Epidural spine injections are non-surgical treatments used to relieve pain in the lower spine. They are composed of a mixture containing a local anesthetic and a steroid medication that is injected into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots. The local anesthetic helps to decrease pain during and immediately following the injection, while the steroid helps to decrease inflammation in order to reduce pain, improve mobility, and allow for proper function.
Did You Know?
Epidural injections specifically target nerves that carry pain signals. This means that you will still be able to feel touch and pressure, however you won’t feel pain.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I benefit from an epidural?
You may benefit from an epidural spine injection if you have chronic pain that is caused by a pinched nerve, herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or sciatica. However, an epidural may not be beneficial for you if you have an allergy to anesthesia drugs, uncontrolled diabetes, blood clotting disorders, an infection, or if you are taking certain medications. To determine if an epidural injection is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Greg Condie of Sterling Orthopedic Pain and Spine today.
What can I expect when having an epidural performed at Sterling Orthopedic Pain and Spine?
When having an epidural performed, Dr. Condie will use a fluoroscopy to visualize the epidural space. A fluoroscopy is a specialized x-ray that allows your doctor to view your spin in real time. Using a fluoroscopy, Dr. Condie will first inject a small amount of dye to ensure the medication will flow to the correct location. Once the location is confirmed, then the epidural injection will be administered. The entire procedure takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
What can I expect after having an epidural injection?
After having an epidural injection, you will likely start to feel the local anesthetic numbing the pain. However, it will take about 2-5 days before the steroid takes effect. The steroid provides long-term pain relief that can last for months after the initial injection. However, your results can vary, since everyone reacts differently to epidural injections.