Epidural Steroid Injection
WHAT IS AN EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTION?
The epidural steroid injection is a treatment used to alleviate pain caused by irritation and compression of spinal nerve roots in the epidural space, located between the dural sac and the bones of the vertebral column. This irritation can result from conditions such as prolapsed disc, spinal canal stenosis, or foraminal stenosis. By administering steroids into the epidural space, inflammation, irritation, and swelling can be reduced, providing relief from pain, numbness, and tingling associated with the condition in the lower limbs.
HOW IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
Your epidural steroid injection procedure will be performed in a hospital theatre or day procedure centre under specialised imaging guidance. To ensure your comfort, you will receive intravenous sedation administered by an anaesthetist. Once relaxed, your doctor will use imaging to safely place a needle in the target area within the epidural space. Local anaesthetic and a long lasting steroid will then be administered through the needle to provide pain relief and reduce inflammation in the affected area.
HOW LONG DOES THE EFFECT LAST?
Pain relief from the epidural steroid injection can last between 1-6 months, depending on the degree of inflammation and irritation in the epidural space.
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE BEFORE THE PROCEDURE?
Prior to the procedure, you may need to stop blood thinning products as directed by your doctor. Other regular medications can be taken with a sip of water on the morning of the procedure. Insulin-dependent diabetics will likely be prioritised on the list and should bring their insulin for potential administration after the procedure. Hospital staff will call you the day before the procedure to provide fasting and admission times. DO NOT eat, drink, smoke, or chew gum before the procedure. Arrange for someone to drive you home afterward, as you won’t be able to drive for 24 hours due to the received anaesthesia.
WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
After your epidural steroid injection, you will spend a short time in the recovery ward before being discharged home. During the first 24 hours, gentle activity and rest are recommended, but you can return to normal activity unless advised otherwise by your doctor or physiotherapist. The local anaesthetic used in the procedure may take about 12-18 hours to wear off, while the steroid’s effects may start after approximately 48 hours. During this time, you may experience increased discomfort, which is normal and will subside as the steroid begins to work. You can remove the dressing 24 hours after the procedure and monitor the site until it heals. Showering is permitted 24 hours following the procedure. If you feel well enough, you may return to work the day after the procedure.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS?
Serious side effects and complications are rare. The most common problem after the procedure is having pain in the area of the procedure for 1 to 3 weeks. Please contact your local GP or the rooms if you have any allergic reaction to the medication administered in hospital, signs of infection at your procedure site.