Epidural Steroid Injections for Cancer Pain

Cancer pain can be one of the most debilitating and challenging aspects of battling the disease. Cancer and its related pain can be physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting, but pain management treatments can help. Epidural steroid injections are one such treatment that can help reduce the pain associated with cancer.

At Jersey Premier Pain, we have the knowledge and experience to help you manage your pain and improve your quality of life. Our Jersey City cancer pain management specialists offer a range of pain management treatments, including epidural steroid injections. For more information on our services and to find out if epidural steroid injection treatment is right for you, call us at 201-386-8800 or contact us online today.

Pain Management for Cancer Patients 

Cancer patients often experience different pain levels throughout their treatment journey, so a multi-disciplinary approach to pain management is recommended to ensure the best quality of life. In addition to medications, procedural and interventional options are available to help manage cancer-related pain. These include trigger point injections, joint injections, and epidural steroid injections.

It’s also important to address any comorbidities contributing to the patient’s overall pain, such as osteoarthritis. With the right combination of treatments, cancer patients can maintain a good quality of life while managing pain.

What Are Epidural Steroid Injections? 

An epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a procedure that can be done in the doctor’s office or at a hospital. These injections provide relief from pain, including pain caused by cancer. The injections are made up of a combination of steroids and anesthetics that help to reduce inflammation in the affected area, which can alleviate pain caused by cancerous growths or tumors. ESIs can be an effective treatment for cancer pain, particularly if the pain is affecting the neck or lower back area. The goal of the injection is to provide long-term relief from pain.

Epidural Steroid Injections for Cancer Pain 

Many people with cancer pain may find relief from ESIs. Injections can treat cancers that press on the spine, such as the liver, kidney, colon, breast, lung, and pancreas. The steroids reduce inflammation, and the anesthetics block pain signals from the nerves to the brain, helping to control pain.

Epidural steroid injections can also be beneficial for relieving nerve pain or radiating pain caused by cancer. ESIs can provide long-term relief when combined with other treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, or lifestyle modifications. Cancer patients often find that epidural steroid injections help improve their quality of life.

How Do Epidural Steroid Injections Work? 

Epidural steroid injections are an important treatment option for people living with cancer pain. The procedure involves using a local anesthetic to numb the area and a small needle to inject corticosteroid medications and an anesthetic into the epidural space by the spinal cord. The steroids help to reduce inflammation and swelling, while the anesthetic medications help to block pain signals in the area of the injection.

ESIs are typically performed by a pain management physician or anesthesiologist to provide short-term relief from cancer-related pain. The injections could allow people to participate in physical therapy or other activities to help manage their pain. The effects of ESI injections can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Are There Any Side Effects? 

Epidural steroid injections can have some side effects, although most are mild and temporary. Possible side effects include soreness or redness at the injection site, headache, nausea, insomnia, increased blood pressure, and temporary facial flushing. More severe side effects, such as nerve damage, infection, or aseptic meningitis, can occur in rare cases. Your doctor will discuss the potential risks and side effects before the procedure.

It is essential to report any changes in symptoms or side effects to your doctor. For example, if you have severe pain, redness, swelling, or fever at the injection site, let your doctor know immediately. These may be signs of an infection that requires immediate medical attention.

How Often Are the Injections Given? 

The frequency of epidural steroid injections for cancer pain depends on the severity of your pain, how well you respond to the injections and any side effects you experience after the injection. Sometimes, one injection may be enough to provide long-term pain relief.

For most people, however, epidural steroid injections are given in several treatments, usually spaced several weeks apart. Such a schedule allows your doctor to assess your response to the injection and adjust the dosage or frequency of treatment as needed. The number of injections you need and the duration of your treatment will depend on the type and severity of your cancer pain.

Steroid Injection Aftercare 

Once you have had a steroid injection, taking precautions is important to ensure you are as comfortable and safe as possible. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully, but here are some tips to keep in mind:

• After the injection, rest as much as possible and avoid strenuous activities.
• Use an ice pack or heating pad to help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
• Avoid driving for at least 24 hours after the injection.
• Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and eat a balanced diet.
• If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
• Take note of any changes in your pain level or overall well-being

Epidural steroid injections can provide relief for many cancer patients. Still, taking the necessary precautions and following your doctor’s instructions closely is vital to ensure a safe and successful treatment.

Epidural Steroid Injections for Cancer Pain in Jersey City, NJ 

Living with cancer and its associated pain can be difficult. Fortunately, Jersey Premier Pain provides epidural steroid injections and a range of other pain treatment options to help cancer patients manage their pain. Jersey Premier Pain is staffed with experienced and knowledgeable practitioners who can provide cancer patients with the best pain management treatment options. For more information about epidural steroid injections and to determine if this treatment could help you, contact us at 201-386-8800 or request an appointment online.