site and uses advanced imaging techniques to ensure accuracy as she injects the targeted treatment area.
After the injection, you’ll rest comfortably for monitoring over a short period before being discharged home. You may experience soreness at the injection site for a few days. Results can vary, with pain relief typically lasting for weeks to months.
Bottom line? You don’t have to live with back pain. Schedule a visit with Leia Rispoli, MD, today. Call the office or request an appointment online.
