The epidural space is a layer of fat, blood vessels, and lymphatics located between the spinal cord and spinal canal. The fat absorbs shock, the vessels supply blood to the spine, and the lymphatics remove foreign material from the area. Sometimes, the epidural space can become inflamed, causing swelling and irritability of the spinal nerves.
What can I expect during the procedure?
You will be brought into the procedure room and laid on your stomach on a special table. Your skin will be cleaned at the injection site and a local anesthetic will be used to numb your skin.
A fluoroscope (x-ray machine) will be used to visualize the needle as it is guided to the appropriate site. A harmless contrast dye is injected to ensure correct placement. The steroid medication is then administered. An anesthetic may also be injected into the affected area with the steroid to provide temporary relief while the steroid takes effect.
What can I expect after the procedure?
You will be moved into the recovery area and monitored by a nurse for 15-20 minutes You may experience temporary numbness or weakness in the legs for 30-40 minutes.
We recommend that you take it easy for the remainder of the day. You may resume normal activities the next day. Do not soak in water for 24 hours. Avoid heavy lifting or twisting for the next four days. You may experience tenderness or aggravated symptoms for several days after the injection as the anesthetic wears off. Apply ice to help with this pain. Patients usually feel relief within a few days, but it may take 10-14 days for the full effect.
Plan to follow-up with your provider two weeks after the injection to assess its effectiveness and determine the next step in your care.
Types of Epidural Steroid Injections
Each injection targets a particular area along the spine, providing relief to the specific nerves associated with your pain.
Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection
A cervical epidural steroid injection is a common and effective treatment for relieving neck, shoulder, and arm pain that generally results from a nerve becoming pinched by discs in the cervical spine.
The cervical vertebrae are bones that make up the part of the spine that runs through the neck region. Certain medical conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or arthritis can cause the cervical nerves to become irritated or inflamed, causing pain.
Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injection
A thoracic epidural steroid injection is a common and effective treatment for relieving upper back and mid back pain that generally results from a nerve becoming pinched by discs in the thoracic spine.
The thoracic spine is a collection of bones that make up the part of the spinal column located within the upper back, approximately between the neck and the bottom of the ribs. Conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, and trauma can cause the thoracic nerves to become irritated or inflamed, resulting in pain.
Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection
- An interlaminar lumbar ESI is administered by injecting the steroid into a general area of the lumbar epidural space, allowing it to flow to the affected nerve, bathe it in medication, and provide relief.
- A transforaminal lumbar ESI is administered by injecting the steroid medication directly at the site of the affected nerve root.
A lumbar epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a common and effective treatment for relieving lower back and leg pain that generally results from a nerve becoming pinched by discs in the lumbar spine.
The lumbar spine is a collection of bones that make up the part of the spinal column located within the lower back. Medical conditions such as sciatica, herniated discs, and arthritis can cause the lumbar nerves to become irritated or inflamed, causing pain.
