The Benefits of Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections for Low Back Pain and Sciatica

Living with pain in the lower back as a result of an acute injury, disease, or sciatica can be excruciating. More than just uncomfortable, constant pain–whenever it is located–can be disabling and impair one’s function, mobility, and quality and enjoyment of life. At Pain Control Associates, LLC, we work with patients to find pain alleviation solutions that work. We take a holistic approach that is inclusive of many different treatment options, including lumbar epidural steroid injections in some cases. Here are some of the benefits of lumbar epidural steroid injections for low back pain and sciatica–

Reduced Need for Oral Pain Control Medication

By addressing inflammation and reducing nerve pain, lumbar epidural steroid injections may help to alleviate pain, thereby lessening the need for a patient to continue taking oral pain control medications. Some oral pain medications may have negative side effects, especially when used long-term, so reducing reliance is almost always a good thing. 

Ability to Engage in Physical Therapy

When a patient is experiencing reduced levels of pain as a result of steroid injections, they may be able to re-engage in physical therapy–something that may be critical to healing. Physical therapy can have multiple short- and long-term benefits. 

Reduced Inflammation

Lumbar epidural steroid injections are intended to reduce inflammation and nerve pain and take effect shortly after being administered. The reduction in pain is both a mental and physical relief to a patient, who can resume some of the day-to-day activities without being hindered by severe discomfort and tenderness. 

Delayed Surgery

Another benefit of lumbar epidural steroid injections is that a patient may experience such a level of pain relief that not only are they able to engage in physical therapy, but they may also be able to postpone or even avoid surgery altogether as a direct result. At Pain Control Associates, LLC, we view surgery as a last-resort option and always try to prioritize less invasive treatment means whenever possible. When lumbar epidural steroid injections are effective, in combination with physical therapy, at addressing our patients’ low back or/and sciatica pain, we are thrilled! 

Call Pain Control Associates, LLC to Learn More About Pain Management and Treatment Today

If you have questions about how to manage or treat your low back or sciatica pain, we can help you to find answers. We always treat the whole patient and will work with you to explore customized pain management options. In many cases, epidural spinal steroid injections are an effective way to manage pain and allow a patient to engage in other pain management options, including physical therapy. To learn more about our doctors and how we can help, please call us directly today or get in touch using the intake form on our website. We are here for you!