Epidural Injections & Herniated Discs: Risks, Benefits & What to Expect

If you are experiencing pain in your back and legs, you could have a herniated disc. Your doctor can help you evaluate the risks and benefits of possible treatments like an epidural.

Herniated Disc

• The vertebrae in your spine are separated by rubbery disc that act like cushions. In a herniated disc, the center of a disc pushes through the disc's edge, protruding out of place and putting pressure nearby nerves.

Epidural

• One treatment option for a herniated disc is epidural injections of medication into your back near the damaged disc. The epidural relieves the inflammation and pain caused by the herniated disc.

Benefits

• The benefits of an epidural for a herniated disc include the fact that it can relieve pain for months at a time and it is less invasive than surgery.

Complications

• Potential harmful complications of an epidural include decreased bone density and weakened muscles.

Considerations

• Because an epidural can cause harmful side effects, your doctor can only administer one every few months. You could experience pain in between injections.