Epidural Steroid injections
Epidural steroid injection is a minimally invasive treatment involving the injection of a steroid into the epidural space outside the spine. This reduces swelling of inflamed and irritated spinal nerves that reach legs, arms, or other parts of the body in order to relieve pain and restore function.
types of epidurals
Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection
This injection is administered to relieve pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms caused by pinched or irritated nerve(s) in the cervical spine. The medication injected helps decrease swelling of the affected nerves and promotes healing of disc herniation.
Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection
This injection is performed to relieve low back and radiating leg pain. The steroid medication can reduce the swelling and inflammation of nerves. This usually results in significant reduction in pain.
Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injection
This injection is performed to reduce pain in the upper or mid back which may radiate to the chest wall or abdomen. The medication injected will reduce the swelling of the nerves.
Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection
This injection is performed to reduce pain in the lower back. The medication is injected into the sacral bone to help reduce the swelling and inflammation of the nerves.
Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection
This injection is completed from either the left or the right side of the spine where the nerve exits the spine. Putting anti-inflammatory medication near the source of the inflamed nerves can help reduce the pain.
who is a candidate?
Epidurals are often used to treat conditions such as
- Herniated Disc
- Spinal Stenosis
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Sciatica
what to expect
During the Procedure
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and for some patients, with intravenous sedation. Fluoroscopy, a type of x-ray, will be used to guide the needle between the bony vertebrae into the epidural space. When the needle is correctly positioned the anesthetic and corticosteroid medications are injected into the epidural space around the nerve roots.
After the procedure
It generally takes 3-5 days before the steroid that was injected causes a reduction in your pain. You may return to your everyday activities and work the day after your injection. Many patients experience significant pain relief. For those experiencing only mild pain relief, one or two more injections may be performed to achieve full effect. The duration of pain relief varies from patient to patient, usually lasting for 3 months or more.
What are the risks?
As with any procedure involving a needle, there is a rare chance of infection, bleeding, allergic reaction and nerve damage. Complications are extremely rare. Talk with your provider if you have specific questions about the risk of your procedure.
preparing for your procedure
Clothing
Dress in loose, comfortable clothing, and leave jewelry and other valuables at home.
Driver
You must have a driver to take you home after the procedure.
Fasting
If you are scheduled to be sedated, you must fast for 8 hours before the procedure.
Medications
If you take medications for high blood pressure or any kind of heart condition, please take your medications as normal with a small sip of water.
Blood Thinners
If you take aspirin or any blood thinning medication you will need to stop taking it for 2-7 days before your procedure. Discuss the risks involved with the physician who prescribes your blood thinner. Restart the blood thinner the day after your procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at 479-434-3600 or admin@arpain.com if you cannot find an answer to your question, we would be happy to assist you.
The procedure takes anywhere from 10-20 minutes.
The procedure will be done in our procedure room with the use of a fluoroscopy(x-ray) machine.
Yes, the injection can be repeated 3-4 injections per year is typical.
If you are not currently a patient of Oklahoma Pain Specialists, you will need a consultation visit first. If you are a current patient, please speak to your provider about scheduling your procedure.
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