Newport Beach Epidural Steroid Injections

Treatment for Back Pain

Medical experts estimate that up to 80% of the population will experience back pain at some point in life. At Regenerative Institute of Newport Beach in Newport Beach, California, you can achieve relief from neck or back pain, including pain caused by a herniated disc.

How Do Epidural Steroid Injections Work?

Epidural steroid injections reduce inflammation and pain stemming from nerve compression along your spine, possibly from herniated discs.

During treatment, your practitioner injects the steroid solution directly into the epidural space surrounding your spinal cord and nerve roots. This quickly soothes nerves, providing relief from chronic pain within a few days.

Are Epidural Steroid Injections Permanent?

No, but they are long-lasting. When the slight initial swelling and inflammation subside after your injection treatment, you should start noticing an improvement in your pain. Tingling and numbing sensations caused by compressed nerves should also improve.

Dr. Z likes to see patients back in the office for a follow-up appointment about two to six weeks after their epidural steroid injection. That allows him to determine how well you’re responding to the treatment and whether or not you may need another injection.

If you continue having symptoms, you can safely have the treatment repeated after a specified period, as determined by Dr. Z. Usually, you shouldn’t have more than three to four injections during a one-year span.

What Should I Expect During My Epidural Steroid Injection Treatment?

An epidural steroid injection treatment is performed right in the office at Regenerative Institute of Newport Beach. If you are undergoing sedation you might have to avoid food or drink for a few hours before your appointment, just to decrease your risk of nausea. You might also need to skip certain medications beforehand, including blood thinners or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs.

Your treatment starts by getting an IV placed in one of your veins, usually in your arm. If needed, Dr. Z can administer either oral or IV medication to help you relax. You then lie on your stomach or side on a specialized X-ray machine. Dr. Z may place a bolster or pillows in specific areas to help open up space between vertebrae.

He uses the X-ray fluoroscope to get a real-time, clear image of exactly where the injection is going. After sterilizing and numbing your skin, he gently injects the steroid medication. The entire process, from beginning to end, usually takes less than an hour.

Schedule an evaluation at Regenerative Institute of Newport Beach to see if an epidural steroid injection is right for you.

Helping Good People Get Better