When you’re living with a chronic pain condition, it can feel like nothing is going to offer relief. Over-the-counter pain medication can only do so much for some individuals. In that case, you might start exploring more effective, long-term pain solutions, such as epidural steroid injections and nerve blocks.
While your healthcare professional can help you determine the right option at the right time, we’ve explained the differences and their potential value for your needs in this guide below.
What Is an Epidural Steroid Injection?
An epidural steroid injection (ESI) is an advanced pain treatment option for a variety of conditions, such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, degenerative disk disease, and spondylolisthesis. These conditions can cause debilitating pain, and an ESI can be a straightforward, long-term pain solution.
An ESI involves delivering anti-inflammatory medication into the epidural space of the spine to relieve pain and inflammation. It’s performed as an outpatient procedure and takes 15-30 minutes.
Do Epidural Steroid Injections Work for Pain?
Some people experience near-immediate pain relief, while others notice pain relief over the next few days. Most people resume normal activities within just 1-2 days, but it’s important to avoid strenuous tasks for around three days.
What you can expect in terms of pain relief timeframes varies from person to person. Some people enjoy months of pain relief, while others need additional injections.
What Is a Peripheral Nerve Block?
Like an epidural steroid injection, a peripheral nerve block is an advanced pain treatment option. It involves injecting an anesthetic near a nerve or group of nerves to block pain from that area.
Many people receive peripheral nerve blocks to manage their chronic pain, post-operative pain, injury-related pain, or hyperhidrosis. It can also be helpful for diagnostics. The entire process for a peripheral nerve block only takes up to 30 minutes.
Do Nerve Blocks Work for Pain?
Most people notice immediate relief from their pain after having a nerve block. However, the full effects of the treatment can take a few days. How long the relief lasts can vary from person to person. Some people experience pain relief for several hours, while others enjoy several days of relief. For chronic conditions, many healthcare professionals recommend repeated treatments.
Epidural Steroid Injections vs. Nerve Blocks: Which Should I Get?
Whether your healthcare provider recommends a nerve block or ESI can depend on many factors, including those listed below. They will perform a thorough evaluation and discuss the advantages of each option and its suitability for your needs.
Where the Pain Is
Where the pain is can determine the best possible pain relief options. Nerve blocks tend to be more preferred for localized pain, whereas epidural steroid injections can be more effective for spine-related pain.
What’s Causing the Pain
Nerve blocks provide more targeted relief for nerve-related pain, whereas epidurals are effective for spine-related pain, such as nerve compression or inflammation.
Medical History
Healthcare providers review your medical history before proceeding with a treatment option. For example, whether you’re on specific medications, have existing medical conditions, or have allergies, can play a part in which option is right for you.
The Severity of the Pain
If you have chronic pain with inflammation, epidural steroid injections can be recommended. For more acute pain, nerve blocks are often preferred.
Discuss Pain Treatment Options with the Team at Eclipse Clinic
You deserve to have relief from the pain and discomfort you’ve been experiencing. Contact the experienced team at Eclipse Clinic in Waxahachie, Texas, to discuss whether an epidural steroid injection or a nerve block is right for you. We’re here to help you make an informed choice.