Epidural for bulging disc in lower back

Herniated discs are a common cause of back pain, affecting around 2% of adults at some point. Also called a slipped or ruptured disc, a herniated disc happens when a fragment of the disc is pushed into the spinal canal, adding pressure to nerves in the spine. 

The pain that results can be quite severe or even debilitating and last for varying amounts of time. If you’re experiencing herniated disc pain that isn’t letting up, epidural steroid injections may be just what the doctor ordered.

Our experienced pain management team at Michigan Neurology Associates provides epidural steroid injections and other interventional pain-relieving treatments for our patients in the metro Detroit area. Read on to learn about this quick and helpful option.

Epidural steroid injection treatment basics

We inject each epidural steroid injection directly into the epidural space in your spine. The procedure is only minimally invasive and uses an X-ray guided needle to deliver pain-relieving medication near your sensitive nerve roots. 

Each injection contains a local anesthetic and a steroid, both of which minimize pain. We also numb your skin at the injection site, so while you might notice some pressure, the process tends to be painless and takes only about 30 minutes in all. 

Epidural steroid injection results

Each person’s experience with a herniated disc and with epidural steroid injections varies based on factors such as the severity of your pain. But virtually everyone notices reduced pain after the treatment, and that relief can occur quickly. 

For some of our patients, the improvements are quite significant after one or an additional injection. 

At a followup appointment, you learn about the ideal next steps in your care plan. Benefits from epidural steroid injections may last for weeks or months, or even up to several years.

Other treatments for a herniated disc

Epidural steroid injections may be just one part of your overall treatment plan, which we determine by way of a comprehensive exam, as well as any needed follow-ups. Other potential components of a herniated disc care plan include: 

• Modifying activities during flare-ups
• Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications
• Physical therapy
• Prescription muscle relaxers
• Surgery for severe cases in which conservative treatments don’t suffice

To learn more about epidural steroid injections or other treatments for back pain, schedule an appointment with one of our specialists at Michigan Neurology Associates. Call one of our three locations or send us a message through this website. 

Our Detroit metro offices are located in Clinton Township, St. Clair Shores, and Utica, Michigan. During the pandemic, we’re also offering telehealth and phone appointments.

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