Why epidural steroid injection

Other times the benefits continue for some time. Why might I need an epidural steroid injection? A number of conditions may add to this narrowing, including: Herniated disks "Slipped" vertebrae Joint cysts Bone spurs Thickening ligaments in the spine because of spinal arthritis Injected steroids reduce inflammation and opens up these passages to provides pain relief.

What are the risks of an epidural steroid injection? If you do have side effects, they may include: "Steroid flush," or flushing of the face and chest, with warmth and an increase in temperature for several days Sleeping problems Anxiety Menstrual changes Water retention In rare instances, pain that actually increases for several days after the procedure Serious complications are rare but can include: Allergic reaction Bleeding Nerve damage Infection Paralysis How do I get ready for an epidural steroid injection?

Tips for preparation include the following: An epidural steroid injection is generally an outpatient procedure.

You may be asked to change into a surgical gown to make the injection process easier. You may want to ask for a mild sedative, but most people receive just local anesthetic. If you have diabetes, an allergy to contrast dye, or certain other medical conditions, you'll want to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider before getting the procedure.

Based on your medical condition, your healthcare provider may request other specific steps. What happens during an epidural steroid injection procedure? Can I eat before and after my procedure? Is any anesthesia used? Are epidural steroid injections painful? Will I have to lie flat on my stomach for long during or after the procedure?

Who performs epidural steroid injections? Three routes may be used for epidural injections in the lumbosacral spine: caudal interlaminar also known as translaminar transforaminal Your physician will choose which method is right for you based on your diagnosis and if you have had any prior spine surgeries.

A caudal injection is the least complicated way to access the epidural space but is also the least specific. It can be useful if multiple areas of the spine are involved or if post-surgical changes prevent other approaches.

An interlaminar or translaminar injection delivers the medication directly into the epidural space at the affected level, can be targeted to one side or the other, and can treat multiple levels at once.

A transforaminal injection delivers the medication to the area where the specific affected nerve root exits the spine and is compressed by a disc herniation. It is the usual first choice approach for an epidural injection. Some contraindications for performing epidural steroid injections include: bleeding disorders or anticoagulation medication allergies rare systemic infection or localized infection overlying the area What are the side effects of epidural steroid injections?

Can I eat before and after my epidural steroid injection? In-person and virtual physician appointments. Book online. Urgent Ortho Care. Same-day in-person or virtual appointments. Get care. You may be told to temporarily stop taking blood thinners. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen Advil, Motrin , clopidogrel Plavix , warfarin Coumadin, Jantoven , naproxen Aleve, Naprosyn , and heparin.

You may feel some discomfort in the area where the needle was inserted. This should last only a few hours. Your pain may become worse for 2 to 3 days after the injection before it begins to improve. The steroid usually takes 2 to 3 days to work. If you receive medicines to make you sleepy during the procedure, you must arrange for someone to drive you home. ESI provides short-term pain relief in at least one half of the people who receive it.

Symptoms may remain better for weeks to months, but rarely up to a year. The procedure does not cure the cause of your back pain. You will need to continue back exercises and other treatments.

Dixit R. Low back pain. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Interventional nonoperative management of neck and back pain. Benzel's Spine Surgery.

Narayan S, Dubin A. Nerve blocks: spine. Pain Management Secrets. Updated by: C.