Epidural Steroid Injection: Relieving Spine-related Pain
An epidural steroid injection may be recommended if you're experiencing prolonged pain, numbness, or tingling caused by spine-related conditions. Such conditions can lead to inflammation or irritation of nerves running along the spine, from the neck to the lower back. By injecting a corticosteroid medication into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord, inflammation can be significantly reduced or eliminated, resulting in pain relief.
Examples of patients who may benefit from this procedure include those with herniated, protruding, or degenerated discs, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis of the spine, and scar tissue resulting from prior neck or lower back surgery.
The procedure, done for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, typically takes around 20 minutes to complete. However, preparation and recovery can take additional time.
Frequently asked questions
Will I need to take a whole day off from work for the procedure?
Yes, you will need to take the day off. However, you should be able to return to work the following day.
If I feel up to it, can't I just drive myself home?
No, driving or operating heavy machinery is unsafe after this procedure. You should arrange for an adult to drive you home.
When will I be able to eat and take my medications?
You should be able to resume eating and taking your medications after the procedure.
How soon after the procedure can I bathe?
You can take a shower that evening, but avoid taking a bath, being in a hot tub, or swimming until the following day.
When will I be able to remove the bandage?
If you have a bandage, you can remove it on the evening of the procedure.
What are the possible complications?
Although rare, some complications can occur. You may experience temporary pain at the injection site, and a cold pack can be applied for comfort on the day of the procedure, or if discomfort persists, moist heat may be used. Headaches can also occur. Serious complications are rare but may include bleeding, infection, and nerve damage. If you experience severe pain, develop a fever or chills, or notice redness or swelling near the injection site, seek medical attention immediately.
What to expect
Before the procedure, you'll receive:
- An evaluation from a pain management physician
- A detailed description of the procedure
- A discussion about potential risks, benefits, and any alternative treatments
- An opportunity to have all of your concerns addressed and questions answered to your satisfaction
To prepare for the procedure:
- Do not eat solid food for at least six hours before the procedure.
- You may have clear liquids up until two hours before the procedure.
- Take prescribed medications for other medical conditions with a small sip of water the morning of the procedure.
- If you take blood thinners, ask the physician who prescribed the medication for instructions on stopping it before the procedure.
- Do not take pain medication on the day of your procedure. If you take an opiate medication for pain, consult with the pain management physician to determine the best schedule for taking them.
- If you take diabetic medication, discuss with your primary care doctor how best to take your medicine since you will be going without food for at least six hours.
- Bring all your medications with you. You will be able to take them as usual after the procedure.
- Inform the doctor or staff of any allergies, including medications, seafood, shellfish, latex, or X-ray dyes.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. You may be given mildly sedating medication, and it will be unsafe to drive.
