Alternatives To Epidural Steroid Injections For Back Pain in Hiram, GA

If you're dealing with persistent back pain, you might have already tried different treatments to find some relief.

Epidural steroid injections are one of the common options out there, but they don’t always work for everyone, and they come with their own set of risks and limitations.

The good news? There are plenty of other alternatives that can help manage your pain. Plus, many of them are less invasive and potentially safer in the long run. In this post, we’ll go over 10 alternatives to Epidural steroid injections for back pain.

Limitations And Risks Of Epidural Steroid Injections in Hiram, GA

Epidural steroid injections can offer some temporary relief for patients, but they do have their limitations. These injections involve delivering a corticosteroid directly into the epidural space in the spine to reduce inflammation and ease pain.

However, how well this treatment works can vary a lot from person to person, and the relief it provides usually doesn’t last long. And it does NOT address the underlying cause of the pain.

On top of that, there are several potential risks involved. For example, you could experience side effects like infections, bleeding, or even nerve damage. Also, while it’s rare, there is a risk of more serious complications, such as paralysis.

Another thing to keep in mind is that repeated use of steroid injections can have some broader health effects, like weight gain, weakening of the bones (osteoporosis), and increased blood sugar levels.

Given these limitations, it’s no surprise that many patients and healthcare providers are starting to explore other treatment options that might offer longer-lasting relief with fewer risks.

So, if you're thinking about an epidural injection, it could be worth considering alternatives.

Non-Invasive Alternatives to Epidural Steroid Injections For Back Pain in Hiram, GA

Now that are you are aware of the side effects, here are 10 good alternatives you can try:

#1 Spinal Decompression Therapy

Spinal decompression therapy is the best alternative to Epidural steroid injections for back pain.

It is a non-invasive treatment that involves using mechanical traction to gently stretch the spine.

This process can help relieve pressure on compressed discs and nerves, which might alleviate pain and promote healing.

Here’s how it usually works:

During a session, you’ll lie down on a specially designed table. This table is controlled by a computer that moves in a way to gently pull and release your spine.

Learn more about: Spinal Decompression Therapy in Hiram, GA provided at Cornerstone Chiropractic in Hiram, GA.

This movement creates a kind of vacuum effect, or negative pressure, inside the spinal discs.

The negative pressure can help pull back any herniated or bulging disc material to where it belongs and allow more healing nutrients and oxygen to flow into the affected area.

The whole process is quite relaxing, and many patients even find themselves dozing off during the treatment!

However, it’s important to remember that this therapy isn’t a quick fix—it usually requires multiple sessions over several weeks to see significant improvement. So, if you’re considering it, be prepared to commit to the process and give it time to work. That said, the results can be well worth the wait.

#2 Chiropractic Care

If you've never tried chiropractic care, you might be surprised at how effective it can be for managing back pain.

Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments to get your body's musculoskeletal structure back in proper alignment.

The goal is to enable your body to heal itself without surgery or medication.

Chiropractic adjustments can be effective in treating various types of back pain, including those related to muscle strains, accidents, and sports injuries.

Many patients report immediate relief after chiropractic treatments.

However, ongoing sessions are needed to maintain the benefits.

Also Read: The Surprising Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments

#3 Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is still one of the most effective and recommended treatments for back pain.

A skilled physical therapist can create a personalized program that combines exercises, stretches, and manual techniques to address the root causes of back pain.

These programs usually focus on:

• Strengthening core muscles
• Improving flexibility
• Correcting posture and movement patterns

Plus, physical therapy can give you valuable education on body mechanics and ergonomics.

Also Read: Chiropractic Care vs Physical Therapy

This can help you make lifestyle changes that can prevent future episodes of back pain.

That said, the benefits of physical therapy may take time to appear, but many patients find that it offers long-lasting relief.

Other Alternatives to Epidural Steroid Injections For Back Pain

#4 Mild® Procedure

The Mild® (Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression) procedure is an innovative treatment specifically designed for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.

If you've been diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis, this is the best alternative.

The Mild® procedure works by removing small pieces of bone and excess ligament tissue to restore space in your spinal canal and alleviate pressure on your nerves.

You'll be pleased to know that this procedure is performed under local anesthesia, typically takes less than an hour, and requires only a tiny incision.

You may experience immediate relief and can return to your normal activities within days!

#5 Prolotherapy

Another alternative to Epidural steroid injection is prolotherapy, short for proliferative therapy.

This treatment involves injecting an irritant solution into your affected area.

The solution (usually a mix of dextrose, saline, and local anesthetic) triggers a mild inflammatory response in your body.

This controlled inflammation stimulates your body's natural healing processes, promoting the growth of new tissue and strengthening your weakened ligaments and tendons.

If your chronic low back pain is caused by loose ligaments or injured tendons, this could be particularly effective for you.

Also Read: Causes for Back Pain

However, Prolotherapy usually requires multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart, with improvements happening gradually over time.

#6 Traumeel® Injections

If you're intrigued by the idea of a more natural approach, Traumeel® injections might be a good alternative.

This homeopathic medication combines plant and mineral extracts known for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. When injected into your painful areas,

Traumeel® can help reduce inflammation and support your body's natural healing processes.

Unlike steroid injections, Traumeel® doesn't suppress your immune system or affect your hormonal balance. It's gentler, and you can use it repeatedly without worrying about the long-term risks associated with steroid therapy.

If you're dealing with acute or chronic musculoskeletal conditions, including lower back pain, this could be a good option for you.

#7 Acupuncture

If you're open to exploring Eastern medicine, acupuncture might be worth a try.

Acupuncture, which originated in traditional Chinese medicine, has gained recognition in Western medicine as a potential treatment for various types of pain, including back pain.

This technique involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance the flow of energy or life force known as "chi" or "qi."

From a Western perspective, acupuncture is thought to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue.

This can boost the body’s natural painkillers and increase blood flow.

Invasive Epidural Steroid Injection Alternatives

If the non-invasive treatments isn't working for you, here are a few invasive alternatives:

#8 Facet Joint Injections

If your back pain stems from facet joint inflammation or arthritis, you might want to consider facet joint injections.

These injections target the small joints located between and behind each vertebra that allow the spine to bend and twist.

Like epidural injections, they typically contain a local anesthetic and a corticosteroid.

However, facet joint injections are more targeted, focusing on specific areas of your pain rather than the broader epidural space.

Plus, they often require lower doses which might reduce the risk of systemic side effects.

#9 Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)

Spinal cord stimulation is an advanced treatment that's reserved for chronic back pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments.

This involves implanting a small device near your spine that sends low-level electrical pulses to your spinal cord or specific nerves, interfering with pain signals traveling to your brain.

As a result, you'll feel a tingling sensation instead of any pain.

SCS is a more invasive option that requires surgery for implantation.

You'll typically undergo a trial period to ensure its effectiveness before permanent implantation.

#10 Radiofrequency Ablation

The last alternative is radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat generated by radio waves to target specific nerves and temporarily interfere with their ability to transmit pain signals.

If your back pain originates from the facet joints, you might find RFA particularly helpful.

During the procedure, a thin needle will be inserted near your targeted nerve, and an electrode is inserted through the needle.

Radio wave energy is then used to heat the tip of the electrode, creating a small burn that effectively "turns off" your nerve's pain signals.

The effects of RFA can last from six months to two years, and it can be repeated if necessary.

Contact Cornerstone Chiropractic in Hiram, GA to Discuss Non-invasive Treatments for Your Back Pain

If you are searching for alternatives to back surgery or epidural injections for back pain in Hiram, GA, or the Paulding County area, we highly recommend coming to see our Spinal professionals.

Give us a call or fill out our website form to set up an appointment at your convenience.