Herniated disc treatment often includes epidural injections, usually for the temporary relief of pain through the use of corticosteroid compounds and/or local anesthetics. These injections normally are attempted after a regimen of exercise, stretching, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has proven ineffective for symptom management. The primary goal of epidural injections is to reduce inflammation and block pain signals that travel to and from the brain, and corticosteroid compounds have been proven to reduce back and neck pain significantly – for a short period of time. In most cases, injections must be repeated as the effects of the corticosteroid wears off.

How Epidural Injections Work

Back or neck pain associated with a herniated disc often is a result of inflammation of an affected nerve root. This inflammation can occur when a portion of the extruded disc material makes contact with, or compresses, a nerve root. Corticosteroids injected into the sheath (epidural space) surrounding the nerve root can reduce this inflammation, thereby reducing the pain. It can take several days for the corticosteroid’s anti-inflammatory properties to take full effect, and relief usually lasts for several weeks or months. A doctor or spine specialist may recommend a series of shots, but usually no more than three or four in a 12-month period.

What Other Types of Herniated Disc Treatment Are Available?

Before a doctor recommends injections, chances are he or she will develop a noninvasive regimen that could include:

– Pain medication
– Exercise
– Stretching
– Physical therapy
– Behavior modification

Even after a corticosteroid injection, a doctor may recommend that the patient continue to perform stretching exercises and other low-impact activities. One of the benefits of an anti-inflammatory, pain-blocking epidural injection is a greater ability to perform activities that will strengthen the muscles surrounding the area of the disc herniation. Light weight training and other exercises might be suggested in conjunction with injection treatments.

What If Injections Don’t Work?

Epidural injections are not generally considered a long-term solution to neck or back pain produced by nerve compression associated with a herniated disc. At best, they are a short-term way to manage pain while the body’s natural healing ability is given a chance to work. Many herniated discs resolve themselves through a process known as resorption, during which any extruded nucleus material dissipates. The physiology of resorption is not well understood, however, and some patients may find that symptoms related to a herniated disc remain chronic despite several weeks or months of injections and other conservative treatment methods.

If chronic symptoms remain debilitating after a series of epidural injections, surgery might become an option. It’s important that all patients considering spine surgery conduct thorough research into the risks and potential side effects. Seek a second – or even a third – opinion and ask about alternative therapies such as chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture. There are a number of surgical procedures used to decompress nerves affected by a herniated disc, including spinal fusion and minimally invasive, endoscopic surgery. Patients should discuss their options in detail with their personal physicians before committing to any type of spine surgery.

Author Bio: Patrick Foote is the Director of eBusiness at Laser Spine Institute, the leader in endoscopic spine surgery. Laser Spine Institute specializes in safe and effective outpatient procedures for the treatment of herniated discs and several other spinal conditions.

Category: Medical Business
Keywords: Herniated disc