A Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection is a very common procedure with an extensive track record of safety and success. The epidural space is a small area located adjacent to the spinal cord and the nerve roots. When discs degenerative or become compressed/herniated, nerves can become pinched and inflamed. This sends pain signals that can often travel the length of the nerve, into the extremities causing pain, numbness, and/or tingling.
Anti-inflammatory corticosteroid and local anesthetic medication is injected into the epidural space to help calm the inflamed nerve roots. Your specialist will determine what level the epidural injection should be performed. When conservative therapy has been trialed and failed, an epidural steroid injection can accelerate the healing process and facilitate a return to functional activity. Multiple injection treatments may be needed to achieve maximum benefit.
Side effects of Epidural Steroid Injections are rare and your provider will discuss them with you. You will be asked to sign a written consent prior to the procedure, as well as a brief medical history questionnaire. You will also be asked to refrain from taking any NSAIDs or other blood-thinning medications within three days of the procedure, to prevent increased bruising.
Epidural steroid injections, as with most other procedures, are performed in our fluoroscopy suite. X-ray, or fluoroscopy, is used for nearly all injections to ensure safety and accuracy. Intravenous sedation offered. If you receive anesthesia, you will not be able to drive following your procedure, so please make arrangements for transportation. You may resume normal activities the day after the procedure, unless otherwise directed by your physician. It may take several days to feel the full effects of the procedure. Your provider will schedule a follow-up evaluation to evaluate the results of the procedure.
While some patients will require more advanced interventions, an epidural steroid injection is a very common, simple, and safe procedure. Please contact our office if you have additional questions regarding this procedure.
