Epidural

Pain Specialty Group

Pain Management located in Newington, NH & Newmarket, NH

When it comes to managing chronic pain conditions, finding an effective treatment can take time. The experienced pain management team at Pain Specialty Group in Newmarket and Newington, New Hampshire, including Anh L. Ngo, MD MBA, and Manuel G. Sanchez, MD, offers many innovative pain management options to get you the relief you need for a better quality of life, including epidurals. To learn more about the pain management options at Pain Specialty Group, call the office or request an appointment online today.

Epidural Q & A

What is an epidural?

By definition, the word epidural means “around the spinal cord.” When it comes to pain management, an epidural refers to a specific medication injected into the space surrounding your spinal cord. Due to the nature of an epidural, it’s considered a highly skilled procedure that should be conducted only by those trained to do so, like the pain management experts at Pain Specialty Group.

Am I a good candidate for an epidural?

The team at Pain Specialty Group determines if you’re a good candidate for an epidural during a consultation. If you’re seeking treatment to help manage chronic pain, the team may suggest more conservative measures before recommending an epidural, such as oral medication or physiotherapy.

You may want to consider contacting the pain management specialists to learn more about an epidural if you suffer from:

Chronic neck or back pain
Spinal stenosis
Herniated disc
Bone spurs
Failed back surgery

Even if you’re considered a good candidate for an epidural, the team may recommend you continue with other methods of pain management, such as physical therapy, for long-term results.

How do I prepare for an epidural?

The team at Pain Specialty Group provides specific instructions on how to prepare for your epidural. You may need to refrain from eating or drinking for a period of time prior to your procedure.

The team at Pain Specialty Group may also suggest that you arrange to have someone help you get home after your epidural.

What can I expect during an epidural?

An epidural is an outpatient procedure, which means you won’t have to spend the night at a hospital. Once you’re in the procedure room, the team begins by numbing the area to be treated. Then, using guided imagery, the team injects the medication into the space around your spinal cord.

The medication used for your epidural may be a steroid and/or an anesthetic. The injection takes only a few minutes, and afterward, you pend time in the recovery area before you’re able to return home. You may be asked to modify your activities for the rest of the day following your epidural.

Epidural results vary from person to person. You may begin to notice an improvement in your pain within 48 hours of your injection, and the relief may last a few weeks or several months.

Chronic pain can have a serious effect on your quality of life. For expert pain management from an experienced and respected team, call Pain Specialty Group today or book an appointment online.