Herniated Disc Treatment with Epidural Steroid Injections

Are you dealing with daily pain and frustration from a herniated disc?

Living with a herniated disc can impact every part of your life. The pain can start in the lower back or neck, and can quickly begin radiating down the arms and legs. Daily activities, like walking, sitting, or even sleeping, can feel like obstacles. Over time, herniated disc pain can lead to frustration, fatigue, and even emotional stress, taking a toll on both your physical and mental health.

Are you looking for an effective non-surgical solution for your back pain? Schedule with Delaware Spine & Interventional Pain today.

Common symptoms of a herniated disc

Herniated disc treatment options: At-home relief, therapy, and injections

Treating a herniated disc aims to reduce pain, restore mobility, and improve your quality of life. At Delaware Spine & Interventional Pain, we offer a range of non-surgical treatments, including Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI), which provide targeted, effective relief from nerve pain by addressing inflammation directly at its source.

At-Home Treatments

For many people with a herniated disc, initial treatment can start at home to help manage pain and improve comfort. While these methods may not completely relieve symptoms, they can be effective in reducing pain levels and supporting recovery.

At-Home strategies include:

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Heat and cold therapy: Applying ice packs for 15–20 minutes at a time can reduce inflammation, while heat packs help relax muscles and alleviate discomfort

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Over-the-counter pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may provide temporary pain relief

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Low-impact exercises: Gentle activities like walking, stretching, or yoga can improve mobility and reduce stiffness

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Rest and activity modification: Avoiding activities that worsen pain, such as heavy lifting or prolonged sitting, can prevent further strain on the spine

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Proper posture and ergonomics: Using supportive seating and maintaining good posture helps reduce stress on the spine throughout the day

These at-home treatments are best for mild to moderate symptoms and can be combined with professional treatments for enhanced results.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a common treatment for herniated disc pain, offering structured exercises and techniques to support healing and reduce symptoms. A licensed physical therapist can create a personalized program to help strengthen the muscles around your spine and improve flexibility, ultimately taking pressure off the affected disc.

Key physical therapy approaches include:

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Stretching and flexibility exercises: Gentle stretching exercises improve flexibility and relieve pressure on the spinal nerves

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Strengthening exercises: Core and back muscle strengthening helps stabilize the spine, reducing the risk of re-injury

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Manual therapy: Therapists may use hands-on techniques to mobilize the spine and relieve tension around the affected area

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Posture and body mechanics education: Learning proper posture and body mechanics can prevent future strain on the spine

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Aerobic conditioning: Low-impact activities like walking, cycling, or swimming can help improve circulation and overall fitness without adding stress to the spine

Physical therapy can be an essential part of a herniated disc treatment plan, working in combination with other methods like Epidural Steroid Injections to maximize pain relief and support recovery.

When at-home treatments and physical therapy aren’t enough (or if you’re looking for fast, effective treatment), it may be time to consider Epidural Steroid Injections.

Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI) can provide lasting results

What is an Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI)?

An ESI is a minimally invasive procedure designed to reduce pain and inflammation around the nerves in your spine. During the procedure, a steroid (anti-inflammatory medication) is injected directly into the epidural space around your spine. This approach allows the medication to act right at the source of the pain, delivering quicker, more focused relief than oral pain medications.

Benefits of Epidural Steroid Injections for herniated discs

Epidural Steroid Injections offer several advantages for individuals with herniated discs:

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Targeted Pain Relief: The injection delivers medication directly where it’s needed, reducing inflammation around the irritated nerve

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Reduced Inflammation: Steroids help reduce swelling and pressure on nearby nerves, providing relief from symptoms like radiating pain and numbness

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Non-Surgical Solution: ESI is a non-surgical treatment that can provide lasting relief without the recovery time of surgery

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Proven Effectiveness: Many patients experience weeks or even months of relief, allowing them to resume daily activities and physical therapy

Conditions treated with Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural Steroid Injections are effective for several spine-related conditions, including:

What to expect during the Epidural Steroid Injection Procedure

Preparation: You’ll be asked to change into a gown, and depending on your comfort level, you may receive a mild sedative to help you relax. You’ll then lie on your stomach or side to allow easy access to the injection site.

Injection Process:

Recovery: After the procedure, you’ll be monitored for 15–20 minutes. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and can go home shortly afterward.

Post-procedure care and recovery

After the injection, mild soreness at the injection site is normal and should subside within a few hours. For optimal recovery:

Success rates and follow-up care

Epidural Steroid Injections have shown high success rates, particularly for patients with herniated discs who experience radiating pain.

While relief may last from a few weeks to several months, ongoing treatment, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications can extend pain-free periods and improve long-term outcomes.

MILD Procedure for Herniated Disc Pain Relief

For patients experiencing chronic lower back pain due to herniated discs, the MILD (Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression) procedure offers a targeted approach to relief. Although commonly used for lumbar spinal stenosis, the MILD procedure can also benefit patients with herniated disc-related pain by creating more space in the spinal canal, reducing pressure on nerves.

How the MILD Procedure Works:

The MILD procedure may be an effective option for patients who haven’t found relief through conservative treatments. It’s a minimally invasive way to address nerve compression, helping patients get back to their daily activities with less discomfort.

Why choose Delaware Spine & Interventional Pain for herniated disc treatment?

Delaware Spine & Interventional Pain combines advanced, minimally invasive techniques with a patient-centered approach to provide effective, compassionate care. Our clinic offers a comprehensive range of treatments tailored to your unique needs, using state-of-the-art technology and a highly experienced team to ensure your comfort and recovery.