Epidural Steroid Injection
Epidural Injections are used to decrease nerve irritation and pain. This injection is given into the epidural space, located inside the spinal canal.
There is no guarantee that the epidural steroid will lessen your pain. The pain relief may be partial and/or temporary.
Research shows that an epidural steroid injection may not give long term relief. If your pain is lessened, this may allow you to resume your daily activities and participate in therapies that were not tolerated before due to the pain.
The duration of the pain relief from the steroid is variable with each person and is not predictable.
Please inform us if you are taking any type of blood thinner, anti-inflammatory medications or have any bleeding tendencies.
Description of Procedure
The skin overlying the area is prepared with a cleansing solution. A local anesthetic is given to numb the skin. A needle is then inserted into the epidural space of the spine. A steroid is then injected into this space.
Benefit
Decrease or elimination of your pain.
Potential Risks
- Infection
- bleeding
- bruising
- allergic reaction
- increased pain
- paralysis
- stroke or death
- increase in blood sugar
- headache requiring an epidural blood patch
- internal vessel/organ puncture
Notify our office for:
- Fever
- chills
- temperature over 100 degrees
- vomiting
- persistent stiff neck
- severe headache
- progressive weakness
- numbness
- hives or trouble breathing
- rash
- itchiness
- red or flushed face
- loss of bowel or bladder control
- any redness, swelling or drainage at the site of the injection
Our office phone number is (317) 471-1400 or 1-855-664-3636.
