Epidural Injection In Dubai
Epidurals- what is it?
Epidural anaesthesia is a medical procedure that involves injecting medication into the epidural space in the spinal cord— for pain relief. This type of anaesthesia is commonly used to manage pain during labour and delivery, as well as for certain types of surgeries and chronic pain conditions.
Epidural injections are precisely given to the reduced nerve root, precisely from where the pain originates. An epidural infusion targets the nerves that carry the brain’s pain signals.
The injected medicine comprises corticosteroids and local anaesthetics (LA). When combined, these two medications reduce the inflammation in the spinal canal and give pain relief. Dr EL Toukhy’s effective epidural injection in Dubai has given pain relief to several people who come to treat ailments.
Application of Epidurals
Epidurals are applied to different parts of the spine for pain relief. Here is a table illustrating where epidurals are applied.
Application of Epidural Injection on spine | Description of location on the spine |
Cervical epidural steroid injections | The base of the neck, near cervical vertebrae |
Thoracic epidural steroid injections | The middle part of the spine |
Lumbar epidural steroid injections | The lower part of the spine |
Caudal epidural steroid injections | Near the base of the spine |
How Epidurals Work?
To understand how epidurals work, it’s important to understand the anatomy of the spine.
The spine is divided into three regions:
- Cervical (neck)
- Thoracic (mid-back)
- Lumbar (lower back)
An epidural can be administered in any of these regions, depending on the patient’s medical condition and the type of procedure being performed.
During an epidural, a needle is inserted into the epidural space, and medication is injected into this space. The medication works by blocking the nerve root that transmits the pain signals to the brain. This results in a reduction in pain, soreness, numbness, or temporary loss of sensation in the affected area.
Epidurals have several benefits, including improved
- Pain control
- Reduced stress on the body during surgery
- Faster recovery times
- Safe and well-tolerated by patients.
Conditions treated with Epidurals
Epidurals are commonly used for pain management during labour and delivery, as well as for certain types of surgeries, such as spinal surgery or joint replacement surgery. They may also be used to manage chronic pain conditions, such as back or nerve pain.
Condition | Description | Treatment |
Pain caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve | Epidural injections are recommended by doctors to inject medicine directly into the spinal canal | |
Spinal Stenosis | Narrowing of one or more spaces within the spine, leading to pain and sciatica | Epidural injections are suggested by doctors to inject medicine into the spinal canal |
Pain in the neck region, caused by muscular issues, trapped nerves, or injury | Epidural injections are prescribed by doctors to treat neck pain non-surgically | |
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) | Inadequate fluid retention in spinal discs and tiny cracks in the outer part causing the jelly-like interior to leak out | Epidural injections are given to treat lower back and neck pain |
Herniated Disc | Jelly-like substance leaks out and irritates a nearby nerve causing pain | Epidural injections are prescribed by doctors to treat unbearable nerve root pain caused by herniated discs |
Note: There may be headaches, nausea, vomiting, or temporary loss of bladder or bowel control due to epidural application. However, these risks are generally rare and can be managed with appropriate medical care.
What to Expect During an Epidural?
During the epidural procedure, the patient will typically be positioned on their side or in a seated position. The anesthesiologist will clean the area where the needle will be inserted and administer a local anaesthetic to numb the area.
Once the area is numb, the anesthesiologist will insert the needle into the epidural space and inject the medication. Patients may feel pressure or a slight pinch during the procedure but should not feel any significant pain.
After the procedure, patients will be monitored closely for any complications or side effects. They may need to remain in the hospital or clinic for a period of time before being discharged.
Recovery and Aftercare
Following the epidural procedure, patients will receive instructions for post-procedure care. This may include avoiding certain activities or medications, monitoring for any signs of infection or complications, and attending follow-up appointments with their medical.
Pain can be debilitating. Reach out to Dr Mohamed El Toukhy and know which is the best non-invasive pain management treatment for you.