910-295-6831 | Toll-free 800-755-2500Spine and Interventional Pain Management
Spinal Injections
What is an Epidural Steroid Injection?
An Epidural Steroid Injection is an injection of a long lasting steroid into the Epidural space, the area which surrounds the spinal cord and the exiting nerves.
What is the purpose?
The steroid reduces the inflammation and/or swelling of nerves in the Epidural space. This may in turn reduce pain, tingling and numbness and other symptoms caused by nerve inflammation / irritation or swelling. It also serves a diagnostic purpose in which the physician can obtain significantly useful information, depending on the patient’s response.
How do I prepare for the injection?
- You may eat and drink the day of the injection
- You must have someone to drive you home after the injection. You will not be allowed to drive for the remainder of the day following the injection
- Diabetics should follow their regular medication schedule. Steroid injections may cause temporary elevation of your blood sugar.
- If you are taking an antibiotic or have a fever please inform the nurse. You will be unable to receive the injection if you are taking antibiotics or have a fever.
- If you are taking blood thinners such as Plavix, Aspirin, Pletal or Coumadin please notify our staff immediately. With the permission of the prescribing physician, these medications are discontinued for up to seven days prior to the procedure.
During the procedure
You will be positioned face down. Your back will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. A numbing medication will be injected into your skin which may cause a burning sensation for a few seconds. An x-ray will be used to place the needle at the site and to inject the medication. You may feel pressure in back for a few minutes as the steroid medication is being injected. You may also experience tingling or pain in your affected leg. The entire procedure takes about 10 minutes. You will be monitored for 15 – 30 minutes following the procedure.
After the procedure
Most patients experience decreased pain following the injection. It may take 7 – 10 days before you know whether the injection is going to help you. Individual results vary. Injections can usually be repeated up to 3 times within 6 months. If you experience pain or discomfort in your back after the numbing medicine wears off you may take Advil, Tylenol or other pain medications prescribed by your physician. You may also apply ice to the injection site for up to 15 minutes to help decrease pain. Rest if you are fatigued and do not drastically increase your activity.
When to call the doctor after the injection
- Increased pain, numbness or weakness
- Difficulty with bladder or bowel control
- Redness, swelling or increasing pain at the injection site
- Headache persisting more than 24 hours