Epidural steroid injections

<p>An epidural steroid injection is a non-surgical treatment option for relieving back or extremity pain. Your doctor may suggest an epidural steroid injection to treat pain associated with a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, arthritis, or other degenerative conditions of the spine.</p> <h3>How does an Epidural Steroid Injection work?</h3> <p>Epidural steroid injections treat back pain by delivering a combination of anti-inflammatory and pain medications into the area of the affected nerves. An epidural steroid injection may also be used as a diagnostic test to locate the specific nerve root causing the patient’s symptoms. An epidural steroid injection is not a cure for underlying spinal conditions; it is often employed to reduce discomfort, potentially for months, in non-surgical candidates or serve as a bridge to definitive surgery.</p> <h3>Epidural Steroid Injection procedure</h3> <p>For an epidural steroid injection, you will lie face down and the injection site will be cleaned. Your doctor will inject a local anesthetic to numb the area. Occasionally, moderate sedation will be provided. A thin needle is then inserted into the epidural space, guided by fluoroscopic X-ray to ensure precise placement. A contrast dye is injected through the needle to confirm appropriate positioning prior to injection of the anesthetic and corticosteroid medications.</p> <h3>What can you expect after Epidural Spinal Injection?</h3> <p>You may feel some pressure during the injection, but the procedure is generally well-tolerated. After the injection, some patients may feel numbness in the distribution of the nerves treated. This is due to the anesthetic and usually fades within a few hours. Epidural steroid injections can take 24-72 hours before pain-relieving action occurs. In some cases, if the desired effect is not obtained after the first injection, then reinjection may be recommended.</p> <h3>What are the associated risks and complications?</h3> <p>With any procedure, risks such as bleeding or infection at the injection site can occur. Your doctor and nurses will discuss any other potential risks or complications before your procedure.</p>