Steroid injections are anti-inflammatory medicines that treat various health conditions, from joint pains to inflammatory bowel disease.
Many healthcare professionals administer steroids to reduce inflammation in areas affected by herniated disc injury.
Steroids effectively take pressure off affected areas in the spine, relieving the patient from pain.
Doctors typically recommend steroid injections for patients with herniated disc injuries before reassessing and recommending further treatment.
Have you resorted to steroid injections to relieve pain due to herniated discs? The personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC could increase your case settlement if someone else’s negligence caused your damages.
Get a free no-obligation consultation through our contact form or call our Chicago medical malpractice lawyers at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone call).
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What Is Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI)?
Epidural injections are considered minimally invasive procedures to relieve pain and discomfort from herniated discs injury.
The epidural or peridural space contains blood vessels, nerves, and fat.
The steroid injection is delivered to the peridural space to minimize pain from a back injury and speed up recovery from disc injuries.
These peridural injections work by:
- Minimizing the inflammation of the injured disc
- Controlling the immune system response to prevent the production of inflammatory cells
How Does Epidural Injection Work?
The steroids have an anti-inflammatory effect that spreads into the nerve endings of the spine.
So, when administered correctly, epidural steroid injections reduce symptoms of herniated disc injury.
Typically, doctors use an X-ray-guided needle to deliver the medication to the epidural space.
ESI administration lasts about 30 minutes, and the patient may rest for a while. Most people can resume their normal activities a day after the procedure.
The patient can expect relief that may last from a few days to years after administering epidural steroid injections.
When Will My Doctor Prescribe Steroid Injections?
Doctors prescribe steroid injections based on the health condition of each patient.
Before prescribing steroid injections, the doctor may consider medications, age, and physical activities.
Doctors often prescribe steroid injections when administering other non-invasive treatments, which were ineffective in reducing disc herniation symptoms.
Herniated Disc and Its Treatment
The human body has a series of spine bones stretching from the skull base to the tailbone.
Between these series of bones are round cushions called discs, which serve as buffers between the bones so a person can bend and move efficiently.
Many car accident victims suffer from disc injuries. Disc herniation typically happens when one of these discs tears or leaks, causing debilitating pain.
During a car accident, the crash’s impact causes the spine’s bones to push into the spinal canal.
In a vehicular accident, disc herniation occurs due to the jerking motion and impact that exposes the disc to excessive pressure.
The pressure from the impact irritates the spinal cord, resulting in pain and discomfort.
What are the Treatment Options for Herniated Disc Injuries
Some people do not experience herniated disc symptoms, while others have symptoms that tend to improve over time, even without advanced treatment.
However, some people suffering from disc injuries may require medications.
Their spinal disc injury may not require surgery, and doctors most likely recommend conservative treatment instead.
Doctors usually recommend the following conservative treatment to address the spinal discs problem:
- Medication: Many vehicular accident victims complain of pain and discomfort from herniated disc injuries. Some may benefit from taking over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen for inflammation and pain management.
Doctors may recommend other short-term medications if the over-the-counter drugs don’t work.
This case is especially true for issues that require physician-prescribed medical treatment.
- Physical therapy: A patient suffering from herniated disc injury can benefit from a physical therapy program to relieve herniated disc pain.
Most physician therapists recommend personalized physical therapy programs to help people with herniated disc injuries.
These customized programs are designed so the patient will regain normal movement and get back to their day-to-day activities.
- Chiropractic care: Patients who suffered injuries from car accidents may benefit from chiropractic care. However, doctors might recommend epidural steroid injections if this therapy does not relieve a disc herniation patient from discomfort.
- Spinal injections: When medication and physical therapy does not relieve patients from the discomfort of disc herniations, doctors usually recommend a steroid injection to the spine.
Steroid injection treatment for disc herniation helps reduce inflammation of the nerve.
A favorable first response to steroid injection is an opportunity to give more injections when the herniated disc injury symptoms return.
However, physicians believe additional steroid injections should not be given if initial relief is not achieved.
Is it Common to Use Steroid Injections for Herniated Disc Injury
Doctors administer steroid injections to alleviate symptoms of herniated disc injuries.
Steroid injections reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation and are commonly administered up to three to six times within 12 months.
For new disc herniation, steroid injections are given weeks apart to resolve symptoms quickly.
Steroid injections work on the spinal nerves by flushing the proteins that cause disc swelling.
Steroid injections are pain management medications that last from days to years. Patients can improve their spinal cord injuries with other drugs, therapy, and programs.
Why are Epidural Steroid Injections Considered The Best Treatment For Herniated Discs?
Studies show epidural steroid injections effectively relieve discomfort and pain in 70% to 90% of patients suffering from herniated disc injuries.
Steroid injections have a strong anti-inflammatory effect, making them an effective treatment when introduced directly into the painful area near the spinal nerve.
An epidural injection is administered using the following approaches:
Transforaminal route: This technique is a precise administration of steroids into the space around the dura mater in the spinal cord.
A local anesthetic will be used to numb the skin area on the patient’s lower back.
With the guidance of an X-ray, the doctor will:
- Insert a thin needle into the patient’s lower back, targeting the nerve root causing the discomfort
- Administer anesthetic and steroid injections for pain management and relief
So, how effective is a transforaminal injection in relieving patients with a herniated disc?
Some patients report pain relief within 30 minutes after receiving epidural steroid injections using the transforaminal route.
Interlaminar route: Doctors deliver the medication in the epidural area through a needle insertion with this steroid injection treatment.
A needle is inserted between adjacent vertebral laminae to reach the peridural space.
While interlaminar is a simple approach, it is also less precise because the medication is not deposited near the target nerve root.
Caudal route: Like the other epidural injections, caudal injection is administered to reduce pain and inflammation. The injection is administered in the lower back with a local anesthetic.
Like most steroid injections, the caudal route is an outpatient procedure with minimal downtime.
This procedure is safer and easier to administer, though most doctors consider this treatment less effective than other types of epidural injections.
The Trigger Point Injections for Herniated Discs Injuries
A trigger point injection is a pain management option where local anesthetics and steroid injections are introduced in muscle areas with trigger points.
The trigger points are painful “knots” in the muscles that typically form if the muscle cannot relax.
A trigger point injection effectively relieves pain from disc herniation problems, though three or more injections in the same area are not recommended.
After administering a trigger point injection, patients must refrain from engaging in strenuous activities for a few days.
Patients can expect pain relief 24 hours after the procedure. Frequent injections are usually required as pain relief lasts only about a month.
How Much Is The Settlement Amount For A Herniated Disc Injury Resulting From Car Accidents?
Some herniated disc injury cases may settle for six-figure compensation, although the average settlement value for these cases is $360,000.
Nonetheless, each herniated disc injury is unique, and it can be challenging to come up with a specific settlement value without examining the relevant facts of the case.
Most lawyers who handle herniated disc injury cases analyze the liability, serious injuries sustained, and the defendant’s insurance company policy to compute the settlement value.
Are you or a loved one suffering from herniated disc injury due to a car accident or other event caused by someone else’s negligence?
Contact our law firm, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC, at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone call) if you would like a free case consultation.
Will Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI) Increase Herniated Disc Injury Settlement?
Victims of car accidents often suffer from herniated disc injuries. In most cases, they may need ESI to manage their back injury.
The administration of ESIs increases the settlement value for disc herniation claims compared to other therapy options.
Jury Awards and Payout Ranges for Herniated Disc with Steroid Injection
The payout range for herniated disc injury cases with steroid injections is from $60,000 to $700,000.
The wide gap between the minimum and maximum jury awards is due to several factors that should be considered.
For example, you are likely to recover the total damages if you were in a rear-end collision and the police found that the other driver was at fault.
The case would be different if you and the other driver were both at fault.
In this case, your settlement will be reduced, considering what was deemed to be your contribution to the collision.
Factors to Consider When Computing the Amount of Herniated Disc Injuries with Steroid Injections
Calculating the settlement amount for herniated disc injury requires examination of various factors, including the following:
- The herniated disc treatments, such as medications and steroid injections;
- The age and medical history of the patient;
- The likely course of the patient’s condition given by the doctors;
- The pain and suffering; and
- The available insurance company policy limits.
Other factors that may affect the settlement amount includes lost wages, medical expenses, the severity of the injuries, and whether the other motorist was at fault for the accident.t
Call a car accident attorney if you or your loved one is receiving steroid injections for disc herniations due to an auto accident.
Our expert injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC can help assess your case and determine how much to expect from a herniated disc injury case.
Examples Of Verdicts And Settlements For Herniated Disc With Steroid Injections
Herniated Discs From Taxi-Accident Requiring Steroid Injections
$43,000.00 Settlement in Michigan: An adult male suffered multiple injuries, including disc herniations, when his car was hit by a taxi.
Police officers found that the cab driver was entirely at fault for the accident.
The plaintiff suffered severe injuries that required him to see different medical professionals, including a chiropractor and a physical therapist.
His physicians recommend steroid injections, amongst other treatment programs to alleviate symptoms.
The herniated discs were treated with steroid injections, amongst other treatments.
Herniated Disc Injury Due to Left-Turn Accident
$40,714.00 Settlement in Minnesota: A female passenger suffered cervical strain and herniated disc injury when another vehicle hit her car as she was about to turn left at an intersection.
The victim required intensive medication and therapy. Her doctors gave her steroid injections to assist with faster recovery.
Multiple Herniated Discs Treated With Steroid Injections From Red-Light Accident
$61,500.00 Settlement in Illinois: An adult female suffered from a herniated disc and other injuries when the car driver failed to observe road signs resulting in a collision with another vehicle.
The case was settled out of court, and the defendant agreed to pay $61,500.
Herniated Disc Treated with Trigger Point Injection and Epidural Injections
$39,000 Settlement in Maryland: The victim suffered disc herniations when she was T-boned by the other motorist trying to pull out of a parking lot.
She had to be treated with trigger point injections and epidural injections to reduce her pain and discomfort.
Herniated Disc Injury Treated with Steroid Injections
$45,000.00 Settlement in Wyoming: The victim was a minor female passenger who suffered multiple injuries, including a disc injury, labral tear, and ligament tear.
She was in a vehicle when another car failed to at a traffic light resulting in a collision.
The physicians recommend steroid injections for her herniated disc injury.
While the defendant denied liability, the case was brought to a panel recommending a $45,000 settlement.
Steroid Injection Settlement FAQs
Our personal injury attorneys understand that many families have unanswered questions about medical malpractice and how to deal directly with insurance companies to receive compensation for damages.
A lawyer from our law office has answered some of those questions below.
Contact us at (888) 424-5757, use the contact form for additional information and answers, or schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
Can I Return to Work After Steroid Injections?
Steroid injections are non-invasive procedures that require minimal downtime. A patient who receives a steroid injection may feel the effect of the medication in just a few days.
Most patients can resume their day-to-day activities a day after the procedure.
Will Trigger Point Injections Effect Herniated Disc Injury Settlement?
Trigger point injections may affect the amount of herniated disc injury settlement. After several non–invasive medications, your doctor may recommend administering trigger point injections.
You will have a history of several medications and treatment programs by then.
Your lawyer can help you demand a higher settlement to cover your medical expenses and the pain and suffering associated with the condition.
Is Herniated Disc Considered a Severe Injury?
Some cases of herniated discs get better over time. Other people with this condition may find the situation bearable with minimal medication.
However, herniated disc injury is considered a severe injury when its symptoms interfere with the normal day-to-day activities of a person. It’s time to see a doctor if:
- Pain and discomfort interfere with daily life, such as doing regular household tasks and going to work.
- Symptoms are not getting better after four weeks
- Symptoms are getting worse
- The patient develops a loss of bladder or bowel control.
- The patient has difficulty standing and walking.
A herniated disc that is left untreated may lead to permanent injury. It may cause the patient to lose sensation in the inner thighs, legs, and around the rectum.
Should I Get a Steroid Injection for Pain After My Herniated Discs Injury?
Patients who are suffering from disc injury may benefit from ESIs. While it will not reduce the size of a herniation, this medication helps manage the pain caused by a herniated disc.
In severe herniated disc cases, symptoms often prevent people from proceeding with rehabilitative exercises.
The ESI can relieve the pain so patients are comfortable enough to continue their therapy programs.
What to Expect During the Epidural Steroid Injection?
The doctor wants to plan the best approach for the procedure. So, before starting the treatment, the physician will review the patient’s medical history and imaging studies.
At this point, patients may raise questions and reservations concerning the procedure.
For example, the doctor may find that the patients are taking blood-thinning medication and recommend cessation of intake several days before the ESI treatment.
Patients should discuss medications and health conditions with their doctor to ensure safety during treatment.
The doctor will perform the procedure in an outpatient center in most cases.
While this non-invasive procedure requires minimal downtime, patients may need someone to drive them to and from the center.
What Are the Side Effects of Steroid Injection Treatments?
Epidural steroid injection is an appropriate non-invasive treatment for most patients suffering from back injuries.
Some patients may experience numbness or mild muscle weakness that may resolve within a few hours.
However, there are risks associated with needle insertion in epidural areas, such as bleeding, allergic reaction, nerve damage, infection, and paralysis.
The steroid injection may cause weight gain, insomnia, water retention, hot flashes, and mood swings.
It may also trigger elevated blood sugar levels in people who have diabetes.
A risk assessment is essential, especially for patients undergoing treatment for other health conditions such as heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
Hire a Medical Malpractice Attorney to Resolve Your Compensation Case
You do not have to suffer a permanent injury to receive compensation for a herniated disc injury resulting from an auto accident.
Our lawyers have helped victims of car accidents recover compensation, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Our personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC have successfully handled herniated disc injury cases.
We will build up your herniated disc injury case so that you will get a higher settlement value.
Call us at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form for immediate legal advice and schedule a free consultation.
Our law firm works on a zero-fee guarantee basis, so you don’t have to pay upfront. You don’t owe us anything if we don’t reach any settlement.
All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
