Epidurals are a type of medication injected into the space around the spinal cord to numb pain. In Houston, Texas, this type of injection can be used for different types of pain, including headache, back pain after childbirth, and lower abdominal or pelvic pain. Epidural injections have been found to reduce labor time by up to 2 hours on average. Epidurals come in two forms: local anesthesia (epinephrine) and general anesthesia (opiates). However, aim for the best Houston epidural experts. These injections can deal with pain emanating from some musculoskeletal issues. Here are some of them.
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A Herniated Disc
Many people may not know that a herniated disc can cause problems in the upper and lower back. It is common for patients to feel severe back pain because of this condition. A herniated disc starts with a tear and the formation of a sac (inflammatory fluid).
The passage between two bones becomes narrower, while inflammation may also present in the parts near the spine. The herniated disc can also cause pain in other body parts, including the arms, legs, and shoulders. The treatment for this type of pain is an epidural using opiates to relieve severe back pain.
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Pinched Nerves
Similar to herniated discs, pinched nerves can cause severe unbearable pain. It happens when a nerve is pressed on at the spine or even in the arms and legs. There are different types of pinched nerves, such as sciatica, cervical radiculopathy, and lumbar radiculopathy. The treatment for these conditions is the same. An epidural using opiates is injected at the spine to alleviate pain; it also relaxes the muscles around the affected nerve.
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Spinal Stenosis
This condition results in compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots. A narrowing in the spine narrows the common space inside the canal and causes pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Patients with this condition often complain of pain radiating from their back down their legs and stiffness, tingling, and numbness. The treatment for this type of pain is an epidural using local anesthesia and opiates to numb the pain.
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Sciatica
Sciatic pain usually starts in the lower back and spreads to the hips, buttocks, thighs, legs, and feet. This type of pain is caused by compression or irritation on one side of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is caused by a bulging disc that presses on nerves resulting in several symptoms like numbness, tingling, burning, and weakness. The treatment for this type of pain is an epidural using local anesthesia and opiates to alleviate the pain.
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Spine Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be needed to treat back pain. Spine surgeries deal with the discs in the spine which have been damaged from an injury or even a disease. This type of back pain treatment is epidural using local anesthesia and opiates to numb the pain.
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Bone Spurs
A bone spur is a condition that causes pain and discomfort. It usually affects the neck and lower back region of the spine. Bone spurs typically start with a bulge in the area near the affected nerve or spine. Bone spurs may cause pinching, inflammation, and pain. The treatment for this type of pain is an epidural using local anesthesia and opiates to relieve the pain.
Back pain can be debilitating and affect every aspect of your life. Don’t suffer in silence if you’re suffering from chronic back pain. An epidural injection can help to tame many different types of pain. From herniated discs to pinched nerves, spinal stenosis to sciatica, bone spurs to surgery, there is likely an epidural injection that can help relieve your specific type of pain.