How Epidural Steroid Injections Can Provide Long-Term Relief for Back Pain

Developed as an effective treatment for chronic and acute back pain, epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are increasingly recognized for their success in providing long-term relief. 

At New York Sports Spine Pain Medicine (NYSSPM), in Richmond Hill, Queens, NY, our esteemed physicians, Dr. Sanjeev Agarwal and Dr. Rahul Koya, bring a wealth of expertise in managing low back pain. Sanjeev Agarwal, MD, is quadruple board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Pain Medicine, Sports Medicine, and Hospice & Palliative Medicine. He specializes in fluoroscopically and ultrasound-guided procedures to address chronic spinal and musculoskeletal pain. Rahul Koya, DO, board-certified physiatrist, focuses on diagnosing and treating diverse musculoskeletal conditions, employing advanced techniques such as ultrasound-guided joint injections to enhance patients' quality of life. Their combined proficiency ensures comprehensive care for patients seeking relief from low back pain.

Approximately 16 million adults suffer from chronic back pain, costing the U.S. over $12 billion annually. Epidural Steroid Injections can offer significant back pain relief for patients who have sciatica, herniated discs, spinal stenosis. The expert physicians at New York Sports Spine Pain Medicine have put together this Blog to help guide patients on this minimally invasive treatment option.

Exploring Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are a vital non-surgical treatment for low back and neck pain, providing relief by reducing inflammation in the epidural space. Moderate-quality evidence supports their efficacy in reducing pain for up to three months.

This procedure involves injecting a potent anti-inflammatory steroid and a local anesthetic directly into the epidural space around the spinal nerves to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. The steroid works to decrease inflammation, a key contributor to pain, while the local anesthetic provides immediate relief by numbing the area. The main goals of an ESI are to alleviate pain, enhance functionality, and support a return to everyday activities.

By reducing pain and inflammation, ESIs enable patients to engage more effectively in physical therapy in Queens, NY and other treatments, improving their overall quality of life. This targeted and effective solution helps patients manage chronic pain and inflammation, making everyday activities more manageable again.

Effectiveness for Sciatica

Sciatica, characterized by pain radiating along the sciatic nerve from the lower back down to the legs, is often a result of a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. The inflammation and irritation of the sciatic nerve can be intense and persistent. Epidural steroid injections can effectively reduce this inflammation and provide significant relief from sciatica symptoms. 

Many patients at New York Sports Spine Pain Medicine have experienced considerable improvements in pain levels and mobility after receiving ESIs, allowing them to engage in physical therapy that further aids recovery.

Relief for Herniated Discs

A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner gel of the disc protrudes through its outer layer, compressing nearby nerves and causing pain. This condition often leads to chronic back pain and discomfort. Epidural steroid injections can help by reducing the inflammation around the herniated disc and the affected nerves. By mitigating this inflammation, ESIs can provide substantial pain relief, often enabling patients to avoid more invasive surgical procedures. Our patients in Richmond Hill seeking non-surgical spine treatment have found ESIs to be a beneficial component of their comprehensive pain management plan.

Managing Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis, the narrowing of spaces within the spine, puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, leading to significant pain and discomfort. This condition is particularly common among older adults. Injection therapy, especially epidural steroid injections, has shown to be particularly effective for spinal stenosis. By delivering steroids directly to the compressed nerve roots, patients can experience a significant reduction in pain and improved ability to perform daily activities. 

Benefits of Epidural Steroid Injections for Low Back Pain

Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) offer a range of benefits that go beyond just pain relief, contributing significantly to a patient’s overall functionality and quality of life. At New York Sports Spine Pain Medicine, Dr. Sanjeev Agarwal and Dr. Rahul Koya prioritizes a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to ensure comprehensive care.

Key benefits of ESIs include:

• Improved mobility and flexibility

• Reduced reliance on pain medications

• Enhanced participation in physical therapy programs

Experience Excellence in Back Pain Management at NYSSPM

For people with ongoing back pain, like that caused by sciatica, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis, epidural steroid injections can provide significant pain relief. They provide patients the comfort they need so they may participate more actively in their rehabilitation, which includes things like physical therapy and other changes to their lifestyle.

At New York Sports Spine Pain Medicine, we are committed to providing world-class spine care, pain management, sports medicine, and physical therapy care to patients in Queens, New York, and the surrounding boroughs. If you are experiencing back pain, please request an appointment online or give us a call today at 718-322-4145.