Epidural Steroid Injection

A minimally invasive procedure to relieve back pain

The spine’s epidural space contains both the spinal cord and nerve roots that branch off from the spinal cord. Several conditions can cause inflammation of the spinal cord and nerve roots within the epidural space, such as:

• Arthritis
• Herniated or ruptured disc
• Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal

In an epidural steroid injection, we inject a steroid medication into the epidural space of the cervical (neck), thoracic (middle), lumbar (low back), or sacral (bottom) spine, depending on where your pain is. The medication lowers the inflammation of the nerves and can relieve your pain.

There is a small risk of complications from an epidural steroid injection. These complications can include:
Changes in blood pressure
Headache
Nerve injury
Pain at the injection site
Puncture of the dura, a membrane that surrounds the spinal cord, which we can treat with an epidural blood patch

Pain Management Service, Newton-Wellesley Ambulatory Care Center
159 Wells Avenue
Newton, MA 02459
Phone: 617-243-6142

What to Expect From Your Epidural Steroid Injection

When you arrive for your procedure, one of our nurses will speak with you about what your pain is like and how you manage daily activities. We’ll record the following vital health information:

• Allergies
• Blood pressure
• Brief health history
• Medications you’re currently taking
• Pulse
• Temperature
• Weight

It’s especially important to tell your nurse if you:

• Are allergic to contrast dye, Betadine (iodine), or latex
• Currently take blood thinners
• Have diabetes or could be pregnant

Next, you’ll discuss the procedure with your doctor and go into the X-ray room, where we’ll help you onto a table. Once you’re comfortable, we’ll clean your skin with an antiseptic and numb it with a local anesthetic. Next, your doctor will use X-ray guidance to place a small needle into the epidural space of your spine. We may use a small amount of contrast dye to make sure the needle is in the correct location. Once the needle is in place, your doctor will inject the medication into the joint. The entire procedure will take only a few minutes.

You should plan to stay with us for 15 to 20 minutes after your procedure, as the anesthetic can make your arms or legs feel weak or numb, depending on where you received your injection. During this time, a nurse will go over any questions you may have and review your discharge instructions and required follow-up care. You may need a ride home, depending on the location of your procedure and how you respond afterward.

When You Go Home After Your Epidural Steroid Injection

After you return home from your procedure, try to rest and avoid activities that might aggravate your pain. You likely can return to work and exercise the next day.

Some patients experience more pain at first when the anesthetic wears off because the steroid can irritate the nerves. Place ice on your injection site and take over-the-counter pain medications to ease any pain.

Many patients experience noticeable pain relief after their first or second injections. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t notice pain relief after the second injection. You may need to schedule a follow-up consultation or additional injection with your doctor.

Talk to your doctor for more information about receiving a referral for an epidural steroid injection, or call us at 617-243-6142 to request an appointment.