Are Epidural Injections For Back Pain Safe

For Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Symptoms Epidural Injections Of Corticosteroid Plus Lidocaine Offered No Benefits From 6 Weeks To 12 Months Beyond That Of Injections Of Lidocaine Alone

The learning point of this research is that a mild painkiller, such as lidocaine, works just as well as corticosteroids without corticosteroids well know side effects.

In research lead by the University of Washingtons Comparative Effectiveness, Cost and Outcomes Research Center, doctors made these observations:

• For lumbar spinal stenosis symptoms, epidural injections of corticosteroid plus lidocaine offered no benefits from 6 weeks to 12 months beyond that of injections of lidocaine alone in terms of self-reported pain and function or reduction in the use of opioids and spine surgery.

Repeated injections of either type offered no additional long-term benefit if injections in the first 6 weeks did not improve pain

• In patients with improved pain and function 6 weeks after the initial injection, these outcomes were maintained at 12 months. However, the trajectories of pain and function outcomes after 3 weeks did not differ by injectate type. Repeated injections of either type offered no additional long-term benefit if injections in the first 6 weeks did not improve pain.

For some, epidurals did not work beyond 6 weeks or at all, and for those patients, further injections did not offer benefit.

• So for some people, the epidurals worked up to 12 months.For some, epidurals did not work beyond 6 weeks or at all, and for those patients, further injections did not offer benefit.

Lets bring this research up to 2021.

Here is what they said:

Epidural Injection For Back Pain: Is It Right For You

If you have chronic back pain, you know the toll it can take on your life. It interferes with activities you enjoy, and makes even basic tasks difficult or impossible.

Having epidural injections for back pain are increasingly common. They are a great option when other treatment options havent worked. But how do they work? And what are the pros and cons?

Heres an overview so you can consider whether this treatment is a good way to get back to your normal lifestyle.

Potential Benefits Of Epidural Steroid Injections

Most practitioners will agree that an epidural injection can be beneficial during an acute episode of back and/or leg pain. The main drawbacks of the injections are that they are not always effective, and when effective, the pain relief tends to be temporary, ranging from one week to one year. Typically, if the initial injection is effective, up to 3 injections may be given in one year.

When administered in the lumbar epidural space, steroid injections may have the following benefits:

• Reduce nerve pain and inflammation. Steroids decrease the production of inflammatory chemicals and reduce the sensitivity of nerve fibers to pain, generating fewer pain signals.3,4
• Limit oral medication. Pain relief from these injections may help limit or eliminate the need for oral medications,4 some of which may have side effects when taken long-term.
• Continue or re-engage in physical therapy. This injection may provide sufficient pain relief to allow a patient to progress with a rehabilitative physical therapy program.1
• Postpone surgery. Pain relief experienced from lumbar epidural steroid injections may help postpone surgery, and if physical therapy is effective, it may eliminate the need for surgical intervention.4,5

Several techniques may be used to administer an epidural injection depending on underlying the condition, the patients needs, and the doctors preference and experience.

Don’t Miss: Which Is Better For Back Pain Aleve Or Tylenol

What Are The Results

Many patients experience some pain relief benefits from ESI . For those who experience only mild pain relief, one to two more injections may be performed, usually in 1-4 week intervals, to achieve full effect. Duration of pain relief varies, lasting for weeks or years. Injections are done in conjunction with a physical therapy and/or home exercise program to strengthen the back muscles and prevent future pain episodes.

A Side Effect Seen In Surgery Dural Tears

In December 2019, doctors at the University of Virginia and Johns Hopkins Hospital writing in the Global Spine Journal noted that lumbar epidural steroid injection increases the risk of incidental durotomy. Incidental durotomy refers to unintended or accidental tears or puncture of the dura mater during surgery. The steroid weakened this tissue making punctures more common. The researchers concluded: lumbar epidural steroid injection increases the risk of incidental durotomy in patients who undergo a subsequent lumbar discectomy within six months of injection. Spine surgeons and pain specialists should be aware of this association for appropriate preoperative planning and scheduling. Extra precaution should be taken when operating on patients with a recent history of incidental durotomy.

Also Check: When You Hurt Your Lower Back

Who Is A Candidate

Patients with pain in the neck, arm, low back, or leg may benefit from ESI. Specifically, those with the following conditions:

• Spinal stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal and nerve root canal can cause back and leg pain, especially when walking.
• Spondylolisthesis: A weakness or fracture between the upper and lower facets of a vertebra. If the vertebra slips forward, it can compress the nerve roots causing pain.
• Herniated disc: The gel-like material within the disc can bulge or rupture through a weak area in the surrounding wall . Irritation, pain, and swelling occur when this material squeezes out and comes in contact with a spinal nerve.
• Degenerative disc: A breakdown or aging of the intervertebral disc causing collapse of the disc space, tears in the annulus, and growth of bone spurs.
• Sciatica: Pain that courses along the sciatic nerve in the buttocks and down the legs. It is usually caused by compression of the 5th lumbar or 1st sacral spinal nerve.

ESI has proven helpful for some patients in the treatment of painful inflammatory conditions. ESI can also help determine whether surgery might be beneficial for pain associated with a herniated disc. When symptoms interfere with rehabilitative exercises, epidurals can ease the pain enough so that patients can continue their physical therapy.

Is Epidural Right For You

Epidurals are generally considered safe, but the decision to have one is a personal one. Ultimately, youll need to weigh the pros and cons, and decide whats best for you and your family.

Its also a good idea to talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of epidurals, and other pain management options.

Developing a plan can help you feel more prepared for labor. But remember, even the best laid plans can change in the moment. Thats why its also a good idea to have a backup plan so that you can be prepared with an alternative birth plan that youre still comfortable with.

You May Like: Can A Firm Mattress Cause Lower Back Pain

Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections For Low Back Pain And Sciatica

Epidural steroid injections are a common treatment option for many forms of lower back pain and leg pain. They have been used for decades and are considered an integral part of the nonsurgical management of sciatica and lower back pain.

The injection is named an epidural steroid injection because it involves injecting a local anesthetic and a steroid medication directly into the epidural space that surrounds the spinal cord and nerve roots.1

The goals of an epidural steroid injection are to:

• Control pain by reducing inflammation in and around the nerve roots
• Improve mobility and function in the lower back and legs1
• Allow the patient to participate in and make progress with a comprehensive physical therapy and rehabilitation program

In the course of ones care program, in most cases, an epidural steroid injection may be recommended after a series of nonsurgical treatments, such as medications and physical therapy,2 have been tried, and before surgery is considered.

The role of the injection is typically to provide sufficient pain relief to allow a return to everyday activities and to make progress in physical therapy.

This article includes extensive research and information about how epidural injections may be used to treat lower back problems and sciatica.

What Are The Risks Of A Thoracic Epidural Injection

A thoracic epidural is a fairly safe procedure. But it does carry some risks. To help reduce these problems, healthcare providers usually use X-rays to guide them. Possible risks include:

• Bleeding

• Temporary nerve paralysis

There is also a chance that the shot wont ease your pain.

Your own risks may differ. They depend on your age, your other medical conditions, and the reason for the shot. It might not make sense for you if you have certain health conditions. These include an infection, a bleeding disorder, or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Talk with your healthcare provider about your specific risks.

You May Like: What Is The Best Treatment For Back Pain

Avoiding Catastrophic Complications From Epidural Steroid Injections

Stephen E. Abram, MD Quinn H. Hogan, MD

Epidural steroid injections are frequently performed for patients with lumbar and cervical radiculopathy, the accepted indications. A review of Medicare insurance claims carried out in 2001 indicated a procedure rate of 26.5 per 1000 nationwide among Medicare recipients 65 and older.1 The rate of serious complications resulting from these procedures is impossible to estimate in the U.S. because of the lack of mandatory reporting and the reluctance to report cases that are being or may become litigated. The ASA Closed Claims Project indicated that epidural steroid injections accounted for 40% of all claims involving pain management cases that occurred between 1970 and 1999.2 Fourteen cases of spinal cord injury were reported, of which 6 resulted in paraplegia and 1 in quadriplegia. With the rapid increase in procedure rates for epidural steroid injections since that time, the incidence of these devastating complications has undoubtedly increased. Given the potential for serious complications following epidural steroid injections, it is important that the procedure be avoided for patients who are unlikely to respond, such as those with purely axial back pain, neural claudication, and non-radicular sources of back and leg pain.

How Epidural Injections For Back Pain Work

Getting epidural steroid injections can ease various types of back pain, such as a herniated disc , as well as back and leg pain caused by sciatica .

At Ravenscroft Health, we offer fluoroscopic guided injections. Fluoroscopy uses a contrast dye thats injected into your body. It makes the delicate spinal structures clearer for doctors to see on a real-time X-ray display.

Using fluoroscopic guidance means the pain relieving medication the spinal injection delivers is highly targeted.

The substance injected is normally a combination of:

• A corticosteroid to reduce inflammation
• A local anaesthetic for quick relief in the affected area.

We usually inject this liquid into the epidural space, a gap that surrounds the spinal cord and nerve roots.

We can give injections at different places along the spine, depending on your symptoms. For example, it could be between two vertebrae, into the side of the spine, or near the base of the spine .

Recommended Reading: What Doctor Do You See For Lower Back Pain

Epidural Steroid Injections Can Improve Your Overall Treatment Outcome

The injections help reduce inflammation, swelling, and edema in the region. In some cases it is curative, but for others, such as spinal stenosis, it doesnt necessarily fix the underlying condition thats responsible for the pain. Nonetheless, epidural injections can provide long-term pain relief that can also improve the outcomes of patients partaking in a rehabilitation program. This can include physical therapy, manipulation, and other nonsurgical therapies for back pain.

If youre experiencing chronic back pain, schedule a visit to The Spine & Pain Center of California. in Freemont or Pleasanton, CA, or request an appointment online.

You Might Also Enjoy…

What To Expect During Epidural Injection And Nerve Block Procedures

Epidural injections and nerve blocks typically take one hour to complete, including observation and recovery time. The patient is asked to lie face down on an x-ray table with a pillow under the abdomen. Then, they are given an intravenous sedative to help him/her relax. Next, the injection area is cleaned and then numbed using a topical anesthetic. The pain specialist uses images from an x-ray machine to guide the needle and to ensure proper administration of the medication.

Don’t Miss: Can Dehydration Cause Lower Back Pain

Is Epidural Injection Of Steroids Effective For Low Back Pain

Low back pain is a problem that is common and costly to society, and its effective management remains a challenge., Exercise programmes combined with early return to normal activities have been shown to be beneficial in chronic low back pain.- Other interventions may also have a beneficial effect, and epidural injection of steroids represents one such alternative. This editorial examines the evidence to determine whether such treatment is justified.

In clinical practice a structured approach at the initial consultation facilitates the evaluation of patients with low back pain. The presence of red flag signs indicates possible serious underlying pathology and warrants urgent referral to a specialist unit. Usually, leg pain dominant features indicate lumbosacral nerve root irritation or entrapment, whereas back pain dominant features indicate a biomechanical cause. Mechanical back pain may often be associated with some nerve root irritation, or present as an exacerbation of chronic symptoms.

The therapeutic effects of epidural steroid injections are attributed to an inhibition of the synthesis or release of pro-inflammatory substances. Corticosteroid delivered into the epidural space is able to attain high local concentrations. Reports on thousands of patients indicate that epidural corticosteroid injections are relatively straightforward and safe.

Epidural Spinal Steroid Injections For Back Pain

Epidural spinal injections for back pain are common outpatient procedures. They take place exactly where the name of the procedure indicates – in the epidural space. This space is in proximity to spinal discs and nerve roots, and using injections in the area makes for an ideal way to treat a variety of different types of pain. Individuals who make use of this type of injection tend to suffer from nerve pain, which can express itself not only in the upper and lower back but also in the neck.

The various types of epidural injections help to treat specific causes of nerve pain and also help to deal with pain in specific parts of the back and neck. Some of these injections are used as diagnostic tools on the part of the physicians who treat the patient, while others are used simply as tools to help bring pain relief. Each, however, is valuable in its own right.

Recommended Reading: What Do Doctors Prescribe For Back Pain

How Will I Feel After The Injection

Most people do not feel any different immediately after the injection, although the pain may be temporarily improved or worsened. The steroid takes two to three days to start to have an effect in most people, and it peaks in about two weeks. Therefore, it may be a while before you feel a change in your pain.

Some local tenderness may be experienced for a couple of days after the injection. Using an ice pack three to four times a day will help this. You may take your usual pain medications as well after the injection.

Hpa Axis Suppression Ai And Iatrogenic Cushings Syndrome

Glucocorticoids are synthesized in the adrenal cortex under the regulation of the HPA axis. They are produced on demand and not stored in body. The glucocorticoid synthesis is inhibited by three mechanisms. First, the rapid feedback is sensitive to changes in circulating glucocorticoids and not to the absolute levels of steroid. Second, early delayed feedback is associated with the suppression of adrenocorticotropic hormone synthesis, which is affected by the concentration of circulating glucocorticoids. Third, late delayed feedback is related to high concentration of glucocorticoids, persisting for days or weeks .

The risk of iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome after ESI is unknown. No well-controlled study about its incidence after ESI is available, and only several cases have been reported . Interestingly, a few cases were associated with ritonavir treatment of patients with human immunodeficiency virus . Park et al. reported that none of the 18 subjects who were treated long-term with ESI beyond 6 months manifested iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome. The authors used the late-night salivary cortisol test, which is usually performed between 23:00 and 24:00, and is known to be very sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of Cushing’s syndrome . Sim et al. also conducted an LNSC test in 30 subjects who received triamcinolone acetate 40 mg or 20 mg and showed the absence of iatrogenic Cushing’s syndrome in either group.

Recommended Reading: What Is A Back Pain Doctor Called

The Rare Risks Involved With Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections are considered safe and effective and have been used for decades to relieve pain. However, like any drug, they do come with a few possible side effects and risks. In rare cases less than 1% corticosteroid injections have caused infection and injured nerves or blood vessels. However, this complication can generally be avoided by choosing a qualified and experienced health professional, such as Dr. Benny.

The primary risk associated with ESIs is not physician error, but overuse of the treatment. Too much corticosteroid medication can cause:

• Weakening of bone, cartilage, and muscle
• Thinning of the skin or soft tissue at the injection site
• Hair loss

Esi For A Pregnant Or Breastfeeding Patient

Approximately 50% of pregnant women experience low back pain. Despite its prevalence, low-back pain in pregnancy is considered normal by many patients and physicians. Also, safe treatment options in pregnancy are still disputed. Concerns regarding maternal and fetal well-being restrict the use of interventional treatment regimens by pain physicians, resulting in a higher incidence of obstetric complications.

Sehmbi et al. reviewed 56 studies investigating management strategies for LBP in pregnancy. According to this review, three case reports involved ESI to alleviate symptoms of LBP, but all pregnant patients eventually required operative intervention due to recurrence or progression of neurological symptoms. In brief, there is weak evidence supporting the analgesic and surgery-delaying effect of ESI in pregnant patients with LBP, which is consistent with observations involving non-pregnant patients. Although a single dose of epidural steroid appears to be associated with a low risk to the fetus, it is recommended that ESI should be reserved for pregnant patients with new onset of signs or severe symptoms of lumbar nerve root compression before surgery.

Read Also: Why Do I Have Sudden Lower Back Pain