What to Do When Epidural Steroid Injections Don't Work?

If you are experiencing chronic pain, it is important to take a well-rounded approach to the treatment of this issue. Some of the most common treatment options include surgery, medications, and physical therapy. Another treatment option could be epidural steroid injections; however, what happens if epidural steroid injections don't work? If you are wondering what to do when epidural steroid injections don't work, it would be our pleasure to help you. At Rolling Hills Medical, it is our pleasure to serve the residents of Torrance, CA. Learn more about epidural steroid injections below.

Epidural Steroid Injections: A Brief Overview

Epidural steroid injections are a treatment option used for chronic pain. In this procedure, a trained physician will inject a steroid, which is an anti-inflammatory medication, directly into the epidural space of the spine. Then, as this medication spreads throughout the area, it reduces inflammation, which can alleviate pain and discomfort. The medication is designed to last for several months, so you should experience significant pain relief for an extended amount of time.

Conditions Treated by Epidural Steroid Injections

There are a number of common conditions that can be treated using epidural steroid injections. A few common examples include:

• Herniated Disc: An epidural steroid can be used to treat a herniated disc, which is also called a slipped disc. If this is not treated, you may experience significant leg pain that makes it hard to walk.
• Lumbar Radiculopathy: If you have been diagnosed with an issue involving your lumbar spine, an epidural steroid could be an effective treatment option. If this condition is not treated, you could develop significant nerve issues.
• Sciatica: You can also use this treatment option to help address sciatica. If sciatica is allowed to progress, it could lead to significant leg weakness.
• Spinal Stenosis: If you have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis, an epidural steroid injection could be helpful. If you don't treat this condition, you could develop significant spinal issues.

It is important to talk with your doctor about whether this treatment is right for you.

Are There Any Risks Accompanied by Steroid Injections?

It is important to take a look at the possible side effect of epidural steroid injections. A few examples include:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Minor pain at the injection site

Not everyone will experience these side effects. It is important to talk to your doctor about ways you can minimize these risks.

3 Things To Do When Epidural Steroid Injections Don’t Work

Even though epidural steroid injections can be effective in a variety of situations, they do not necessarily work for everyone. A few things you may want to do if they don't work include:

• Talk to your physician about whether you need another injection. Sometimes, it can take multiple rounds of treatment before you see results. You might also be wondering, “how many epidural steroid injections are safe in a lifetime?” The answer is that it depends, and they should be handled on a case-by-case basis with your doctor.
• Consider physical therapy. You might need to enroll in physical therapy to strengthen some of the muscles and ligaments around your back. With extra support, your pain could start to wear off.
• Talk to your doctor about surgery. Even though this is not right for everyone, it could be a treatment option if you have not yet experienced pain relief with epidural steroid injections.

Count on trained professionals who can help you.

Interested in Epidural Steroid Injections?

If you are wondering what to do when epidural steroid injections don't work, you should always talk to your physician. At Rolling Hills Medical, we always customize our treatment options to meet the needs of our patients. There is a chance that epidural steroid injections could be right for you.