Specializing in Surgical & Non-Surgical Spine Care

Epidural Steroid Injection

An epidural steroid injection, or epidural block, is an injection of medication into the epidural space, which is the space surrounding the structures in the spinal canal, such as the discs and the nerves and joints.  In many patients the procedure can help relieve low back pain, hip and leg pain, and/or neck and shoulder and arm pain, by reducing inflammation (irritation and swelling) around the structures in the spine.  Epidural injections can be performed  in the back or the neck.  The medication that is injected is a steroid, one of the strongest anti-inflammatory drugs.  Steroid acts  on the nerves to diminish inflammation and swelling and hopefully  reduce pain and break the pain cycle.  This in turn will allow  you to become more active and hopefully speed your recovery.  Some people may feel more relief than others from the injection and sometimes more than one injection is needed to achieve optimal relief.

HOW IS THE INJECTION PERFORMED?

You will lie on your stomach and the area to be injected will be cleaned with a sterilizing antiseptic liquid.  X-ray imaging is then used to locate the exact area to be injected.  This area is numbed with a fine needle and then the epidural needle is inserted into the spine.

Most people described the procedure as being associated with some discomfort.  While the medication is injected  it is common to feel pressure or cramping radiating into the extremity, many times similar to the pain you are already experiencing.  You will be awake during the procedure, but once again, numbing medication is utilized. 

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

The procedure itself takes perhaps 5 to 10 minutes to perform.  You will be discharged when you are stable and relatively comfortable, usually in less than 30 minutes.

ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS AFTERWARDS?

It is safe to be active within the tolerances of your discomforts.  In general, however, we recommend you take it easy for the rest of the day avoiding heavy lifting and excessive bending and twisting.  As you feel better, we would encourage you to become more active.