Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injection

The spine is a complex yet important bone structure that supports the body in rotating and bending. It helps provide a body structure, allowing the body to perform activities like walking, moving, twisting quickly, etc. While the thoracic spine is less mobile than the neck and lumbar, it supports forward/backward and side bending movements and even axial rotation. We understand that pain in the thoracic region can cause discomfort and be the beginning of significant issues. It can disrupt your normal routine and affect your productivity at work and home. Non-invasive techniques like thoracic epidural steroid injection can benefit upper or middle back pain. It can relieve the patient with discomfort or pain caused by pinched nerves, degenerative disc disease, post-surgery, muscle spasms, arthritis, etc., to name quite a few.

What are the Benefits of Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injection?

• Relieves pain and discomfort
• Reduces swelling
• Improves the ability to perform daily activities
• Delays or reduces the need for invasive procedures
• Better quality of life

How Does Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injection Work?

Our healthcare practitioners ensure that the patient is thoroughly assessed based on medical history, family history, signs, or symptoms. It is an outpatient procedure. During the procedure, the patient lies facing downward and is sterilized and numbed with an anesthetic.

We use fluoroscopy (live X-ray) to carefully insert and guide the needle to the affected nerve. With the help of contrast dye, the targeted area is confirmed, the epidural steroid injection is delivered, and then the needle is removed. The focus is to target the irritated nerve, and most patients can find relief within 3-5 days after the procedure, while some may feel better even sooner.

Get rid of pain or discomfort and resume activities with our personalized treatment plans. Don’t sit over your pain; schedule an appointment with Advanced Pain Consultants, PA at (919) 800-0850 today.