Neck and back pain is a growing problem for American adults. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, up to 80% of American adults can expect to experience at least one episode of back pain at some point in their lives. Whether it’s caused by an injury, poor posture, or as a byproduct of osteoporosis or degenerative disc disease, back pain is the leading cause of workplace injuries and productivity loss due to missed work.
If you’re living with back or neck pain, chances are that your ability to exercise and enjoy an active quality of life are being impacted as well. The good news is that there are several options available to help you find relief from acute (sudden onset) and chronic (long term) pain in your cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) spine. Louis J. Raso, MD, PA, specializes in pain management and treatment for spinal injuries and diseases in Jupiter, Florida.
Many people probably associate epidural injections with childbirth, but they’re also used to relieve neck and back pain caused by muscle strain, nerve compression, and inflammation. For many people, epidural injections are the perfect pain management solution. Some of the main culprits for neck pain include:
The same factors that cause neck pain are also responsible for back pain, along with problems like scoliosis or obesity.
Epidural injections consist of anti-inflammatory steroid medication that targets the affected nerves in the spine. In some cases, a single injection is enough to reduce swelling and inflammation and relieve the pressure from the compressed nerves. However, depending on the underlying cause and severity and intensity of your pain, multiple injections may be necessary.
Epidural injections also provide relief for shoulder, arm, and leg pain associated with nerve compression in the neck or back. Depending on the underlying cause of your neck and back pain, Dr. Raso may also recommend additional treatments and lifestyle modifications to help you find lasting relief and an improvement in your quality of life.
For more information about epidural injections for neck and back pain relief and other pain treatments and services, contact our office in Jupiter, Florida by calling to schedule an appointment with Dr. Raso, or you can book an appointment online.
