Facts About Epidural Injections for Back Pain

Millions of Americans suffer from back pain in varying degrees of severity, duration and frequency as well as various causes. But all of them share one thing in common: The need for relief from the pain, especially for people with chronic attacks over prolonged periods.

Many of them describe their back pain as intense pain that shoots from their spine and radiates to their legs, making their lives virtually unbearable. While many will complain of mild, intermittent pain brought on by physical activity, many more are likely to suffer from excruciating pain.

The pain may have been brought on by routine, overused, abused epidurals.

If an injection is abused, the risk increases for adhesive arachnoiditis, a medical condition wherein trauma in and around the spinal cord results in the nerves swelling and then sticking together. Once believed to be a rare occurrence in the general population, doctors now say that it is becoming more common – and the excess use (i.e., abuse and misuse) of epidural injections is considered as the culprit.

While most doctors agree that 1-3 epidurals are beneficial, many patients have sustained 10 to 100 injections!

You can take precautions, nonetheless, to protect yourself. First, ask your doctor if he is board-certified for pain management; the doctors at the Healthpointe clinics (such as the Corona clinic near Norco, Home Gardens, Mira Loma, and Pedley) are all board-certified. Second, tell your doctor about your underlying medical conditions (e.g., diabetes) and medications (e.g., aspirin) since both can increase the risks for complications.

Come to any of the Healthpointe clinics such as Garden Grove, which is near Stanton, Santa Ana, and Westminster, for more information about safe and effective pain management methods.

About Healthpointe:

Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Garden Grove, which is conveniently located by Stanton, Santa Ana, Westminster. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit Healthpointe.net.