Steroid Epidural Injection For Back Pain

Summary:

As per reports from Web MD, around 80% of the Americans are afflicted with back pain at some point in their lives. Although the intensity of the pain may vary from one individual to another, the patient does suffer the pain at various levels. While one patient may find the pain to be intense and debilitating, the other may find it tolerable. It depends on the pain threshold of every patient. Hence, the medical practitioner will try to ascertain the cause of the pain and treat the patient accordingly. Medicine has made huge advancements in recent times. With the latest medical-supplies and medical equipment, there are a number of treatment options for patients now when compared to the facilities that were available earlier on.

Back pain is a problem that is prevalent in all societies worldwide. It is not limited to any particular community or section of society. As per reports from WebMD, around 80% of the Americans suffer from serious back-related problems at some point in time. The sufferer may perceive the pain at different degrees. While one person may feel that the pain is bearable, the other may not. Medical professionals are at a loss at times, especially in situations where they cannot get to the root of the problem.

When the back pain is first noticed, the patient will go to the physician who will probably offer the conventional line of treatment with medications, exercise, muscle relaxants, heat and cold therapy etc. This will provide immediate relief for those who are engaged in lifting of heavy objects, or when the pain is due to mechanical injury. Whereas, those who are in internal medicine will refer patients with back pain to an orthopedic specialist and even they may offer a similar line of treatment but it may involve physical therapy.

However, in situations where the patients don’t respond to the conventional therapy, the treatment has to move to the next level, such as the steroid epidural injections.

The patient will be sent for diagnostic tests and if any abnormalities are noted then an MRI would be prescribed. This will give a clearer picture of the image of the spine as well as the components. If there are any problems with alignment or any other degenerative disease, it will be revealed in the scan.

Sometimes, the pain management doctor may also be an anesthesiologist. After a detailed history is taken regarding lifestyle habits, diet, exercise etc., and after carrying out a thorough examination, the specialist may feel the need to give the patient an epidural injection. The patient will have to remain without food or water after midnight in case the procedure is scheduled for the next morning.

After the vitals are checked, the patient will be taken to the ward and made to lie on the stomach. The injection will be given under fluoroscopy as the doctor can guide the injection to the exact point of origin of the pain. With all the latest medicalequipment as well as medicalsupplies the entire procedure is done very quickly and the patient is sent home after a while.

2011? Dr. Brendal Norris, Chiropracticbackpainrelief.org, Read other articles about back pain and back pain relief at http://chiropracticbackpainrelief.org for more answers to your questions about back pain, its causes, and cures.This article is from http://chiropracticbackpainrelief.org/steroid-epidur…-for-back-pain/