Pain Relief Available for Chronic Pain
Chronic pain - back pain, joint pain and pain in many other areas - is a fact of life for many. Chronic pan can be debilitating, discouraging and lonely. But a number of new treatments are proving effective in treating many types of persistent pain once thought untreatable.

Some pain, like low back pain, may have a variety of causes, including arthritis, trauma and more commonly nerve root irritation caused by a herniated disc. Symptoms include pain, weakness and decreased reflexes in the affected area.

 
 

Epidural Steroid Injection
Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI's) are techniques where an anti-inflammatory medicine (steroid) is deposited into the epidural space. This procedure is considered a therapeutic injection that directly deal with the affected area. When the pressure and irritation is removed from the nerve root, the nerve is relieved and the pain lessens or even goes away. An epidural steroid injections does not correct the pre-existing medical problem. However, it may decrease your level of pain while increasing your level of physical activity.

Risks for the procedure are low. This is the same technique and physical space used for "labor epidurals" for moms during childbirth.

The success of an epidural steroid injection depends upon a number of factors:the cause of the nerve root irritation, how long you have had the symptoms and/or your physical body weight.

If you feel you may benefit from this service, please contact your medical provider or physician and ask them if they think that this new service could help decrease the amount of pain that you are suffering and improve your condition.
 
 
Exclusions/Exceptions
Epidural Steroid Injections cannot be done if there is a recent joint replacement, active infection, flu, cold, fever or very high blood pressure. If you are on blood thinners you will need to have your medical provider temporarily stop them prior to the injection (Coumadin & Warfarin - 5 days. Plavix & Heparin - 7 days.)
Sakakawea Medical Center
510 8th Ave NE
Hazen, ND 58545
(701) 748-2225