Epidural Steroid Injection
Overview
An epidural steroid injection treats nerve irritation caused by nearby tissues pressing on the nerve. The inflamed nerve root is bathed in steroids, an anti-inflammation medicine, to decrease the irritation of the nerve root that is causing the pain. Treatment can be for the neck region (cervical), middle back area (thoracic), or the lower back area (lumbar).
What to expect
You will be admitted to the surgery center and assessed by a nurse. After the assessment, you will be asked to return to the waiting room and wait for your physician. When you go to the treatment room, you will be asked to lie face down on the x-ray table, and a pillow will be placed under your stomach to create a small curve in your back. We will expose the area on your back where the injection will be administered, so it is recommended you wear loose fitting clothing that can be easily moved to expose your back. A sterile cleansing solution will be applied to your injection site, and the physician will instill numbing medicine around the area to be injected. Using the x-ray for guidance, the physician will insert a needle in the skin towards the affected nerve area. The placement of the needle will be confirmed by the x-ray and then the steroid is injected. Patients usually can sense some pressure and some feel mild discomfort during the injection of the steroid. After the procedure, you will be monitored for 10 – 15 minutes before you are allowed to go home. You must have someone to drive you home after the procedure.
How to prepare
You will need to call or come by the surgery center to talk with a nurse to go over your pre-procedure instructions at least two days prior to your procedure. If you are on any type of blood thinners, you will need to consult with your physician about discontinuing them prior to the procedure. You may also be required to have blood drawn if you are on a certain type of blood thinners. Please wear loose fitting clothing and have someone with you at the center who is able to drive you home.
