Epidural Steroid Injections - Relief For Sciatica Patients!

Sciatica is characterized by an excruciating pain that stems as a result of irritation or 'pinching' of the sciatic nerve. This comprises leg pain and body ache that often makes sitting, standing or movement of any sort, a painful endeavor. While sciatica may grow progressively over a period of time, it can in fact occur suddenly as well.

Burning sensations in the limbs, a persistent feeling of numbness or weakness, and pain in the lower back area are among the most recurrent symptoms of sciatic nerve pain. Depending on the portion of the sciatic nerve that is affected, the pain can either be confined to the lower hip area or even extend till the toes.

While sciatica may be irregular and infrequent for some people, others might be clinically diagnosed with the condition. In both the cases, seeking adequate measures to counter the pain must not be postponed at any price. As a patient, one might find the benefits of epidural steroid injections to be many. Along with alleviating the pain for a long while, it can often delay the need for surgery and at times, chalk it off altogether.

WHY OPT FOR EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTIONS?

Despite the fact that the effect of epidural steroid injections last only temporarily, there is substantial evidence of its efficacy in delivering a pain-free experience when in the system.  The injected steroid targets the epidural space of the spinal area and the steroids wash out the mediators which might cause inflammation, thus easing the pain. The steroids then act as agents to slow the responsiveness of the immune system so that they doesn't react to the inflammatory agents linked with nerve or tissue damage. As a result, the pain that is generated due to the irritation of the surrounding nerves is significantly eased down.

HOW IS THE POSSIBILITY OF SURGERY RULED OUT?

Epidural Steroid Injections are a safe, simple, and an efficient non-surgical treatment option that works on the concept of interventional pain management and provides extreme relief from persistent and chronic pain. The injection course generally comprises of three sessions over a period of few weeks and the total number of injections required depends entirely on the present condition of the patient. If you happen to experience no pain after the first few sittings, the course may be discontinued. The injections have the potential to improve health and overall quality of life, while the requirement for painkillers will be substantially decreased and in the process, the need for surgery might be potentially avoided.