Living with the pain of a herniated disc can be both physically and emotionally taxing, with sharp, radiating discomfort that affects your back, legs, and daily life. While surgery may seem like the only option, there’s a powerful alternative worth considering. Let’s explore how epidural steroid injections may help relieve your symptoms and potentially help you avoid surgery altogether.
Behind the Pain: What Happens When a Disc Herniates
A herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in its tougher exterior. This can irritate nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness, especially in the lower back or neck. Common causes include aging, repetitive motion, or sudden strain from lifting. The symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain.
How Do Epidural Steroid Injections Work?
Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space surrounding your spinal nerves. This treatment reduces inflammation and nerve irritation, providing relief from pain caused by a herniated disc. The procedure is minimally invasive and usually takes just 15–30 minutes, with many patients reporting improvement within a few days.
Can Epidurals Really Help You Avoid Surgery?
Yes—in many cases, epidurals can significantly reduce pain and inflammation, allowing patients to postpone or entirely avoid surgery. When combined with physical therapy and lifestyle modifications, ESIs offer a safe and effective non-surgical option. While they don’t “fix” the herniation itself, they often provide the window of relief needed for healing and rehabilitation.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
During the procedure, you'll receive a local anesthetic and may feel some pressure but minimal pain. Afterward, you might experience temporary soreness at the injection site, but most patients resume normal activities within 24–48 hours. Pain relief can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on your individual condition and response.
When to Consider Epidurals Over Surgery
Epidural injections are ideal for patients with moderate pain who haven’t responded to rest, medications, or physical therapy. They're also valuable for those who want to delay surgery or aren't good surgical candidates due to age or other health issues. A pain management specialist can help determine if ESIs are the right step for you.
Explore Your Non-Surgical Options Today
If you're struggling with a herniated disc, don’t rush into surgery. Relief may be just an injection away. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Belamkar to find out if epidural injections are right for you.
AUTHOR: Dr. Vinay C. Belamkar is the founder of Apollo Pain Center in Indianapolis with over a decade of experience exclusively in comprehensive pain care and fellowship in Interventional Pain Management, Anesthesia, and Internal Medicine, with a fellowship in spinal surgery.
