EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTION
WHAT IS AN EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTION?
This injection procedure is performed to relieve low back and radiating leg pain. The steroid medication can reduce the swelling and inflammation caused by spinal conditions, such as spinal stenosis, radiculopathy, sciatica, and herniated discs. In some cases it may be necessary to repeat the injection to obtain a greater amount of benefit. This injection also helps to diagnostically determine which level of the spine is causing the pain.
STEP 1: The patient will be positioned face down. A local anesthetic numbs the skin and tissue down to the surface of the lamina portion of the lumbar vertebra bone.
STEP 2: A Fluoroscopic x-ray is used to guide the needle into the epidural space between the vertebra. A contrast solution is injected so the physician can use the fluoroscope to see the correct location of the needle tip.
STEP 3: A combination of numbing anesthetic and an anti-inflammatory steroid medication are delivered into the epidural space, bathing the painful nerve root with the medication.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER AN EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTION
The pain may significantly improve immediately but once anesthetic wears off, pain may return. It usually takes 5-10 days for the steroid medication to reduce inflammation and improve pain. Effects may last from days to months.
Aftercare Instructions
The day of the procedure apply a cool pack to the injection site for 15 minutes every hour while awake. You can continue this until soreness resolves.Please remove the band-aids placed after the procedure within 2-3 hours after the procedure. You may restart therapy 3 days after the procedure.
Return to Work
You may return to work the following day.
Return to Clinic for Evaluation After
It is very important to follow up within 2-3 weeks for further evaluation following the procedure.