Epidural Injections

An epidural injection is an injection of medication to the epidural space that reduces swelling of the spinal nerve roots. Epidural injections provide relief for several weeks or months while the injury or cause of the pain is healing. An epidural injection also provides the ability to receive maximum progress if the patient is undergoing rehabilitation for an injury.

What Are the Different Types of Pain Injections?

An epidural injection can be delivered to two different areas of the spine. One is the cervical area, and the other is the lumbar area. Cervical epidural injections are generally for the neck /upper area of the spine. Lumbar epidural injections are for the lower area of the spine, mainly the back/lower back. A doctor can determine whether cervical epidural injections or lumbar epidural injections should be administered, based on the type of injury/pain a patient is experiencing.

The different types or methods of injection are:

  • Caudal block: Affects the spinal nerves at the end of the spinal canal. One of the benefits of this type of injection is that there is a lesser chance of puncturing the spinal membrane.
  • Translumbar: This is the most common way of performing an epidural injection. This injection is performed by placing a needle between two vertebrae from the back.
  • Transforaminal: This approach is the most common of the epidural injections. This involves an injection around a specific nerve root.

When is an Epidural Injection Needed?

Commonly, epidural injections are needed for some of the following conditions:

  • A herniated or bulging disc
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Other spinal nerve injuries, vertebrae and surrounding tissues

What are Some Common Solutions for These Injuries?

Some solutions to these injuries are pain medications, physical therapy and/or surgery. The specific treatment a patient will need will be decided upon after consulting with a doctor.

Who to Look For When Seeking a Pain Specialist:

  • One who will take the time to interview and examine a patient before determining a plan.
  • One who will develop long-term treatment goals.
  • One who is available for questions.
  • One who will use a multidimensional approach, including medication, physical therapy and injections.
  • One who will explain why procedures and medications are being used.
  • One who consults with other specialists and patient’s primary provider.
  • One who actively participates in national professional organizations.
  • One who is trained by an accredited fellowship program in pain medicine.

Why Dr. Mobin is the Right Choice for a Pain Specialist:

Dr. Mobin is one of the most highly respected, trustworthy and accomplished neurosurgeons in L.A. He is extremely knowledgeable, yet compassionate and has a gentle technique in both his procedures and with his patients. He is often a consulted expert on very difficult spinal cases. He is so precise in his technique that other specialists refer him to their own family members. He has performed over 2,000 procedures and has an excellent safety record among his peers.

Dr. Mobin graduated with honors from the University of California, Davis, achieving the level of Alpha Omega Alpha. He completed his residency at the University of California Medical Center, UCDMC, in Sacramento. There, he was elected Chief Resident and Outstanding Senior Resident. He continues his affiliation with UCMD as a clinical facility. He served as the Chief of Neurological Services at Daniel Freeman Hospital for three years. He introduced minimally invasive techniques and image-guidance techniques in the hospital setting. This modernized the Neurosurgical ICU. He gives his patients a full spectrum of care before any surgery is considered. In the case of surgical intervention, the least invasive options are considered first. He is affiliated with the top ranked facilities for spinal care and he provides his patients with a stellar track record in safety and satisfaction.