An epidural is an injection of anesthetic to numb your lower body. Most people think of childbirth when they hear epidural, however, this type of injection is used frequently for pain management as well. At New York Pain Medicine Associate, we understand that managing neck and back pain can be challenging. This procedure is designed to provide targeted relief, numbing the nerves in your spine to alleviate pain and improve your quality of life.
The process begins with you sitting or lying comfortably on your side. You’ll be awake and alert during and after this injection. Our expert medical team will carefully numb the skin and tissue of your lower back to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Once the area is numb, we gently guide a needle through the tissue and into the epidural space, which is a fluid-filled area surrounding the nerves in your spine. The needle tip is carefully positioned just outside the tissue that protects the nerves, ensuring that we can deliver the treatment exactly where it’s needed.
In many cases, we use a thin, flexible tube, known as a “catheter,” to administer the medication. Your doctor will thread the catheter through the needle and carefully position it in the epidural space. After this, we remove the needle, leaving just the catheter in place to allow for the controlled delivery of medication. Slowly, we will inject the medicine into the epidural space, where it bathes the nerves of your spine. The medication numbs the nerves and blocks pain, providing significant relief.
Once the treatment has taken effect, we’ll remove the catheter and apply a bandage to the site. To ensure a safe and smooth recovery, it’s important to follow the care instructions provided by your care team.
If you’re struggling with back pain or other spine-related issues, don’t wait to seek relief. Our experienced and dedicated team are here for you! Call New York Pain Medicine Associate today and schedule a consultation with one of our experts to take the next step toward pain-free living.