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What Are Epidural Steroid Injections?

Epidural steroid injections are injections of anesthetic and steroid medication that target the epidural space of the spine. The goal of this is to reduce inflammation in and around the nerve roots that are affected. This reduces or eliminates pain caused by these nerves. Most patients have near-instant relief, following the procedure, and can return to their normal lives. The relief duration from epidural steroid injection often varies, from patient to patient. Some patients will require repeat injections. These repeat injections do not exceed more than 3 per year.

What Do Epidural Steroid Injections Treat?

Epidural steroid injections are commonly used to treat many different types of pain. This can include back, leg, and spinal pain. Epidural steroid injections can be completed in several locations on the spine: the lumbar, thoracic, or cervical spine. This all is dependent on the source of the pain the patient is experiencing. Pain will then be reduced or eliminated right after the injection of medication into the epidural space. This limits the need for additional medication.

How Does the Procedure Work?Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection

A transforaminal epidural steroid injection is administered by placing the needle next to the irritated nerve. Anesthetic and steroid medications are injected directly into the nerve root. This approach requires precision and allows the physician to target the specific nerve that is causing pain, rather than a larger area. Therefore, providing precise relief to the affected area.

Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injection

Interlaminar epidural steroid injections are what most people refer to as an epidural steroid injection, as it was the only one of its kind until modern imaging technology made precision easier. Anesthetic and steroid medication is injected into the epidural space, which bathes the nerves along the spine, blocking pain signals from being sent to the brain.

Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection

A caudal epidural steroid injection is an epidural injection that is accessed through the caudal (sacral) hiatus, an opening in the sacrum bone, the bone located at the bottom of the spine. Anesthetic and steroid medication is injected into the epidural space, providing great and fast-acting relief.

What Are the Risks?

Epidural steroid injections are known to be very low risk. The most commonly reported side effects are injection site pain, temporary discomfort, steroid flushing, redness in the face caused by flushing, and insomnia. These side effects are temporary and typically last no longer than 3 days.

Benefits of Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections provide instant relief. By reducing or eliminating inflammation and pain, patients can return to living their lives comfortably. Many patients say they experience permanent relief. However, in some cases, patients will require additional epidural steroid injections, up to a maximum of 3 per year.

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