Epidural Blocks
Epidural nerve blocks work by preventing pain signals from reaching the brain, using a combination of anesthetics and steroids to reduce both pain and inflammation. While commonly associated with childbirth, epidurals are also an effective treatment for managing pain caused by various other conditions, such as chronic back pain, sciatica, and joint issues.
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Wondering if an epidural block is the right option for managing your pain? Speak with one of our experienced doctors at Ceda Orthopedic Group to review your case and determine the best course of treatment. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your consultation.
Procedure Overview
What Epidural Blocks Are
Epidural blocks are a widely-used pain management technique designed to alleviate chronic pain and inflammation in the spine. This minimally invasive procedure helps prevent pain signals from reaching the brain, providing relief for conditions such as sciatica, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis.
Treatment Description
An epidural nerve block is a form of targeted anesthesia that delivers immediate pain relief by numbing specific nerves and reducing inflammation. This procedure helps manage long-lasting pain and can improve mobility and quality of life.
What It Includes
There are three main types of epidural blocks, each targeting different areas of the spine: lumbar (lower back), cervical (neck), and thoracic (upper back). Your doctor will recommend the best option based on your specific condition and pain location.
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Would I Be A Good Candidate For An Epidural Block?
You may be a good candidate for an epidural block if you suffer from a pinched nerve, radiating spinal pain, or chronic discomfort that hasn’t responded to other treatments. Epidural blocks are also beneficial for managing post-surgical pain, especially for procedures with longer recovery times.
If non-invasive options like physical therapy and medications haven’t provided lasting relief, an epidural block could offer effective pain management and improve your overall quality of life.
Not everyone is a candidate for an epidural block, which is why it’s important to consult with an experienced doctor before proceeding. Certain conditions, such as low blood pressure or previous nerve damage, may prevent you from safely receiving an epidural block. Your doctor will evaluate your medical history and current health to determine if this treatment is the right fit for you.
disorders treated
What Are Epidural Blocks Used For?
Epidural nerve blocks are a form of anesthesia commonly used to manage chronic pain syndromes. This procedure provides temporary relief from pain, often lasting several months. Epidural blocks can be effective for treating various conditions, including:
Herniated Discs
Herniated Discs When you have a ruptured, slipped, or bulged spinal disc, this can help bring relief. Herniated discs happen when the spinal disc nucleus slips beyond the annulus.
Sciatica
Sciatica Sciatica pain is caused by a compressed nerve, creating radiating pain down the sciatic nerve. This pain can be felt in the legs, hips, and buttocks.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal Stenosis You may experience spinal stenosis when your spinal canal narrows due to trauma or deterioration. Spinal stenosis puts pressure on the nerves inside the spine, causing pain to the neck and lower back.
Knee Pain
Knee Pain Knee pain is commonly caused by sprains, strains, and tears to the ligaments within the knee. It can be caused by athletic injuries and trauma.
Migraines
Migraines Migraines are recurring headaches that range from severe pain to throbbing. They can be caused by underlying injuries, such as bulging cervical discs.
Post-Surgical Pain
Post-Surgical Pain After surgery, you may take a long time to recover and can experience post-surgical pain. Controlling post-surgical pain can help speed up your recovery.
Bone Spurs
Bone Spurs Also known as osteophytes, bone spurs occur when extra bone grows around joints and regions where two bones meet.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative Disc Disease This occurs when there is a worn-down spinal disc due to age or disease, where the disc loses its lubrication or begins to fragment over time.
Other injuries can be treated by epidural blocks. You can speak to a doctor to find out how an epidural block can improve your condition and whether your disorder can be improved by this procedure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick and helpful answers to common inquiries.
What Is The Epidural And How Does The Nerve Block Work?
The epidural region of the body is found within the tissue that sheaths the spinal cord. The epidural is between the vertebral column’s inner wall and the outer layer of the dura mater. Cerebrospinal fluid fills this area between the lining of the vertebral column and the outermost layer of the dura mater. This epidural space has many nerve roots and blood vessels that send sensations between the body and the brain. When the nerve block is applied, pain cannot be transmitted to the brain.
A needle is inserted between the laminae to administer the nerve block. The laminae are linked together and are a part of the vertebrae that covers and protects the back of the spine right above the spinal canal. The surgeon accesses the epidural space by inserting the needle through the laminae and injecting medicine to create an epidural nerve block. Sometimes, an epidural block is used in combination with spinal anesthesia or general anesthesia.
How Long Will It Take Me To Recover From The Procedure?
The procedure is quick and only requires around 15 minutes to perform. After you receive an epidural block, you might experience numbness because of the anesthetic. The numbness commonly happens in your arms and legs and goes away after five or more hours. It is recommended that you rest after your procedure until you regain normal sensation. You should not drive after an epidural injection and should wait 12 hours. Additionally, you will need to avoid applying heat to the injection site after three days post-procedure. You should wait 24 hours before you go back to normal activities. A clinic shuttle can transport you home after the procedure as this procedure does not require you to stay overnight. You may begin to feel pain relief within a week.
Why Epidural Blocks Might Be A Good Fit For You
Epidural blocks can bring pain relief for several months, but it is not a permanent solution. If you have exhausted other methods, such as physical therapy and other non-surgical methods of pain relief, you can consider trying this approach. Epidural blocks are minimally invasive and require little time to complete; however, you should speak to a doctor to find out if you are a good candidate. Contact Ceda Orthopedic Group to learn more about the procedure.
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