Epidural Neuroplasty Procedure

Epidural injections are a very common treatment for back and lower extremity pain. The epidural neuroplasty procedure is a more specific targeted pain management technique for those patients with severe or localized pain in the lower back or legs. Epidural injections are effective because the epidural space is an area of the spine where the nerves from the spinal cord pass through on the way to their final destination (ie. thigh, shin, toe etc.). If you have disc disease, spinal stenosis, epidural fibrosis, epidural inflammation, post-laminectomy syndrome, neuralgia, neuropathy, radiculitis or other pathology involving the Epidural space, then you may respond well to epidural injections.

Epidural injections via the epidural neuroplasty procedure uses a state-of-the-art catheter which can be directed onto, around or near suspected pain generators such as the nerve roots. An x-ray dye is used to confirm accurate placement and to document epidural spread of the medication to the desired target. Careful injection through the catheter with long acting anesthetics and steroid medication can open previously “tight” areas, decompress nerve roots, wash away toxins and reduce inflammation. This may restore the normal size of epidural nerves and thus eliminate pain.

Complications are extremely rare but can occur. You may wish to discuss the risks with your doctor in greater detail. You may need a series of injections to completely control your pain depending on length and severity of your condition.