Thoracic Epidural Injections
Lower Back Pain Treatment in Dubai
Thoracic Epidural Injections for lower back pain treatment in Dubai
Epidural Injections are a treatment that alleviates pain in the upper to the middle back and shoulder blade region. This injection, also known as Epidural Analgesia, helps soothe irritated or stressed nerves in the spine, which may occur if an intervertebral disc compresses the spinal cord and nerve, resulting in back pain.
You may be recommended a Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI) if you middle or upper back pain which is not responding to painkillers or physical therapy. An ESI is a quicker pain relief approach for back pain treatment in Dubai.
ESI treats different back problems, such as spinal injuries or spinal stenosis and reduces swelling around spinal nerves, easing the pain for up to three months.
How does it work?
A Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI) involves injecting a steroidial medication into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord. This medication, along with a local anaesthetic or a saline solution, is used for bathing the nerve roots that transmit pain signals to the brain. The disconnection of pain signals gives pain relief.
Administration of epidural injections
Location on spine
These injections can be administered at any point along the spine, including the cervical (neck), thoracic (between the shoulder blades/back of chest), lumbar (lower back), or caudal (tailbone) regions.
The transforaminal epidural technique is a similar procedure that involves injecting medication through a small space at the side of the spine called the intervertebral foramen. This technique is often utilized for dorsal root ganglion block.
Who are candidates for having epidural injections?
Epidural injections are typically reserved for individuals experiencing radicular pain, such as sciatic leg or arm pain, which has not responded to simpler treatments. Although these injections can provide short-term pain relief by reducing pain signals, they may not offer a cure.
If you experience persistent upper or middle back pain and other treatments such as pain medication or physical therapy do not alleviate the pain, a Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI) may be necessary. This injection can treat various back issues, including injuries to the spinal nerves and spinal stenosis. It works by reducing inflammation around the spinal nerves, providing pain relief for up to three months.
Note: While some individuals may experience significant and long-lasting pain relief, epidural injections are usually administered in conjunction with other treatments, such as physiotherapy.
ESI Procedure
The steps for injecting epidural steroidial injections involve:
- Preparation: You will be asked to lie on your side, and intravenous therapy (IV) will be administered to help you relax.
- Cleaning and Numbing: The area where the needle will be inserted will be cleaned and numbed using a local anaesthetic.
- Needle Insertion: Using x-ray guidance, your doctor will insert the needle into the correct location.
- Contrast Material Injection: A small amount of contrast material will be injected to ensure the needle is in the correct position.
- Medication Injection: Once the needle is in the correct position, anaesthesia and anti-inflammatory steroid medication will be injected. The medication is typically injected slowly to minimize discomfort.
- Monitoring: After the injection, you will be monitored for a short period to ensure no immediate complications.
It is common to feel slight discomfort during the injection, but if you experience severe pain, it is essential to inform the healthcare provider.
Following the procedure, you may experience some temporary side effects, such as increased pain, numbness, or tingling in the injection site. It is essential to follow any instructions provided by your healthcare provider to ensure a successful recovery.
What to expect from the procedure for pain relief?
Some patients experience immediate relief, but for most, it takes 24 to 72 hours for the steroid medication to take effect. However, it may take up to one week to achieve maximum benefits. Multiple injections are often necessary to obtain significant pain relief.
Most patients receive up to three injections, two weeks apart, to achieve maximum pain relief. The injections can relieve pain for up to six months, after which you will have to come to Dr El Toukhy’s for the reapplication of epidural injections.
Consult Dr Mohamed El Toukhy for pain management or back pain treatment in Dubai.