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Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge
Bone & Joint Staff • May 5, 2020
Epidural Steroid Injections: When are They Right for You?

When you think of an epidural, you may think of a woman during childbirth. However, epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are a proven treatment for many forms of back pain and can make a significant, positive impact on the day-to-day lives of chronic pain sufferers. When administered correctly by a skilled and knowledgeable physician, most patients can experience relief from their pain for months at a time. So, how do you know if an ESI will work for you? Here are some good guidelines.


Who Should Get an Epidural Steroid Injection?

ESIs work by delivering a mix of pain-relieving anesthetic and inflammation-reducing steroid directly into the epidural space of the spine. This space is located between the spine membrane and the dural wall and where nerve roots are housed. Exactly where along the spine the injection occurs will depend on the precise location of the injury/pain.

Generally speaking, an epidural steroid injection is best used for cases of back pain which are the result of compressed nerve roots. Some conditions which may benefit include:

  • Sciatica
  • Herniated Disc
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Spondylolisthesis

ESIs are typically performed once more conservative treatments such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and physical therapy have proven ineffective.


How Long will an Epidural Steroid Injection Relieve Back Pain?

Duration of relief is patient dependent. An ESI may deliver sustained pain relief, however, it is important to understand that it is not always a permanent fix. Most patients get an average of three to six months of relief. Sometimes subsequent injections may be needed to maintain results. Most insurance companies allow up to 5 ESIs per year. In addition to the comfort an ESI can bring patients, it has the added benefit of buying additional time for the back to heal and other treatments such as physical therapy to work before more invasive measures are considered.


Epidural Steroid Injections in Baton Rouge

A major key to successful back pain treatment with epidural steroid injections lies with the physician who will be administering them. Selecting a physician who is skilled, experienced, and knowledgeable is paramount to achieving optimal results. At the Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, we have multiple, highly-trained spine specialists who evaluate, diagnose, administer treatments and perform surgeries when needed. To schedule an appointment with any one of these physicians, simply click below.



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Bone & Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge Physician Practice Transition – Effective April 1, 2025

By Bone and Joint Clinic Staff • January 30, 2025
BATON ROUGE, LA, January 30, 2025 – Effective April 1, 2025, four distinguished orthopedic surgeons from The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will transition to Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic (BROC), continuing their commitment to providing high-quality orthopedic care. The physicians joining BROC are: 1. Joseph "Jeb" Broyles, MD – Specializes in joint replacement surgery, knee arthroscopy, and cartilage regeneration. 2. Arthur "Art" Hess, MD – Specializes in trauma, hip, knee, and shoulder reconstruction, and total joint replacement surgery. 3. Mat hew "Matt" Mazoch, M D – Specializes in shoulder and knee surgery. 4. Alan Schroeder, MD – Specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. Beginning April 1, 2025, these physicians will operate under BROC's umbrella while continuing to see patients at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge's current location, 7301 Hennessy Blvd. Eventually, the doctors plan to transition to BROC's campus on Bluebonnet Blvd. The estimated timeline for that move is Summer/Fall 2025. In addition, Dr. Patrick Hall will be transitioning to his own practice, Hall Podiatry, that will continue to provide quality podiatric care to patients. Dr. Hall will continue to practice at 7301 Hennessy Blvd. until May/June 2025. After that date, patients may see him at a new nearby location. Dr. Zachary Rohr and Christopher Belleau will also transition their practice to a new location effective March 31, 2025. We will update our patients once those details are finalized. Dr. Gerard Murtagh of The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will be retiring effective March 2025. Dr. Murtagh has been a vital part of the clinic since 1988 and has significantly contributed to its success. We thank Dr. Murtagh for his many years of service to the patients of Bone & Joint Clinic. Patients are encouraged to continue scheduling appointments at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge using the current process for the foreseeable future. To ensure a seamless transition, The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will provide detailed information to patients in the coming weeks, including the secure transfer of medical records and continuity of care. The health and well-being of patients remain the top priority, and The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, BROC, and Hall Podiatry are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible while maintaining uninterrupted care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients can contact The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge at 225-766-0050 or by visiting bjcbr.com . Patients can also reach BROC at 225-924-2424 or by visiting brortho.com .
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