Pinched Nerve? We Can Help!

If you’re experiencing pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling that radiates from your neck or back down into your arms or legs, you’re likely dealing with a pinched nerve. Many endure these symptoms for months or even years without finding relief. But there’s hope—Advanced Pain Institute of Texas in Lewisville offers fast, targeted treatments to alleviate nerve-related pain.


🩺 What Is a Pinched Nerve?

A pinched nerve—medically termed radiculopathy—occurs when surrounding structures like herniated discs, bone spurs, or inflamed ligaments compress or irritate the nerve. This compression disrupts normal nerve function, triggering symptoms such as:

  • Sharp or burning pain

  • Numbness or “pins and needles”

  • Muscle weakness in the affected limb

  • Radiating symptoms from the spine outward

Without intervention, the inflammation worsens and symptoms spread—sometimes severely affecting quality of life.


Advanced Pain Institute of Texas – Helping You Regain Control

Based in Lewisville, the Advanced Pain Institute of Texas specializes in comprehensive, head-to-toe pain management. They tailor treatment plans to each patient’s needs, focusing on alleviating symptoms and restoring function.

One of their cornerstone therapies for pinched nerves? Epidural steroid injections (ESIs)—a proven, minimally invasive solution that significantly reduces inflammation around your spinal nerves.


What Are Epidural Steroid Injections?

An ESI involves delivering a blend of a corticosteroid and a local anesthetic into the epidural space, which surrounds your spinal cord and nerve roots. Though often compared to epidurals used during childbirth, ESIs are fundamentally different—they’re designed to target chronic nerve inflammation, not numb the body for labor.

How They Work:

  1. Reduce Inflammation – Corticosteroids calm down irritated and swollen nerves.

  2. Block Pain Signals – The local anesthetic provides immediate, temporary relief.

  3. Improve Mobility & Therapy Outcomes – With pain eased, you can engage more effectively in rehab and physical therapy .


The Procedure at Advanced Pain Institute

Led by Dr. John Broadnax, here’s how the process unfolds at the clinic apitexas.com:

  1. Topical Anesthetic – The procedure begins with a numbing agent (like lidocaine) to reduce discomfort.

  2. Image-Guided Precision – Using X-ray (fluoroscopy), the needle is carefully guided to the exact area of inflammation.

  3. Steroid Injection – The corticosteroid mix is delivered into the epidural space, and begins working against swelling.

Although steroids don’t “fix” things like herniated discs, they often resolve the inflammation causing pressure and pain.


Injection Techniques: Tailored to Your Condition

Advanced Pain Institute offers three ESI approaches, depending on your diagnosis and anatomy:

  • Interlaminar Injection – Administered between the laminae of vertebrae; useful for broader areas of inflammation.

  • Caudal Injection – Delivered through the sacral hiatus (near the tailbone); ideal if you have low back or tailbone symptoms.

  • Transforaminal Injection – Injected directly around the symptomatic nerve root; highly precise and usually most effective for radicular pain.


When Relief Begins & Duration of Effect

  • Onset: Typically, patients begin to feel relief within 3 to 10 days after the injection.

  • Short-term Gains: Many experience immediate reduction in inflammation and pain.

  • Duration: Relief can last days to months, with some fortunate patients reporting improvements for up to a year.

A series of 2–3 injections—spaced a few weeks apart—can produce a “stacking effect”, amplifying results.


After the Injection: What to Expect

Immediately after:

  • You may feel numbness or weakness in the treated limb due to the local anesthetic; this typically resolves in 4–6 hours.

  • Minor pain or soreness can occur at the injection site.

First few days:

  • Temporary pain flare-ups are common before the steroid kicks in.

  • Light walking is encouraged, while heavy lifting or strenuous exercise is advised against for at least 24 hours.

Week 1 to month 3+:

  • Most patients report significant symptom improvement, though effects can taper off after two to six weeks.

  • If necessary, additional ESIs may be administered—but typically no more than 3–4 per year.


Risks & Potential Side Effects

ESIs are generally safe and low-risk, especially with experienced providers . Common but mild side effects include:

  • Numbness, dizziness, headache

  • Mild nausea or local soreness

  • Temporary rise in blood sugar (especially in diabetics) apitexas.com

  • Increased eye pressure if you have glaucoma

Rare but serious risks:

  • Infection, bleeding, nerve injury, or dural puncture

  • In extremely rare cases, stroke or paralysis

Your doctor will carefully weigh the risks and benefits to determine if ESIs suit your situation.


Pairing ESIs with Other Therapies

Epidural injections are most effective when integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan, including:

  • Physical therapy and exercises to strengthen back/neck muscles.

  • Lifestyle modifications and ergonomic changes to prevent recurrence.

  • Other conservative therapies like acupuncture can amplify outcomes .


Real Talk: How Effective Are Epidural Steroid Injections?

  • Short-Term Success: Many people experience noticeable relief—24% report pain reduction for 2–6 weeks, and 26% see reduced disability for up to 3 months.

  • Variable Long-Term Results: Benefits often decline after 3–6 months, especially in chronic conditions .

  • Better for Acute/Injury Cases: People with new disc herniations often gain longer-lasting relief compared to those with long-term degeneration.


Why Choose Advanced Pain Institute of Texas?

  • Expertise in Imaging-Guided Precision: Dr. Broadnax and his team use X-rays to ensure accurate placement and maximum effect.

  • Multiple Injection Options tailored to your specific spine segment and pain location.

  • Patient-Centric Scheduling: ESIs are done as outpatient procedures, with appointments Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

  • Locally Trusted: The practice is a go-to for residents in the Dallas–Fort Worth area seeking effective pain relief and non-surgical options.


Ready to Get Relief?

Here’s how to take the next step:

  • Visit: apitexas.com to explore their treatment offerings and provider bios.

  • Call: 972‑866‑4246 to schedule a consultation.

  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

If you’re struggling with nerve pain in the DFW region, Advanced Pain Institute of Texas is equipped to deliver fast, effective relief paired with a full treatment strategy.


✅ Summary

Topic Details
What Epidural steroid injections to reduce nerve inflammation
Procedure Quick, image-guided, outpatient treatment
Relief timeline Signs of success within 3–10 days; lasts weeks to months
Safety Generally low-risk; serious complications are rare
Effectiveness Great short-term relief; long-term results vary
Best combined with Physical therapy, lifestyle changes, or alternative therapies

Pain shouldn’t control your life. With targeted, personalized treatment from specialists like those at the Advanced Pain Institute of Texas, you can take back comfort—and move forward with confidence.

For more information or to book an appointment, visit apitexas.com or call 972‑866‑4246. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Take action today—relief is within reach.

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