Epidural Steroid Injections
Steroids are chemicals that are naturally present in our body. Synthetic steroids are generally used in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as spinal disc injury and degenerative diseases among others. Epidural refers to the space outside the covering of the spinal cord and inside the spinal canal. The epidural space runs along the length of your spinal cord. Epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a minimally invasive method of delivering steroids to the spinal nerve through the epidural space. The epidural injection procedure is performed with the help of a fluoroscope (live X-ray). It is effectively used to target the direct source of the pain and reduce inflammation. The ESI can be delivered by translaminar, caudal or a transforaminal approach.
Indication
Epidural injections are potentially used as a non-surgical procedure for the treatment of inflammation and pain in patients suffering from disc herniation, spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. ESI can help relieve pain in the arms, neck, back and legs. It is used for the treatment of inflamed spinal nerves. Patients suffering from spondylolysis and sciatica may also find ESI to be beneficial in relieving pain. ESI is not performed in pregnant women and in people with infections, diabetes or high blood pressure.
Pre-procedure
Your doctor will review your medical history thoroughly before the procedure. You may be asked to undergo an imaging test to help your doctor plan for the treatment. The doctor might recommend you stop taking blood thinning medications 3 to 5 days before an ESI. You will be advised to eat light food before the treatment.
Procedure
The ESI procedure generally takes 15 to 30 minutes. Patients are awake during the procedure. If you feel anxious about the procedure, then the doctor may give you a sedative. You will lie face down on the table. A local anesthesia may be given to numb the skin before giving the injection. The doctor uses fluoroscope (live X-ray) to direct the needle to the epidural space. Steroid medication is delivered to the nerve root close to the area of inflammation. The approach of injection depends on your condition.
- Translaminar ESI: The injection needle is placed directly from the middle of the back to the interlaminar space (between the lamina of 2 vertebrae). This allows your doctor to access the epidural space. The steroids are delivered to the nerve roots on the inflamed area.
- Transforaminal ESI: The injection needle is placed in the neural foramen, on the side of the vertebra. This allows your doctor to access the area outside the epidural space just above the opening of the nerve root. This procedure uses X-ray to help confirm the flow of medication (combined with contrast dye) after injection. It is usually preferred for patients who previously underwent spine surgery.
Post-procedure
You will be monitored for a short while after the procedure, during your recovery period. You are encouraged to walk around immediately after the procedure. You may experience mild discomfort at the site of injection. Soreness in the injection site can be relieved by using ice packs. You will be advised to resume your normal activity on the next day after ESI. You may have to go to your doctor for a follow-up visit after a week of the procedure.
Risks
The risks associated with ESI include bleeding, infection, allergic reaction and nerve damage. The steroid medication used in ESI might have some side effects such as weight gain, hot flashes, mood swings, high blood sugar levels and sleeplessness.
