One of the most common health complaints you are likely to hear someone say is “oh my aching back!” Fortunately, there are a number of different treatments and pain management options available for back pain. One popular treatment for low back pain, sciatica, and leg pain is lumbar epidural treatment. Also known as spinal epidural injections, lumbar epidurals are a non-surgical pain management treatment option during which anti-inflammatory medication and steroids are injected in the lower back to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain.
Here are the top 10 benefits of lumbar epidurals you should consider if you are seeking to relieve lower back pain.
- It is a versatile treatment – Lumbar epidurals can treat many back pain issues, making it a versatile treatment method. Here are a few examples:
- Spinal Stenosis – Back and leg pain caused by the spinal canal or nerve root canal.
- Degenerative disc – Back pain caused by a breakdown in the intervertebral disc or bone spurs.
- Sciatica – Back and leg pain that travels down the sciatic nerve in the buttocks and legs.
- It is a non-surgical option – This means the recovery time following a lumbar epidurals is far less than after a surgery. Also, since there is no incision made, there is less risk of infection or complication. The recovery time is quick, so you can go back to your normal routine soon after the injection is administered.
- It can flush out chemicals – Lumbar epidurals can go further than just relieving pain temporarily in your knee. In many cases, the injections can help fix the cause of back pain by flushing out chemicals that are impacting your pain.
- It offers a focused Impact – Unlike an oral painkiller which enters every corner of your body, lumbar epidurals offer a focused impact on specific areas where it is needed. This makes the treatment more effective because the concentration of medication goes directly to the desired area instead of going to other parts of the body. This also prevents side effects to unaffected body parts.
- It can be safely administered – Lumbar epidurals are administered by your doctor. This makes them a much safer treatment option because a medical professional performs the treatment, meaning you get the right dosage in the right place at the right time with less risk of error.
- It offers a faster recovery time – Lumbar epidurals offer a much faster recovery time than invasive surgery. In fact, most patients are able to walk out of the doctor’s office on their own after receiving lumbar epidurals. This makes it an effective treatment option that won’t require significant time out of your life. Before you know it, you will be back to your routine.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties – Inflammation is one of the biggest reasons for pain. By reducing inflammation, you will notice significantly less pain.
- It can delay surgery – Lumbar epidurals offer great temporary relief from pain. If you are suffering from a back issue that may require surgery at some point, lumbar epidurals can help delay the need for it by helping you get by for a longer period of time with less pain.
- It can be administered multiple times – One dose of a lumbar epidural can last several weeks to a few months, but if you require another dose, it won’t be harmful and there will be no side-effects. Plus, it is non-addictive, unlike many prescription painkillers.
- It can be combined with or complement other treatment methods – Lumbar epidurals can be combined with other treatment or pain management options which makes it a great complimentary treatment. If you are taking other pain medications, lumbar epidurals won’t stop you from taking them. In fact, for many patients, a combination of multiple treatments including lumbar epidurals show better results for back pain management.
If you suffer from back pain, lumbar epidurals may be a great treatment option to consider. Talk to your doctor today to learn more about them and whether they can help your specific situation.
The Personalized Orthopedics of the Palm Beaches has a wealth of knowledge and experience on back pain and pain management techniques such as lumbar epidurals. If you are suffering from back pain or are interested in learning more about lumbar epidurals, call 561-733-5888 today to make an appointment with one of our experts.
