This procedure involves injecting a medication into the epidural space where the actual irritated nerve root is located.
This injection includes both a long-lasting steroid and a local anesthetic. The injection reduces the inflammation and irritation and the anesthetic works to interrupt the pain-spasm cycle and nociceptor (pain signal). The combination medicine then spreads to other areas of the spine, reducing inflammation and irritation.
This sciatica treatment usually takes less than 15 minutes. The biggest benefit to this treatment is the rapid relief patients often experience. While this relief is temporary, it can allow them to begin other treatments, such as exercise and physical therapy, that they were unable to do before.
Watch the following video to learn more about this procedure.