I’m scheduled for an epidural steroid injection. Can I utilize chiropractic or physical therapy after the procedure?
Absolutely. I’ve spoken a bit in the past about epidural steroid injections—this is a very common, conservative treatment option for disc problems and nerve root irritations typically occurring in the neck and low back. These problems are often an inflammatory response or a bulging or herniated disc.
The epidural steroid injection is a corticosteroid, which is typically administered along with an analgesic (pain reliever). The purpose of the steroid injection is to reduce inflammation—Inflammation is a pain generator and could potentially put pressure on a nerve. This nerve pressure could contribute to sciatica in the neck or pain extending down to the arm.
Epidural steroid injections are usually administered three to four times a year, conservatively. Patients may respond after one injection. There are very few downsides to this treatment. Patients are typically going to visit an anesthesiologist or a pain management physician (they do the majority of these types of injections). It is a relatively quick procedure, taking about 10 to 15 minutes.
Depending on the condition (as long as there are no nasty contributing factors), we recommend followup treatment with us as quickly as possible. Seeing a chiropractor or physical therapist after the steroid injection can get the joint mobile in a short timeframe. If we can get the blood flowing by getting you active, this will help your recovery and could potentially make the shot more effective as well.
Once you come to us for followup treatment after the epidural steroid injection, we will let your pain management physician or treating provider know about your progress and let them know if any concerns arise. Aside from increasing blood flow, manual therapy can also reduce pain and ease sensitive tissues. Our goal is to get you up and moving around in no time.
If you have a question for me or our team of professionals at Tulsa Spine and Rehab, email us or give us a call at (918) 743-3737.
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