Epidural Steroid Injection
Non-Surgical Treatment of Lumbar-Neck Pain
Epidural Steroid Injection
Having a clear understanding of your treatment will help you to cope with your pain. This brochure contains information about epidural steroid injections and we hope it will help you.
What is the Purpose of Epidural Steroid Injection?
Epidural steroid injection is a procedure in which pain-relieving medication is administered directly into a small area in your back and neck where nerves exit, to treat pain caused by irritation of the spinal nerves. The spinal cord is surrounded by a protective layer called the dural sac. This sac contains the spinal fluid that bathes and nourishes the spinal cord. The space between the outer surface of the dural sac and the spinal bones is the epidural space. The nerves that exit the spinal cord pass through the spine and pass through the epidural space and are distributed throughout the body.
Epidural injections can be administered in your neck (cervical), back (thoracic) or lower back (lumbar), depending on the area where you have pain.
What is done in this process?
Epidural steroid injection is a procedure performed in a special procedure room. It does not require hospitalization. For your safety and comfort, we can connect you to a number of devices (ECG monitor, blood pressure cuff and a blood oxygen level monitor). We can also give you intravenous medication to help you relax. You will lie on your stomach with your face on it. After your skin has been cleaned with an antiseptic solution, the doctor will give you a numbing injection so that you do not feel pain. This injection may cause a burning sensation for a few seconds.
Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, the doctor will insert another needle using a special x-ray machine called a fluoroscope and inject a radio opaque dye (contrast dye) to see if the needle is in the right place. Once the needle is in the right position, he or she will give a mixture of an anesthetic (anesthetic) and an anti-inflammatory (cortisone/steroid). As the medicine is injected, it is normal to feel a pain similar to your usual lower back pain. This is a good sign and shows that the medicine is going to the right place. The pain usually disappears with time.
Can I sleep through this procedure?
You do not need to sleep for this procedure, but you will receive enough medication to keep you relaxed.
How Long Does This Process Take?
Epidural steroid injection normally takes no more than 5-10 minutes.
Does the procedure need to be repeated?
Depending on the level of pain relief after the first injection, injections may rarely need to be renewed, with a minimum of 2-3 weeks between injections.
What should I do before the procedure?
We recommend that you do not eat or drink anything in the four hours before the procedure. If you have diabetes, you should discuss your eating and medication program with your doctor.
You may need to stop taking certain medications for a few days before the procedure. Please remind the doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including herbal supplements or vitamins. The doctor will tell you when or if you should stop the medication. If you are taking blood thinners, you should stop them 3 days before the procedure.
Whether you have asthma or have had an allergic reaction (i.e. hives, itching, itching, difficulty breathing, difficulty breathing, etc.) to a contrast agent used in a previous radiology examination (CT scan, angiography, etc.).It is very important to tell the doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to the contrast material used (i.e. hives, itching, difficulty breathing, any treatment that required hospitalization) or if you have had an allergic reaction to shellfish (shrimp, lobster, crab, scallops). The doctor may give you some medications to take before the epidural steroid injection procedure.
If you experience cold, fever or flu symptoms before this procedure, consult your doctor.
You can easily call us at any time for any questions you may have before and after the procedure and about the condition of your pain. Our experienced team will be happy to assist you.
When Will Your Pain Go Away?
Although you may feel much better immediately after the injection, depending on the medication, there is a chance that your pain may return within a few hours. It may take a few days for the steroid injection to take effect. Maximum dürülülür is seen 1-2 weeks after injection.
What are the Risks of Epidural Steroid Injection?
Although rare, these risks include:
- Allergic reaction to medication;
- nerve damage;
- bruising in the injection site;
- infection in the injection site;
- puncture of the dura causing headache.
If you experience severe back pain, new numbness or weakness in your legs, persistent headache, or signs of infection in the injection site, notify your doctor immediately.
How Can I Make an Appointment for Another Injection?
The first injection will often provide a near complete reduction in your pain. However, you will often be given an appointment for 3 more injections in case there is not enough relief. You may also receive physiotherapy together with the injections. In this case, the injections will be coordinated with the physiotherapy sessions. If your pain does not decrease sufficiently after the first injection, please let us know. If you feel a slight improvement after the first injection, we can offer you a 2nd or 3rd injection. If your pain decreases sufficiently, we will gladly cancel your other appointments.
