Epidural Steroid Injection

How is Epidural Steroid Injection performed?

Why should Epidural Steroid Injection be avoided?

01
Invasive procedure: needle is pushed into the spine and can cause complications
02
Excessive scar tissue can form around the spine and nerves after Epidural Steroid Injection from bleeding or additives in the medication
03
Complications are common but underreported after Epidural Steroid Injection
04
Spinal instability is common after Epidural Steroid Injection
05
Disc herniations and degenerated discs are not treated properly when an Epidural Steroid Injection is performed. The source of inflammation and pain is not permanently removed with Epidural Steroid Injection. Untreated posterior annular tears are the most common cause of persistent back and neck or arm and leg pain.
06
Spinal stenosis is not treated with Epidural Steroid Injection. Spinal stenosis will worsen in time without proper treatment (surgery is needed).
07
Epidural Steroid Injection is not an accepted treatment for back pain
08
Back pain typically becomes worse after Epidural Steroid Injection wears off and many spine surgeons use this opportunity to convince patients to get spinal fusion. Spinal fusion is not necessary to treat pain when Deuk Laser Disc Repair® and Deuk Plasma Rhizotomy® are available.
09
Spinal fusion is frequently recommended after Epidural Steroid Injection fails. Spinal fusion is not necessary.
10
The actual source of back pain, the herniated disc, is not actually being treated by Epidural Steroid Injection.
11
Most Epidural Steroid Injection patients end up in pain management for years because their pain is not being treated properly. This keeps the pain management doctors busy and financially rewarded while patients suffer.

What complications occur with Epidural Steroid Injection?

01
Nerve root damage
02
Spinal fluid leak
03
Infection with epidural abscess or meningitis
04
Residual stenosis
05
Residual disc herniation
06
Paralysis
07
Death