Spine Center > Epidural

What is an epidural steroid injection and how is it performed?
An epidural steroid injection is a non-surgical treatment used for temporary pain relief in the arm, leg, lower back and neck. Pain is caused by an irritation of the spinal nerves and an epidural steroid injection can relieve the symptoms for a period of one week up to one year. A medication containing a mixture of local anesthetic and steroid medication is injected into the epidural space of the spine, which is located between the bony vertebra and dura mater, a tough and inflexible membrane that surrounds the spinal cord and nerve roots, and contains cerebrospinal fluid.

An epidural steroid injection is performed with the patient lying on his or her abdomen and the area of the skin where the needle will be injected is numbed with a local anesthetic. Fluoroscopy (live x-ray) or CT is used to aid the neuroradiologist in guiding the needle directly into the epidural space. Once the needle has reached the epidural space, a small amount of contrast dye is injected into the area to ensure proper needle placement followed by the steroid. The needle is then removed.

Before the Procedure:
You must bring your most recent MRI, CT or additional films/CD with you. Our schedulers will prepare you will provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for the upcoming procedure. You will be asked to hold any blood thinning medications such as Coumadin, Plavix, Aspirin, and any NSAIDS. Any insurance questions can be answered by your referring physician.

The Day of the Procedure:
We ask that you do not eat or drink 4 hours prior to your arrival. We do not dispense or provide prescriptions for medications. You will need someone to drive you home. Patients without a driver will be rescheduled for another day.

Following registration, the a nurse will escort you to our dressing room where you will be asked to change into a hospital gown. Vitals signs will be taken, a pain assessment note evaluating your pain symptoms will be written, and questions regarding the procedure will be reviewed.

Once the procedure is completed you will be escorted back to the recovery area where once properly recoved you may get dressed. Discharge instructions will be provided by the nurse.

Following the injection, you may have temporary numbness or weakness of your extremities lasting up to 6 hours. Sometimes it may be difficult to walk due to a lack of sensation in your foot. As this subsides, some patients report increased discomfort. This can be related to irritation from the steroid and will resolve. You should begin to notice pain relief after 10-14 days. We cannot predict or guarantee how much pain relief you will receive. The expected success rate depends on your diagnosis.

How soon can I return to my normal activities following an epidural steroid injection?
Upon discharge, you will be asked to rest for 24 hours and refrain from driving or operating machinery for 24 hours.

Is an epidural steroid injection covered by insurance?
You should direct any insurance questions to your referring physician and/or insurance provider.