Epidural Steroid Injections in Tulsa, Oklahoma

What Are Epidural Steroid Injections?

Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs) are a minimally invasive treatment option used to alleviate pain and inflammation in the spine. At Tulsa Pain Consultants, our skilled interventional pain specialists use ESIs to provide relief for patients suffering from chronic back pain, sciatica, and other spine-related conditions. This treatment involves injecting a corticosteroid medication into the epidural space around the spinal cord, reducing inflammation and pain in the affected area.

How Do Epidural Steroid Injections Work?

ESIs work by delivering potent anti-inflammatory medication directly to the site of pain in the spine. Corticosteroid medication reduces inflammation, swelling, and irritation of the nerves, which can significantly alleviate pain and improve mobility. By targeting the source of pain, ESIs provide effective relief and help patients return to their normal activities.

Conditions Treated with Epidural Steroid Injections

At Tulsa Pain Consultants, we use ESIs to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Herniated Discs: Relieving pain caused by disc material pressing on spinal nerves.
• Spinal Stenosis: Reducing inflammation in narrowed spinal spaces.
• Sciatica: Alleviating pain radiating from the lower back down the legs.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: Managing chronic pain from worn spinal discs.
• Spondylolisthesis: Easing pain from vertebrae that have slipped out of place.

The Epidural Steroid Injection Procedure

The ESI procedure at Tulsa Pain Consultants is quick and typically completed in an outpatient setting:
Preparation: The injection site is sterilized, and a local anesthetic is applied to minimize discomfort.

• Imaging Guidance: Using fluoroscopy (live X-ray) or ultrasound, the physician accurately guides the needle to the epidural space.
• Injection: The corticosteroid medication, sometimes combined with a local anesthetic, is carefully injected into the epidural space.
• Post-Procedure: Patients are monitored for a short period before being discharged with post-procedure care instructions.

Benefits of Epidural Steroid Injections

ESIs offer numerous benefits for pain management:

• Effective Pain Relief: Many patients experience significant pain reduction within a few days.
• Improved Mobility: Reduced pain allows for increased activity and physical therapy participation.
• Minimally Invasive: The procedure is non-surgical with minimal recovery time.
• Outpatient Treatment: Performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.

What are Risks with Epidural Steroid Injections

While ESIs can be highly effective for managing pain and inflammation, they come with potential downsides. One of the primary concerns is that repeated injections may lead to the weakening of tendons and thinning of nearby bones. Key risks include:

• Temporary Discomfort: Some patients may experience temporary pain or soreness at the injection site.
• Soft Tissue Damage: Repeated injections may weaken tendons or cause thinning of nearby bones.
• Systemic Effects: Long-term or high-dose injections can lead to systemic side effects such as weight gain, high blood pressure, or elevated blood sugar levels.
• Infection: Although rare, there is a slight risk of infection.
• Hormonal Effects: Long-term or repeated use can affect natural hormone levels, leading to weight gain, increased blood pressure, or elevated blood sugar.

What are Alternative Treatments to Epidural Steroid Injections

For patients seeking alternatives to Epidural Steroid Injections, Tulsa Pain Consultants offers advanced treatments such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy.

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy. PRP therapy involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting this concentrate into the affected area. The growth factors in PRP stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, reducing inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration. PRP is particularly effective for conditions like tendonitis, ligament injuries, and osteoarthritis.

Why Choose Tulsa Pain Consultants?

At Tulsa Pain Consultants, we prioritize patient care and utilize the latest techniques to ensure effective and safe pain management.

• Experienced Specialists: Our team has extensive experience in treating back pain using epidural steroid injections. Dr. Martin Martucci is a specialist in Interventional Pain and has been practicing in Tulsa for over 25 years.
• Comprehensive Care: We offer a wide range of treatment options, ensuring you receive the most effective care for your unique needs.
• Compassionate Approach: We prioritize your comfort and well-being, offering a supportive environment throughout your treatment journey.
• Regenerative Medicine TherapiesWellness Integration: At Tulsa Pain Consultants, we focus on offering long-term healing and improved mobility using our bodies’ ability to heal. Regenerative medicine therapies such as Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) treatments offer lasting relief without relying on medication and can delay the need for invasive surgeries. The treatments are minimally invasive, safe, and effective.
• Wellness Integration: We provide wellness care into your pain management therapy that may include medical weight-loss using Semaglutide, hormone balancing and lifestyle changes.

Don’t Let Pain Control Your Life

If you are experiencing chronic pain and believe Epidural Steroid Injections may be the right solution for you, contact Tulsa Pain Consultants today to schedule a consultation. Our dedicated team is here to help you find relief, restore your mobility, and get back to enjoying a pain-free life.

We proudly serve Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Owasso, Bixby, Jenks, and the surrounding areas of Oklahoma.

Call us today at 918-742-7030 to schedule your appointment!