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Epidural Steroid Injection
Epidural steroid injections are a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in an outpatient setting. A small needle is inserted into the epidural space, and a long-acting steroid is injected. The steroid works to reduce inflammation and pain, while also improving mobility and allowing for proper function. This is because epidural injections only target nerves that carry pain signals, not those responsible for touch and pressure. Epidural steroid injections are a common treatment for back and neck pain.
Did You Know?
The epidural space is the area around the spinal cord. When steroids are injected, they work to reduce inflammation in this area. This can help to relieve pain and improve function.
Epidural Steroid Injection
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for an epidural steroid injection?
You may be a candidate for an epidural steroid injection if you have chronic pain caused by a herniated disc, pinched nerve, spinal stenosis, or sciatica. Candidates for epidural steroid injections generally have tried other conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, without relief. Your doctor will also consider your medical history and the severity of your pain before recommending this treatment. Individuals with uncontrolled diabetes, blood clotting disorders, infections, allergies to anesthesia drugs, or who are taking certain medications may not be ideal candidates. To determine if you are an ideal candidate for epidural spinal injections, schedule a consultation with one of our pain specialists at Relevium: Pain, Vein, & Wellness.
What can I expect when getting an epidural spinal injection?
When getting an epidural steroid injection, you can expect to feel a small amount of discomfort at the injection site as the local anesthetic is injected. However, the procedure itself is minimally invasive and can be done in an outpatient setting.
Once the area is numb, a fluoroscopy is used to visualize the epidural space. A fluoroscopy is a specialized x-ray that allows your doctor to view the spine in real time. Your doctor will start by injecting a small amount of dye to ensure that the medication will flow properly. Then, a small needle is inserted into the epidural space, and a long-acting steroid is injected. The entire procedure normally takes about 15-20 minutes.
What can I expect after an epidural spine injection?
After an injection, most people notice relief almost instantly. This is due in part to the local anesthetic. The steroid itself takes anywhere from 2-5 days to be effective. Although the effects of the steroid can last for several months, this relief is temporary, and you may need to repeat the injections every few months.
Some of the Epidural Steroid Injections Offered at Relevium includes:
After the procedure is completed, you should start to feel relief from your pain within a few hours. You will need to avoid strenuous activities for the first 24 hours after the procedure. The effects of the nerve block will typically last for six months, depending on the type of nerve block used and how your body metabolizes the medication.
There are a few potential side effects that can occur after getting a nerve block. These side effects include: bruising, tenderness, and numbness at the injection site. Most side effects are minor and will go away on their own within a few days. In rare cases, more serious side effects can occur, such as: paralysis, infection, and nerve damage.
- Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection
- Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection
- Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injection
- Thoracic Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection
- Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection
- Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection
- Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection
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