Epidurals

What is an epidural?

An epidural is a type of injection used to relieve pain by delivering medication directly into the epidural space. This is the area in your spinal canal that surrounds the nerves exiting from your spinal cord.

While many people associate epidurals with childbirth, they are also a highly effective treatment for chronic back, neck, arm, or leg pain caused by conditions such as:

• Bulging or herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Spinal arthritis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica)
• Spondylolisthesis
• Cancer

Epidurals are particularly effective for patients with conditions that cause nerve-related pain. If pain radiates down your arms or legs, or if inflammation is contributing to your discomfort, an epidural may provide meaningful relief.

At Midwest Innovative Pain Management, the highly skilled team specializes in using epidurals as part of their comprehensive, minimally invasive pain relief plans.

How does an epidural work?

An epidural injection contains a corticosteroid medication to reduce inflammation and sometimes a local anesthetic to numb pain.

When injected near irritated or compressed nerves, the steroid helps decrease swelling and pressure, which can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility. Relief may last anywhere from several weeks to several months, depending on the underlying cause and your individual response to treatment.

How are epidural steroid injections delivered?

At Midwest Innovative Pain Management, the experienced pain specialists perform epidural injections using fluoroscopic (moving X-ray) guidance to ensure precision and safety.

The procedure typically takes only a few minutes. After numbing the skin, your provider carefully inserts a slender needle into the epidural space and injects the medication. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and can return home the same day.

Are epidurals safe?

Epidural injections are considered very safe when performed by trained specialists. Side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as slight soreness at the injection site. The team takes every precaution to ensure your comfort, safety, and the best possible outcome.

If your pain improves only temporarily, the team may recommend additional treatments such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or minimally invasive lumbar decompression (mild®) for spinal stenosis.

Midwest Innovative Pain Management’s team is dedicated to helping you move with less pain and more confidence. Call the office or use the online booking feature to schedule an evaluation today.