5 Sources of Back Pain That Epidural Injections Can Relieve

Back pain can put your life on hold, making it difficult to work, exercise, or even rest comfortably. If you’ve tried conservative treatments without relief, epidural steroid injections (ESIs) could be the next step toward managing your pain and getting back to your routine. 

At Prime Regenerative and Pain Management in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Dr. Dev Sen offers ESIs to help manage pain. These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication to the epidural space around the spine, targeting the source of the pain to reduce discomfort. 

Wondering if they might help you? Here are five common sources of back pain that epidural injections can relieve. 

1. Herniated discs 

Your spine contains cushioned discs that act as shock absorbers between vertebrae. When a disc’s soft center pushes through its outer layer, it’s called a herniated disc, which can press on nearby nerves. Symptoms may include: 

• Sharp lower back pain
• Pain radiating down your legs (sciatica)
• Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet

Epidural injections can reduce inflammation around your affected nerves, easing pain and improving mobility while you continue with physical therapy and lifestyle modifications to support healing. 

2. ‘Slipped’ vertebrae (spondylolisthesis)

Spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebra slips forward over the one below it, often due to degeneration or a stress fracture. This misalignment can compress spinal nerves, leading to persistent back and leg pain. Signs you might have spondylolisthesis include: 

• Lower back pain that worsens with activity
• Stiffness or tightness in your hamstrings
• Numbness or weakness in your legs

ESIs can help reduce nerve irritation and inflammation, giving you relief. They also allow you to participate in exercise programs that strengthen your back and core. 

3. Joint cysts 

Joint cysts, or synovial cysts, develop when fluid-filled sacs form near the facet joints in your spine due to degeneration. They can press on nearby nerves, leading to pain and neurological symptoms. You may experience: 

• Lower back pain
• Radiating pain into your buttocks or legs
• Tingling or weakness in your legs 

Along with shrinking inflammation around the cyst, epidural steroid injections relieve pressure on your nerves and reduce discomfort. 

4. Bone spurs

Bone spurs (or osteophytes) are bony growths that develop on your spine due to arthritis or degenerative changes. They can narrow your spinal canal or the opening where nerves exit your spine, a condition known as spinal stenosis. Common symptoms include: 

• Back pain that worsens with walking or standing
• Relief when sitting or bending forward
• Leg weakness or numbness

ESIs provide targeted relief by reducing inflammation around the irritated nerves, helping you move more comfortably. 

5. Spinal arthritis

Spinal arthritis (osteoarthritis of the spine) occurs when the cartilage in the facet joint breaks down over time, leading to pain and inflammation. Consider the following symptoms: 

• Persistent back pain and stiffness
• Pain that worsens after inactivity or with certain movements
• Reduced flexibility in your spine

By reducing inflammation and pain associated with spinal arthritis, epidural steroid injections can help you stay active and maintain your quality of life. 

They’re a safe, minimally invasive option to help you manage chronic back pain from various conditions, providing relief as you work on underlying causes with physical therapy and lifestyle changes. 

If you’re ready to explore whether ESIs are right for you, call us at 540-659-5414 or use our online booking tool to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sen today.