Epidural Injection
Houston

Different types of epidural injection in Houston are used to diagnose and treat pain arising from the nerves in the spine. If the goal is to diagnose pain, these injections can be performed with only a local anesthetic.

When performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, injections in the spine may contain anesthetic and steroids. Learn more about spinal injections with Dr. Heidi Seifert below.

Why choose Dr. Seifert for spine injections in Houston?

Dr. Seifert is an interventional anesthesiologist whose primary interests are in therapeutic and diagnostic spinal injections and state-of-the-art regenerative techniques.
She utilizes evidence-based medicine to promote healing and regeneration of pain generators in the spine, joints, and musculoskeletal system.
We believe in a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to pain. Our treatment plans often include referrals to physical therapy, acupuncture, pain psychology, or chiropractic treatments for comprehensive, individualized pain relief.

woman recieving epidural injection in Houston

Am I a good candidate for spine injections?

If you are suffering from any of several spinal conditions, you may be a good candidate for injections in the spine. For example, epidural injection in Houston may provide pain relief if you have a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis. Spine injections may be a good treatment option if you have acute or chronic pain originating in the spine.

What can I expect with spine injections?

Usually, a local anesthetic is injected into the skin to numb the area where the needle will be placed. You may experience mild discomfort but no severe pain. The procedure may take anywhere from 15 minutes to half an hour, and you will need to lie prone or on your side during treatment. You may be asked to rest flat on your back or in a sitting position for a brief time after the procedure.

What are some types of injections in the spine?

Dr. Seifert offers a range of spinal injections for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:

Epidural injection in Houston: These procedures deliver anesthetic or steroid medications around a nerve coming from the spinal cord in an epidural space between the dural sac surrounding the spinal cord and nerves and the boney spinal column. This is the space into which spinal disc material can herniate (jut out unnaturally), causing pressure and inflammation around the nerves.

Facet injections: The facet joints are located on the back of the spine on each side, where two adjacent vertebrae meet. They provide stability and allow the spine to bend and twist. These joints contain cartilage between bones and are surrounded by a sac-like capsule filled with lubricating fluid. Facet joint injections are performed to treat inflammation, irritation, swelling, or arthritis in the joints that may be causing pain.

What is the recovery like after spine injections in Houston?

You may experience numbness or tingling after spine injections, as the local anesthesia wears off. Some patients have an initial increase in pain in the affected area, which can last for a few days. This can be managed with ice packs and over-the-counter medications. You may experience a headache after your epidural injection in Houston treatment, which usually subsides within 24 hours and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Some patients run a fever the night of their injection. If this occurs, rest and take a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, to reduce the fever.

FAQ

How do spinal injections work?

Spinal injections deliver anesthetic and steroid medications around nerves coming out from the spinal cord. Steroids have strong anti-inflammatory properties to significantly reduce inflammation around an irritated nerve that is causing pain and discomfort.

Are there different types of epidural injections?

Yes. Epidural injections are used to diagnose and treat pain arising from the spine. These injections can be performed in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar portions of the spine. Different types of epidural spine injections can be used to cover a broad or very specific area or to predict the chances of success for surgery.

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Epidural Injection Houston