Epidural Steroid Injection has been found to be an effective adjunct to treatment for patients with neck, lower back, arm, and leg pain. Commonly, nerves in the neck or back are compressed near the spine by a bulging disc, a bone spur, or scar tissue. This causes the nerve to become irritated and swollen, causing pain, numbness or tingling radiating into the arms or legs. The purpose of the epidural injection is to decrease inflammation and provide pain relief, thereby facilitating active therapy. Their primary use is as one component of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes medication, physical therapy, and education in body mechanics.

The success of the epidural steroid injection in relieving pain is due to the potency of the anti-inflammatory medication introduced into the epidural space. Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication which reduces nerve irritation, thus reducing pain. As you may have heard, cortisone is sometimes associated with side effects such as puffy face, brittle bones, etc. These side effects typically occur in patients who are taking cortisone by mouth for long periods of time. With epidural injection, the cortisone acts locally on the nerves and herniated disc and systemic reactions are very rare.

The medication starts to work immediately, but takes about one week before it is entirely effective. Some patients feel relief upon injection, others in a few days to a week. You will be given an appointment for a follow up visit with your doctor to evaluate the success of the epidural injection approximately 4-7 days following epidural. If pain relief is not complete, the injection can be repeated after two weeks.

Possible side effects associated with the procedure include: numbness, dizziness, weakness for ½ hour to 4 hours after the injection; reaction to medication include minor or temporary allergic reaction which may include a temporary decrease in blood pressure (about 1 percent of the time); increased pain for one to seven days after injection; headache with or without spinal tap.

If you are having an epidural:
In preparation for your epidural injection, you can have a light breakfast or lunch. Please do not consume any dairy products. Medications should be taken with a sip of water. We ask that you arrange for transportation to the facility. You can expect to be at the center for about an hour to an hour and a half.

What should I do about my regular scheduled medications?
Please let us know if you are on blood thinners such as Coumadin or if you have any disorders of blood clotting. If you are taking aspirin on a regular basis, please stop 7 days prior to injection. Please stop any anti-inflammatory medications 3 days prior. If you are on insulin or oral diabetic medication, please contact us for specific directions. Any other medication should be continued on the day of your appointment as usual.

May I drive myself home after the procedure?
No. Although most people are ready to go home within 1 hour or so from the injection, we strongly discourage driving for the remainder of the day. Activities thereafter unlimited with regard to the procedure.