What is an Epidural Steroid Injection?
An Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI) places a corticosteroid directly around a pinched nerve as it exits the spine within the epidural space. The epidural space is where the bones and discs of the spine surround the nerves and spinal cord. This is the space into which disc material can herniate and cause pressure and inflammation around the spinal nerves.
What are Epidural Steroid Injections used for?
By reducing inflammation of the irritated spinal nerves, an ESI can significantly reduce your neck or back pain and associated numbness and tingling in your arms or legs. It can also help diagnose a specific nerve root problem.
How long do Epidural Injections last?
For those with pain from disc herniations, the average pain relief is about 3 months. For some, ESIs may help resolve pain permanently for those with new disc herniations.
What happens during the procedure?
The procedure lasts about 10-15 minutes. You will be positioned on an exam table and the skin overlying the injection site is cleansed and then numbed with an anesthetic, like a dentist numbing the gums. For safety, X-ray imaging and contrast dye are used to help the doctor see where the injection needs to go. The doctor then injects the medicine, typically a steroid mixed with an anesthetic. Afterward, you are observed in the waiting room for about 15-30 minutes. The steroid relief typically begins working within 2-3 days; however, the anesthetic may give you relief immediately.
What are the risks?
In general, ESIs are safe and the most common side effects, about 1%, include increased pain or pain at the injection site. ESIs very rarely cause infection, serious bleeding, nerve damage or stroke. Multiple safety measures minimize these risks, and the likelihood of this happening is less than 1 in 4265!
When can I resume normal activities?
We recommend not participating in strenuous activities on the day of the injection. Normal recent activities can be resumed the following day, including physical therapy or chiropractic treatment.