For some individuals,epidural steroid injectionsmay be used to treat this condition.
This medication is given via a shot in the lower back by the spinal cord.
Information on other treatment options is also provided.
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What Are Steroid Shots for Sciatica?
As an anti-inflammatory, the corticosteroid relieves inflammation around the nerve.
Steroids, including corticosteroids, are very powerful.
They should be used at the lowest strength possible while still being effective.
Your healthcare provider will determine which medication is best for you.
How Epidurals Are Administered
An epidural shot is usually given at a radiology facility.
This will numb the area, so you don’t feel pain.
However, you may still feel mild discomfort when the epidural is administered.
You will need to lie on your stomach for the procedure.
Once it’s located, they will insert the needle and release the medication into the epidural space.
The entire process takes between 10 and 20 minutes.
Afterward, you will be monitored for a short time.
You should be able to sit up and walk almost immediately.
You should not drive yourself home, however.
Benefits
The benefits of epidural steroid injections vary significantly from person to person.
Some people feel no change in their level of pain.
Other people experience short-term relief.
Still others enjoy long-lasting benefits and significantly less pain and discomfort for an extended period.
For some people with sciatica, epidural injections are not the end treatment.
Instead, the injections are used in cooperation with surgical procedures to ensure the best long-term outcome.
Side Effects
Epidural steroid injections are usually considered low-risk procedures that cause few side effects.
In other rare instances, serious complications might occur.
The most common of these is anallergic reaction.
Other possible problems include nerve damage, infection, and possible paralysis.
How Effective Are Steroid Shots for Sciatica?
Research on steroid shots for sciatica is limited.
One study looked at the effect of three different injections in the spine.
Each person received two injections spaced two weeks apart.
However, the improvement was not significant when compared to the arthritis medication or salt water injection.
Another study noted that:
For some individuals, steroid injections can help with the pain associated with sciatica.
Keep in mind that there may be a specific window of time when this treatment works best.
In some cases, surgery may also be recommended.
Physical Therapy
Research indicates that exercise is one of the best and safest treatments for lumbar radiculopathy.
A visit to yourphysical therapistcan help you find the right exercises for your needs.
Be sure to check in with your healthcare provider before starting any treatment for your back pain or sciatica.
This is meant to take pressure off of compressed nerves that may be causing sciatica.
During the procedure, your surgeon performs a laminectomy.
This is when a portion of the vertebrae, known as thelaminathe bony walls of the vertebraeare removed.
Removing these bones may relieve the pressure, making your pain disappear.
Summary
Epidural steroid shots for sciatica may help some individuals experience symptom relief.
This may be especially true for those with acute sciatica.
However, research is limited.
Other treatments for sciatica include physical therapy and exercise.
Be sure to check in with your healthcare provider and physical therapist before beginning a treatment program.
Non-surgical spine decompression is another treatment option with little evidence to show effectiveness.
Surgery may be necessary for severe and debilitating cases of sciatica.
It can take 24 to 48 hours before you feel the benefits of the steroid injection for sciatica.
Shot benefits for sciatica tend to last for months.
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