These side effects typically resolve in a few minutes to hours. In general, epidural injections administered for spinal levels L4 or lower carry a lesser risk of complication s compared to higher levels. The injections are typically not given when certain complicating medical conditions are present, such as infections, tumors, or bleeding disorders. Additionally, the injections may not be given in case of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, certain heart conditions, and pregnancy.
The treatment area in the lower back is numbed with a local anesthetic injection before the epidural is given, so the epidural injection procedure is usually painless.
An epidural steroid injection procedure may take about 30 minutes to administer. A tingling or mild burning sensation, or the feeling of pressure may be experienced as the medication enters the epidural space. When the injection is completed, the irritation and discomfort usually disappear within a few minutes. Patients typically return home after a few hours. Specific post-injection precautions are followed over the next few days. Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection Video.
You are here Treatment Injections. By Richard Staehler, MD. Peer Reviewed. Patel K, Upadhyayula S. Epidural Steroid Injections. This exam typically uses a radiographic table, one or two x-ray tubes, and a video monitor. Fluoroscopy converts x-rays into video images.
Doctors use it to watch and guide procedures. The x-ray machine and a detector suspended over the exam table produce the video. The CT scanner is typically a large, donut-shaped machine with a short tunnel in the center. You will lie on a narrow table that slides in and out of this short tunnel.
Rotating around you, the x-ray tube and electronic x-ray detectors are located opposite each other in a ring, called a gantry. The computer workstation that processes the imaging information is in a separate control room. This is where the technologist operates the scanner and monitors your exam in direct visual contact. The technologist will be able to hear and talk to you using a speaker and microphone.
The different types of medications injected into the epidural space create different effects for patients. Corticosteroids act as anti-inflammatory agents, reducing swelling and nerve irritation to allow the nerve time to heal itself, thereby preventing further discomfort. By delivering an epidural injection directly into the epidural space, the medication moves throughout the epidural space, coating the inflamed or irritated nerve roots.
Therefore, a lumbar lower back injection could alleviate pain associated with the lower back and the nerves traveling to the lower limbs, such as the sciatic nerves. Similarly, if an epidural injection is performed in the neck, it should spread throughout the cervical epidural space and provide relief to nerve roots in the neck which can also relieve arm pain.
See the Facet Joint Block page for more information. The duration of improvement from the epidural injection varies. Some patients have permanent relief. In others, the effects may not last long. In some cases, you may have a series of injections before you may benefit from significant relief. A patient may experience relief for a matter of days up to several months; however, the pain may eventually return, requiring another series of injections or an alternative treatment.
This procedure is often done on an outpatient basis. However, some patients may require admission following the procedure. Ask your doctor if you will need to be admitted. The epidural injection usually takes only minutes to administer, but positioning in the CT or x-ray unit may take longer. When you arrive at the office, hospital or surgical center, the nurse or technologist may place an intravenous IV line in your arm to deliver a relaxation medication during the procedure; this is seldom needed but will be available if required.
You will be situated on your stomach or on your side, on a table in the fluoroscopic room or in a CT scan room and made to feel as comfortable as possible. The doctor will identify where the injection should be given and will clean and sterilize the skin with an antiseptic solution. A local anesthetic is then injected to help numb the area before administering the epidural injection.
Once the area is numb, the doctor will most likely use imaging guidance to help guide the epidural needle to exactly the right position. When the needle is in place, a contrast material will be injected so the doctor can accurately target the nerves for sufficient distribution of the medication. When finished, you will be moved into a chair or bed and allowed to rest for a few minutes to an hour. What does an epidural do? How long does the pain relief last?
Can an epidural slow labor or lead to a cesarean delivery C-section? Can epidurals harm the baby? Are there risks and side effects? To make this less likely, you will be given extra fluids through a tube in your arm IV , and you may need to lie on your side. Sometimes, your physician anesthesiologist will give you a medication to maintain your blood pressure. Sore back — Your lower back may be sore where the needle was inserted to deliver the medication. This soreness should last no more than a few days.
There is no evidence that an epidural can cause permanent back pain. Patients may experience mild discomfort but should not experience severe pain during the procedure. The procedure can last anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes and requires the patient to lie prone, if possible, to allow for X-ray guidance fluoroscopy. After the procedure, you can sit, stand, and walk as usual after a short period of monitoring. Epidural steroid injections at HSS are performed by several types of doctors — pain management physicians , physiatrists and interventional radiologists — all of whom are trained to safely perform this procedure, often with additional subspecialty fellowship training.
What are epidural steroid injections? What are epidural corticosteroid injections used for? Who can benefit from an epidural steroid injection? How do epidural corticosteroid injections work? How often can you get epidural steroid injections? How long do epidural injections last for back pain?
What are the risks of epidural steroid injections? What are the side effects of epidural steroid injections? Is any preparation required?
Can I eat before and after my procedure?
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