Some types of back pain eased with steroid injection

By Dipali Pathak

For patients suffering from certain types of back problems, an injection treatment is a proactive option that may relieve the pain, according to a physician at Baylor College of Medicine.

An epidural steroid injection can be used to treat a herniated disc that occurs in the lumbar region of the spine, said Dr. Benoy Benny, assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation and director of the spine, sports and pain program at BCM. A herniated disc develops when there is a tear in the outer ring of a disc and the soft, central portion bulges out.

"Many disc herniations tend to resolve on their own over two to three months. However, epidural steroid injections can help reduce pain and inflammation in the meantime," Benny said.

Effects vary

The outpatient procedure involves injecting steroids into the epidural space, or the outermost part, of the spinal canal. Mild sedation is required, and there are usually no restrictions for the patient the next day, said Benny.

The effects of the treatment vary widely. Some patients do well with just one injection while others require additional injections. However, Benny warns that the treatment should not be repeated more than three times in a year, because it may suppress the actions of the adrenal glands. Symptoms of this include weakness, fatigue, weight loss and stomach problems.

"There are several causes of back pain, and this procedure cannot be used for all types, but it is an option for lumbar disc herniations," said Benny.

Benny advises getting the procedure done by a doctor who is fellowship-trained in interventional spine or pain.