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Patients experiencing chronic mid back pain that are looking for non-surgical treatment options to get back to pain-free living are finding relief in Somerset County, New Jersey! Epidural injections are offered at all three clinics.
Mid back pain sufferers who have not responded to more traditional approaches may find relief through thoracic spine epidural injections. Herniated discs, nerve irritation and inflammation seen in chronic inflammatory injuries that fail to respond to physical rehabilitation and chiropractic care may benefit from these cortisone-based injections. If conservative treatments have failed you may be candidate for this non-surgical solution.
What is a Thoracic Epidural?
The thoracic spine consists of a variety of different structures that can cause pain and irritation. Often disc irritation or herniation allows nerve root irritation to take place which is an inflammatory-based injury leading to chronic pain. Thoracic spine epidural injections alleviate pain experienced by decreasing inflammation and can aid conservative treatment options such as physical therapy, acupuncture and chiropractic medicine, allowing the patient to progress further with their physical rehab.
Most patients continue their physical rehabilitation and chiropractic care the day after their epidural procedure to further increase the gains made during the strengthening and rehabilitative process. Our experience dictates that patients, who continue their physical therapy and chiropractic care, see greater relief of symptoms following a thoracic spine epidural injection.
Thoracic spine epidurals are one of the non-surgical treatment options performed at
Performance Ortho, designed to reduce pain and inflammation caused by herniated discs and nerve root irritation. The epidural space is an area located between the spinal cord and an area known as the dural space. Chronic conditions, which can involve disc herniation, irritate the nerve roots that make passage through the epidural space, causing pain and discomfort. Epidural injections are conducted on site in our facility using a local anesthetic. A contrast dye solution is also administered to ensure proper placement of the needle so the medication “hits the bull’s-eye” each time. The procedure is always done under image guidance to make sure you receive the most appropriate and effective dosage of medication in the area involved. Minimal discomfort is experienced which can be described as a “slight pressure” during the procedure. If you or someone you know is suffering from stubborn mid back pain that has failed conservative options, an epidural injection may be the perfect non surgical solution.
At Performance Ortho, following an epidural injection, you will be monitored in our recovery suite for approximately 30-60 minutes. During this time you will be given home instructions in order to record your relief over the next two weeks until your follow up with Dr. Mejia. In our office typically patients are under the care of one of our doctorate level physical therapists and/or our chiropractic physicians, and may resume treatment in their respective disciplines the day after an epidural procedure. In some cases epidural injections are administered in a series of 1-3 injections for more severe injuries. At Performance Ortho, we find that combining interventional pain management treatments with conservative treatment options allows all of our treatments to be more effective, getting patients better faster!
If you find yourself suffering with this type of injury, or if you would like more information on the non-surgical orthopedic options that are available, please feel free to contact one of our patient care coordinators at 908-754-1960 or you may contact us online.
About the Authors:
Joseph Mejia D.O., F.A.A.P.M.& R, is a graduate of University of Michigan and West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. He is Board Certified in physical medicine & Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine. Dr. Mejia received his Fellowship Training in Interventional Pain Management from University of Medicine and Dentistry. He has advanced training in Regenerative Medicine and is the Medical Director and Partner of Performance Ortho.