What To Expect During an Epidural Injection Procedure

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Chronic back pain can severely impact daily life, limiting mobility, disrupting sleep, and reducing overall quality of life. For many, this pain stems from spinal conditions such as herniated discs, sciatica, or degenerative disc disease. When traditional treatments like medication or physical therapy fall short, epidural injections may offer additional relief. Here’s information on what to expect before, during, and after the epidural injection procedure to help you be prepared:

Before the Procedure

Preparation for your epidural injection plays a fundamental role in making sure you have an effective procedure. Before your treatment, here are some steps that may help:

Consult With Your Doctor: Share your full medical history, especially regarding medications or allergies. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications a few days before the procedure.
Plan Your Day: Arrange for someone to drive you home, as you may experience slight discomfort or numbness after the injection.
Avoid Food and Drinks (if instructed): Some clinics ask patients to fast for a few hours before the appointment.
Wear Comfortable Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to allow easy access to the injection site.

How Do Epidural Steroid Injections Work?

Epidural injections are a key part of nonsurgical pain management. They deliver anti-inflammatory medicine directly into the spine’s epidural space, which is the area between the dural membrane and the wall of the spinal canal. This space contains fat and blood vessels and surrounds the sac that protects the nerves traveling through your spine.

Epidural injections combine a local anesthetic for immediate pain relief, a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation, and sometimes a saline solution to flush proteins contributing to inflammation. These treatments are often used for acute pain relief and to support other therapies, like physical therapy, by improving mobility and comfort.

What Conditions May Benefit From Steroid Injections?

Epidural injections may be recommended to relieve pain related to conditions like:

Spinal Stenosis
Herniated Discs
Sciatica
Degenerative Disc Disease
Spondylolisthesis

The duration of pain relief varies, lasting anywhere from a day to a year, depending on the patient’s condition and individual response to treatment.

During the Procedure

Your epidural injection procedure will likely be performed in an outpatient setting. It’s a straightforward process that doesn’t take long. Once you are there for your procedure, you will lie down on a bed. Usually, you will be asked to lie on your stomach, though the position may vary depending on the area of your spine targeted. A pillow or cushion may be used to make you more comfortable and keep your spine aligned.

Using Fluoroscopy to Guide the Needle

To deliver the injection precisely, a fluoroscopy (a live X-ray) will guide the doctor to the exact location in your cervical or lumbar spine. Your skin will be cleaned, and a local anesthetic will be applied to numb the area. Then, the doctor will insert the needle into the epidural space and inject the anti-inflammatory solution. You may feel mild pressure. Afterward, you’ll be monitored for a short period before being discharged.

After the Procedure

The duration of pain relief depends on the severity of your condition and individual response. Some patients experience relief for just a few days, while others find the benefits last for several months. These injections are not a cure-all, but they are highly effective for managing acute pain and as a complement to other treatments, such as physical therapy.

Post-procedure care is minimal. Most individuals can return to normal activities within a couple of days. To maximize benefits, try to rest on the day of the procedure and avoid strenuous activities for a few days. Follow up with your doctor if you notice any unusual side effects, such as prolonged numbness or increased pain. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider are key to determining if repeat injections are necessary or beneficial.

Learn More About Epidural Injections

Epidural steroid injections can offer significant pain relief and improve your overall quality of life when living with chronic back pain. Understanding the procedure and what to expect helps remove any uncertainty, making this step in your treatment plan more approachable. For more information or to see if epidural injections are the right fit for you, schedule a consultation with a specialist today.

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