Epidural Block
Although it is not a technique that we promote or practice at Biziondo, it is currently a common technique used for pain.
For several years, lumbar epidural block has been one of the best therapeutic options for treating chronic lower back pain, with minimal side effects and excellent results in terms of mobility.
What is it?
It is one of the semi-surgical techniques with the best results for treating chronic and disabling pain in the lumbar region of the back.
The main objective of this treatment is to reduce swelling of the structures adjacent to the sciatic nerve by directly applying an anesthetic drug combined with a corticosteroid (which has a potent anti-inflammatory effect) into the epidural space.
This space (the epidural space) is a cavity located outside the last layer of meninges that covers and protects the spinal cord through the spinal canal, in the spine.
What effect does an epidural block produce?
The almost immediate reduction in pain and difficulty performing range-of-motion movements in the back due to degenerative causes, of which osteoarthritis is the most important.
Osteoarthritis is a condition associated with the natural aging process and is characterized by damage to the body's joint tissues, with the back often being the most affected.
However, in recent years there has been an alarming increase in cases of osteoarthritis in young people with several or more pronounced risk factors, such as:
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Low water consumption.
- Overweight.
- Back injuries from sports, trauma, etc.
- Bad posture.
What does the procedure involve?
It is recommended that the patient be accompanied on the day of the procedure so that they can return home without having to drive their car.
The doctor will order an imaging study (such as an X-ray) to evaluate the degree of osteoarthritis and the ideal site for injecting the medication into the epidural space.
The patient will enter an operating room (a safe and completely pathogen-free environment) and the doctor will proceed with disinfecting the area to be treated, on the lower back.
Then, very carefully, the doctor (anesthesiologist) will insert a special needle into your back, up to the epidural space, and there, slowly release the chosen drugs.
Posterior al procedimiento (que suele durar muy poco, menos de 60 minutos), el paciente deberá esperar un par de horas en el centro médico para su observación y podrá regresar a casa y a sus actividades cotidianas.
How many sessions are necessary?
Pain and inflammation relief is rapid, and the patient notices improvement within a few hours. However, a single session is not sufficient for lasting and permanent improvement.
To do this, the doctor will indicate a session plan.
About five sessions are usually sufficient to reduce pain as much as possible for a long period, spaced about three or four months apart.
Everything will depend on the severity of the joint condition.
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