Two Key Considerations Before Opting for Epidural Injections for Sciatica Treatment

By: Dr. Sourabh Chachan

Jan 01, 2025

Epidural injections are often seen as a helpful option for people dealing with long-lasting back pain, neck pain, or sciatica, especially when other treatments like medications and physiotherapy haven't worked. If you're thinking about getting this treatment, Dr. Sourabh Chachan advises you to be aware of two important factors first. Ignoring these points could cause problems, and sometimes, the injections might not be as effective as expected. Here’s a simple guide to help you make an informed choice about epidural injections for treating sciatica.

1. Choose the Right Center with Expert Hands
The success of epidural injections depends a lot on how skilled and experienced the doctor is. It’s similar to heart angiography, where precision is key. In angiography, a needle is carefully placed near a heart blockage to help clear it. Similarly, in epidural injections, a small needle is carefully placed near the problem area in the spine or nerve. Doctors use an X-ray to make sure the needle is in the right place.

The procedure needs to be done by an expert because the area being treated is very small—only a few millimeters wide. If the needle is even a little bit off, the results might not be good. That’s why it’s important to have the procedure done at a trusted center with experienced professionals who do epidural injections regularly. Centers that don’t specialize in this treatment might not have the right skills to place the needle correctly, which can lead to poor results.

2. Know When Not to Opt for Epidural Injections
Epidural injections can help many people feel better, but some should avoid this treatment. One group to be cautious about is people with chronic kidney failure. If your kidneys aren't working properly, epidural injections might not be safe and could make things worse. Always talk to your doctor before starting any treatment if you have kidney problems.

If you have an active infection, you should not get epidural injections. This includes infections in places like your toes, urinary tract, nails, or throat. It’s important to treat and fully recover from the infection before going for the procedure. An infection can slow down healing and raise the risk of complications. So, make sure the infection is completely treated and gone first.

Epidural injections can help ease sciatica pain, but it's important to get them at a specialized center with experienced professionals. Also, make sure you're healthy and don't have any infections or kidney problems before getting the injections. By keeping these two things in mind, you can increase your chances of success and lower the risks of the procedure.

If you're looking for a sciatica pain expert, Dr. Sourabh Chachan is highly recommended for his knowledge in treating sciatica and performing epidural injections. Talk to him to find out if this treatment is right for you.

Schedule your online consultation now for expert spine care.
Contact: +91-88601-92800