Around 2% of American adults suffer herniated discs each year. Although 2% might not sound like many people, herniated discs are actually a leading cause of back pain and restricted mobility among adults of all ages.
Herniated discs are broken vertebral discs that put pressure against the nerves in your spinal cord. In a healthy spine, vertebral discs cushion your bones as you move, but an acute injury or age-related degeneration can weaken them and make them crack open.
Also known as slipped discs and ruptured discs, herniated discs can cause significant chronic pain. The good news is that lots of treatment options are available, and one of the most effective is epidural steroid injection.
Epidural injections deliver medication directly to the injured area of your spine, offering much-needed relief and getting you back to your daily routine faster. If you think you have a herniated disc, talk to our back pain specialists at Manhattan Orthopedics to see if getting an epidural is the right treatment for your back pain.
Back pain is extremely common. In fact, nearly 80% of people experience lower back pain in their lifetimes. Unfortunately, identifying the cause of your pain and finding effective treatment isn’t always easy.
Herniated discs develop when a vertebral disc in your spine breaks open. The gel material inside the disc starts to leak out, and the damaged disc compresses nerves along your spinal cord.
Herniated disc pain comes from nerve compression and inflammation in your spine. Common symptoms of a herniated disc are:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, book an appointment at Manhattan Orthopedics. Our team offers comprehensive back pain evaluations, including physical exams, imaging tests, and nerve tests as needed to reach a diagnosis.
Minor herniated discs may improve with rest and at-home care, such as hot and cold therapy. We may also recommend over-the-counter pain medication and physical therapy to rehabilitate your spine.
For more severe herniated discs, our spine specialists may prescribe epidural steroid injection. Epidurals effectively relieve the symptoms of herniated disc because they quiet pain and reduce inflammation along your spinal cord.
You can get an epidural at our offices in Astoria, Brooklyn, or Midtown Manhattan, New York, and the procedure is quick. We identify the precise location of your injury with a physical exam and medical imaging. Then, we inject the steroid medication into your spinal column.
Most epidural injections for back pain contain an anesthetic that starts working immediately, along with a steroid that takes effect over the course of a few days. Epidural injections offer long-lasting relief, with some patients reporting reduced pain for several months.
If you choose to get an epidural for your herniated disc, you can expect less pain following your injection. We continue monitoring your condition to make sure you’re getting adequate relief, and we may recommend additional treatments to promote healing and improve your mobility.
When a severe herniated disc limits your life, epidural injection could deliver the pain relief you need. Contact us to schedule your first appointment, and learn about your treatment options.
