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In order to begin the healing process for patients suffering from pain caused by herniated or bulged spinal discs, our Red Bank, NJ pain management office provides Epidural Steroid Injections. This procedure relieves the pain and inflammation that occur when disc injuries cause the compression or irritation of the spinal nerves. This process allows patients to rehabilitate using healthy practices—including chiropractic and physical therapy—with less pain. It is also an excellent solution for patients who do not require surgery, as well as those seeking to avoid the serious consequences of extended painkiller usage.

Understanding Disc Injuries

Herniated and bulged spinal discs are often the cause of lower back pain. Although disc injuries generally occur in the lumbar spine (lower back), the entire spine is vulnerable to this painful condition. Disc problems in the lower back cause a number of symptoms, including not only back pain but also leg pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and (in serious cases) bladder and bowel dysfunction.

The spinal discs have a number of important functions. Located between the bones of the spine (the vertebrae), they were designed to provide cushioning between the vertebrae while allowing for movement and flexibility of the spine. They also act as ligaments that keep the bones of the spine together while providing shock absorption. These discs, which are made up of an outer shell and an inner, gel-like center, are particularly vulnerable to age-related degeneration as well as trauma (such as that caused by auto accidents and sports injuries).

When the other shell of a spinal disc ruptures, the inner portion may bulge out, putting pressure on the nerves and causing pain. A disc herniation is a more serious condition in which the inner disc material presses against the nerves and the spinal cord.

Epidural Steroid Injections and Disc Problems

The epidural space is the outermost part of the spinal canal. Made up of spinal nerve roots (among other structures), its mission is to provide cushioning for the nerves and the spinal cord. Epidural Steroid Injections involve the injection of steroid medication into the space in order to calm inflammation and ease pain.

Epidural Steroid Injections are performed with great accuracy (aided by Fluoroscopic imaging technology) and with as little pain as possible in our Red Bank pain management office. This procedure does not require anesthesia; our physicians are specialists in the field of Pain Management and Rehabilitation (MP&R) and are experts in interventional pain management techniques such as Epidural Steroid Injections.

Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation: Epidural Steroid Injections for Conservative Pain Management

In many cases, surgery for disc-related lower back pain is an excessive measure and, what’s worse, often unsuccessful. At Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation, we encourage patients to use the most conservative forms of rehabilitation possible. We provide physical therapy, chiropractic and acupuncture in our office. Acupuncture is a useful tool for drug-free pain relief (all pain management patients should be concerned about the unhealthy side effects of oral analgesics). Epidural Steroid Injections are a part of our conservative programs of rehabilitation—for many patients, they provide relief in order to allow for the use of therapeutic exercise, lumbar traction, and chiropractic care.

Contact our Red Bank, NJ pain management office today if you are suffering from lower back pain.