Are you currently suffering from debilitating chronic lower back pain?
Debilitating Chronic Lower Back Pain
Patients experiencing chronic lower back pain are looking for non-surgical options in Somerset County, New Jersey and are finding relief at Performance Ortho!
Low back disc herniation’s that have failed physical rehabilitation solutions may be relieved with lumbar spine epidural injections. Herniated discs with nerve root irritation and inflammation are usually seen with chronic injuries and can benefit from this non-surgical injection-based solution.
Lumbar Epidural Explained
The lumbar spine is made up of many different structures that are susceptible to injury and irritation. One of the structures most commonly involved is the lumbar disc, which is susceptible to herniation leading to nerve root irritation and chronic pain. Lumbar spine epidural injections are designed to attack pain by decreasing inflammation, which aids more conservative treatment options such as chiropractic medicine and physical therapy.
The area known, as the epidural space is an area located between the spinal cord and the dural space. Since the nerve roots in our spinal column make their way through this space, this leaves the area prone to pain and irritation. At Performance Ortho, epidurals are administered under x-ray guided imaging, which allows accurate and effective dosage of the medicine during the procedure. Following this procedure patients are encouraged to continue with their their chiropractic and physical therapy treatment plan. Our experience demonstrates that patients who continue with physical rehab (chiropractic, physical therapy and acupuncture) see greater long-term relief when combined with epidural injections.
What is a Lumbar Epidural for chronic lower back pain?
At Performance Ortho, lumbar spine epidural nerve blocks are non-surgical treatment solutions aimed at reducing pain and inflammation to the injured area. The injections are conducted onsite using a local numbing medication and performed with image guidance. Following the numbing medication a contrast dye will be administered to further increase the accuracy and placement of the needle. Very minimal discomfort is felt by the patient and is often described as “pinching” and/or “a slight pressure.” If you find yourself suffering from chronic low back pain and have not responded to traditional treatment approaches you may be a candidate for a lumbar epidural.
What happens after my procedure?
A thirty to sixty minute post-procedure monitoring period will take place following your injection, in which each patient will be given home instructions to record their relief for the next two weeks. After this two-week period you will have a follow up with our Board Certified Interventional Pain management specialist, Dr. Mejia. In our clinic, 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. At Performance Ortho, we find that combing interventional pain management solutions with conservative treatment options allows all of our treatments to be more effective, getting patients better faster!
If you find yourself struggling with this type of injury, or know someone that may be suffering 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.
Vincent J. Diana D.C. Is a graduate of New York Chiropractic College. He is a Board Certified Chiropractic Physician with licenses held in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Dr. Diana is a Chiropractic Physician at Performance Ortho.