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Epidural Steroid Injections |
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What is an epidural steroid injection?
An epidural steroid injection is a therapeutic procedure done to relieve or eliminate pain in patients with spinal degeneration, spinal stenosis (narrowing) and/or disc herniation/protrusion.
How successful are the injections?
Success varies depending on what is causing the pain. Our highest success rate is with patients with acute symptoms, especially due to disc herniation/protrusion.
The procedure is somewhat less effective in patients with chronic or long-standing symptoms. There have been cases where patients who have had the spinal injection procedure have avoided surgery.
How long can the pain be relieved?
In some patients, a single injection will give permanent relief. Many patients require multiple injections, up to three for maximum effectiveness. Some patients receive no relief of symptoms from the steroid injection.
Why do epidural steroid injections work?
There is an inflammatory component that can cause the pain in many patients with neck and back disorders. Steroids act by reducing the inflammation and subsequently ease the pain. In patients where the inflammatory process is not a major contributor to source of pain, epidural steroid injections have limited usefulness.
How is the procedure done?
You will be asked to lie on an x-ray table. Your skin over the appropriate area will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution. A small needle will be placed into the area around your spine.
The location of the needle will be confirmed by injecting a small amount of x-ray contrast. The medicine will then be injected and the needle removed.
What are some of the side effects/complications of an epidural steroid injection?
As with any procedure involving a needle, there is a very small risk of infection or bleeding. If the fluid space around the nerve in the spine is inadvertently entered, there is a very small chance of a post spinal headache. Occasionally patients will describe pain at the injection site secondary to the needle placement, transient headaches or leg weakness, which clears after a few hours. If any of these symptoms persist, please contact your healthcare provider’s office for further assistance.
How long does the test take?
The actual placement of the needle with injection of medicine usually takes 5-15 minutes. If a patient has no immediate adverse effects, they are immediately discharged. In the rare situation where a patient has complained of weakness in his extremities, he is observed for a few hours.
How do I prepare for the procedure? - Do not eat solid foods for 3 hours prior to the examination.
- Bring a driver with you.
- If on antibiotics, medication must be complete prior to injection.
What should I do after the examination? - Do not drive an automobile until the next day.
Epidural Steroid Injections are available at: Coon Rapids, Centennial Lakes and Maple Grove |
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