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EPIDURAL INJECTIONS IN LOS ANGELES

Comprehensive Solution for Pain Relief

Managing chronic pain can be a complex and challenging journey. At the Spine & Pain Institute Los Angeles, we offer epidural injections as a targeted and effective solution for alleviating pain. Serving Pasadena and the Greater Los Angeles area, our personalized approach to epidural injections can help you regain your quality of life and get back to doing what you love.
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What is Epidural Injection?

An epidural injection is a common procedure used to provide pain relief in various parts of the body by injecting medication into the epidural space around the spinal cord. This helps to reduce inflammation, numb pain signals, and block pain receptors, providing relief for conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or sciatica. The procedure is performed by our doctor using fluoroscopy or ultrasound guidance.

Patients may feel some pressure or discomfort during the injection, but the procedure is generally well tolerated. The effects of an epidural injection can vary, with many experiencing immediate pain relief that can last for days, weeks, or even months. Some patients may need multiple injections for maximum benefit, and it's important to follow up with our specialists to monitor progress and determine the best treatment plan.

Overall, epidural injections can be an effective and minimally invasive option for managing chronic pain and improving quality of life. Patients considering this treatment should discuss the risks and benefits with our specialists at Spine & Pain Institute Los Angeles to determine if it is the right option for them. Follow-up care and monitoring are important to ensure the best outcomes for individuals receiving epidural injections.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Before the procedure, you'll meet with our physician to discuss any questions or concerns. You will go through your medical history and address any medications and allergies. The procedure specifics, including its purpose and benefits, will be explained.

Positioning:
You'll lie on your stomach or side on an exam table. The injection site (lower back, neck, or upper back) will be cleaned and sterilized.

Anesthesia:
A local anesthetic will numb the injection area to minimize discomfort during needle insertion.

Guidance:
Using fluoroscopy or ultrasound, our physician will accurately position the needle in your spine's epidural space. This ensures precise delivery of medication to the inflamed or compressed nerves.

Injection:
Once the needle is in place, a mix of corticosteroid and local anesthetic is injected to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.

Monitoring:
You'll be monitored briefly afterward to ensure comfort and safety before discharge. Vital signs may be checked for reassurance.

Recovery Process After Epidural Injection

Recovery following an epidural injection involves several important steps to ensure effective pain management and minimal discomfort. Immediately after the procedure, it's advisable to rest and avoid strenuous activities for the remainder of the day to allow the injected medications to take effect. You may experience initial relief from any pain due to the local anesthetic used during the injection. It's common to apply ice or heat packs to the injection site to reduce minor discomfort or swelling. Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also be used as directed by our specialist to manage any lingering soreness.

Most individuals can resume normal daily activities the day after the procedure, although heavy lifting and vigorous exercise should be avoided for a few days to a week, depending on your recovery progress. Follow-up appointments with your physician may be scheduled to monitor your response to the injection and address any ongoing symptoms or concerns. It's important to be mindful of any unusual symptoms such as increased pain, swelling, or signs of infection, and promptly notify our team if you experience these issues.

Types of Epidural Injections

Cervical Epidural Injection: 
A procedure where medication is injected into the epidural space of the cervical spine (neck region) to alleviate pain and inflammation caused by conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.

Thoracic Epidural Injection:
Involves injecting medication into the epidural space of the thoracic spine (upper back) to treat conditions such as thoracic radiculopathy or vertebral fractures, providing relief from pain and discomfort.

Lumbar Epidural Injection:
Administered into the epidural space of the lumbar spine (lower back) to manage pain related to conditions like lumbar disc herniations, spinal stenosis, or sciatica, using a combination of local anesthetic and corticosteroid medication for relief and inflammation reduction.

Don't let discomfort hold you back.
Unlock Pain Relief with Epidural Injections.

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Benefits of Epidural Injections

  • Pain Relief: They deliver medication directly to the epidural space, reducing inflammation and alleviating discomfort from conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
  • Minimally Invasive: Unlike surgery, they involve inserting a needle guided by imaging technology to administer medication precisely.
  • Localized Treatment: Medications typically include corticosteroids for inflammation and local anesthetics for immediate relief, targeting affected nerves and muscles without affecting the whole body.
  • Quick Relief: Patients often experience rapid pain reduction, enhancing mobility and enabling easier participation in therapy or rehabilitation.
  • Diagnostic Aid: Injections can confirm the source of pain, aiding in treatment planning by assessing the extent of pain relief achieved.
  • Alternative to Surgery: Epidural Injections can sometimes delay or eliminate the need for surgery by effectively managing pain and preventing further deterioration.
  • Repetitive Use: Multiple injections per year can be administered if needed, offering ongoing pain management without extensive reliance on oral medications or more invasive procedures.

When is Epidural Injection Treatment Effective?

Epidural injections are particularly beneficial for patients who have exhausted conservative treatments like physical therapy or oral medications without sufficient relief. By reducing pain and inflammation, these injections offer temporary but significant relief, enabling patients to engage more effectively in rehabilitation programs aimed at restoring mobility and functionality. This approach not only addresses immediate symptoms but also supports long-term recovery by facilitating active participation in therapeutic exercises and activities aimed at improving overall spinal health.

What Conditions Epidural Injections Can Help With?

Spinal Disc Herniation

Disc bulges or herniations can compress nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness. Epidural injections reduce inflammation around affected nerves, easing symptoms.

Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal puts pressure on nerves and the spinal cord. Epidural injections alleviate inflammation and swelling, relieving pain and enhancing mobility.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Naturally occurring disc degeneration causes pain. Epidural injections target inflammation in degenerated discs and surrounding tissues, aiding pain management and function restoration.

Sciatica

Pain radiating along the sciatic nerve's path can be relieved by epidural injections, which reduce inflammation and irritation of nerve roots.

Post-Surgical Pain

Following spine surgery, epidural injections are part of a comprehensive pain management strategy, targeting inflammation to aid recovery and relieve persistent pain.
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Frequently Asked Questions:

What Should I Expect After the Injection?

• Immediate Effects: You might feel temporary relief from pain or a slight increase in pain due to inflammation from the injection itself.
• Activity: You may need to rest for a few hours and avoid strenuous activities for a short period.
• Side Effects: Mild side effects can include temporary numbness, weakness, or discomfort at the injection site. More serious side effects are rare but can include infection, bleeding, or nerve damage.

How Long Does the Pain Relief Last?

Pain relief duration varies from person to person. Some individuals experience relief for a few weeks, while others may benefit for several months. The effectiveness depends on the underlying condition being treated.

Are There Risks or Complications associated with Epidural Injections?

While generally safe, epidural injections come with some risks, including:

• Infection: Rare but possible at the injection site.
• Bleeding: Increased risk for those with bleeding disorders.
• Nerve Damage: Uncommon but possible.
• Allergic Reactions: Reactions to the medication can occur.
• Temporary Side Effects: Such as headache, nausea, or temporary worsening of pain.

Experience Relief With Epidural Injections
at Spine & Pain Institute Los Angeles

At Spine & Pain Institute Los Angeles, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care and relief through epidural injections. Our team of experienced specialists utilizes advanced techniques to target and alleviate pain effectively. Patient comfort and safety are our top priorities, ensuring each procedure is performed with precision and compassion.

Whether you are seeking relief from chronic back pain, sciatica, or herniated discs, our comprehensive approach aims to improve your quality of life. Trust Spine and Pain Institute Los Angeles to deliver personalized care and effective solutions tailored to your unique needs. Take the first step towards a pain-free life today!
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