17 Oct Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection
A lumbar epidural steroid injection is a procedure that can relieve low back pain, that may or may not be radiating down the leg. A lumbar epidural spinal injection is recommended to–
- reduce nerve inflammation and pain
- aid healing
- get important diagnostic information, such as which particular nerve root is causing the pain
The injection procedure takes about 15 minutes. However, your procedure may take longer if you are having more than one spinal level treated.
Medications injected
The lumbar epidural injection procedure involves injecting a local anesthetic and corticosteroid into the epidural space. The epidural space is a protective tissue that contains blood vessels and fat tissue, around the spinal cord.
The Corticosteroid medication coats the nerve roots and relieves inflammation. The local anesthetic provides immediate short-term pain relief while the steroid starts working.
The epidural injection is administered in a sterile setting. In the procedure room, you are positioned face down on the table. The skin area is cleansed and a local anesthetic is injected to numb the skin and spine muscles.
The procedure is performed using X-ray guidance or fluoroscopy to guide the needle into position. A contrast dye is injected to ensure precise needle placement. The anesthetic and corticosteroid are then injected into the epidural space. After the injection, a small bandage is applied to cover the injection site.
After the injection, you are moved into a recovery area for a while. Your vital signs are closely monitored and after some time, you are allowed to go home. It is common to feel mild discomfort 2-3 days after the injection. If you have any concerns or questions, you should talk to your pain doctor.
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