What are Epidural Steroid Injections?
When you are living with persistent nerve pain, it can feel like your body is constantly on high alert. Epidural steroid injections can help by delivering a combination of a local anesthetic and a long-acting corticosteroid into the epidural space, the area surrounding your spinal cord and nerve roots. This targeted approach is designed to “flush out” inflammatory proteins that contribute to pain, providing a window of relief that allows you to return to physical therapy and your normal routine.
While the idea of spinal injections for pain relief can be intimidating, our team prioritizes your comfort and peace of mind at every step. Our goal is to treat you with the same empathy and clinical excellence we would expect for our own families, ensuring you feel heard and supported throughout your healing journey.
Epidural steroid shots are not just about temporary masking; they are a strategic tool used to break the cycle of inflammation. While the local anesthetic provides immediate, short-term numbing, the steroid begins to work over the following several days to provide more sustained results. By reducing the hypersensitivity of irritated nerves, these injections for chronic pain can significantly decrease the “shooting” or “electric” sensations often associated with sciatica or herniated discs, giving your body the environment it needs to heal more effectively.
What Health Conditions do Epidural Steroid Injections Help Treat?
The versatility of an epidural steroid injection makes it an excellent option for a wide variety of spinal conditions that cause radiating pain. We commonly utilize this treatment for patients suffering from lumbar or cervical herniated discs, where the inner material of a spinal disc presses against a nerve root. Additionally, patients diagnosed with spinal stenosis—a narrowing of the spinal canal—often find that these injections provide the necessary space and reduced inflammation required to walk longer distances and stand with less discomfort.
Beyond disc issues, we also treat degenerative disc disease and spondylolisthesis, which can cause significant structural instability and nerve irritation. If you are experiencing sciatica, characterized by sharp pain traveling from your lower back down into your legs, these epidural steroid shots can be life-changing. By calming the “angry” nerves in the localized area of the spine, we can address the root cause of the radiating symptoms rather than just treating the surface-level aches.
- Herniated or bulging discs in the neck or back
- Spinal stenosis and neurogenic claudication
- Sciatica and radiculopathy
- Degenerative disc disease
- Post-laminectomy syndrome (failed back surgery)
Get Epidural Steroid Injections in Frisco, Plano, McKinney, and Beyond
Pain Management of North Dallas is proud to be a leading provider of interventional spine care for the greater DFW Metroplex. With conveniently located offices in Frisco, McKinney, Plano, and Dallas, our team of experts is dedicated to bringing world-class pain relief closer to home. We believe that every patient deserves a personalized treatment plan, which is why we take the time to conduct thorough evaluations and diagnostic imaging before recommending an epidural steroid injection.
What sets our practice apart is our commitment to a multidisciplinary approach that blends cutting-edge technology with compassionate care. We don’t just treat symptoms; we treat people. Our board-certified physicians stay at the forefront of pain medicine to ensure you receive the most effective, evidence-based treatments available. Whether you are a weekend warrior or a retiree looking to stay active, we are here to help you reclaim your quality of life from chronic pain.
Ready to find relief with epidural steroid injections? Request an appointment online with Pain Management of North Dallas today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Epidural Steroid Injections in North Dallas
How long does the relief from the injection typically last?
The duration of relief varies by individual and the severity of the underlying condition. Some patients experience relief for several weeks, while others may enjoy several months of diminished pain. We often use these injections as a “bridge” to help patients progress through physical therapy comfortably.
Is the procedure painful?
Most patients describe the sensation as a localized pressure rather than sharp pain. We use a local anesthetic to numb the skin and underlying tissue before the epidural needle is inserted. The procedure is relatively quick, typically taking only 15 to 30 minutes from start to finish.
What is the recovery time after the injection?
Recovery is usually very brief. We recommend that patients take it easy for the remainder of the day following their procedure. Most people can return to their normal work and light activities the very next day, though you should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for about 48 hours.
Do I need a referral or imaging before getting an injection?
Most patients undergo a physical evaluation and provide recent diagnostic imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan, before moving forward with treatment. These scans are essential because they allow our specialists to pinpoint the exact location of nerve compression or inflammation, ensuring the medication is delivered precisely where it will provide the most benefit. If you haven’t had imaging done yet, we can discuss the necessary steps during your initial consultation to determine if this procedure is the right path for your recovery.
