03 Mar Epidural Steroid Injections: A Step-by-Step Guide
Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are a common treatment for people dealing with back, neck, or leg pain. These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medicine directly into the area around the spinal cord to help reduce swelling and pain. If you’ve been struggling with ongoing discomfort, learning more about this procedure can help you decide if it might be right for you.
What Are Epidural Steroid Injections?
An epidural steroid injection is a shot of medication—usually a combination of a corticosteroid and a local anesthetic—into the spine’s epidural space. This space is just outside the protective covering of the spinal cord. Because the injection goes straight to the source of inflammation, many people experience relief that can last for weeks or even months.
Who Can Benefit from an ESI?
People who experience chronic pain caused by irritated spinal nerves are often candidates for ESIs. Common conditions that these injections might help include:
- Herniated Discs
When part of a spinal disc pushes out of place, it can press on nearby nerves and cause pain, numbness, or tingling. - Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal can squeeze nerves, leading to discomfort in the back or legs. - Sciatica
An ESI can sometimes ease pain that travels down the leg due to pressure on the sciatic nerve.
A Step-by-Step Process
Understanding each procedure step can help you feel more comfortable and prepared.
- Preparation
• Your doctor will ask about your medical history and possibly order imaging tests (like an MRI) to find the best spot for the injection.
• You’ll be given instructions on avoiding eating or drinking before the procedure. - Positioning
• You might lie on your stomach or side during the procedure. This helps the medical team access your spine.
• Your back is cleaned with an antiseptic to lower the risk of infection. - Local Anesthesia
• A small amount of numbing medicine is applied so you feel less discomfort during the injection. - Needle Placement
• With the help of an X-ray or ultrasound machine, the doctor carefully guides the needle to the precise location in the epidural space. - Injection
• A mixture of a steroid (to reduce inflammation) and a local anesthetic is injected.
• The actual injection usually takes just a few minutes. - Recovery
• You’ll rest briefly before heading home.
• Some soreness at the injection site is normal, but it usually goes away within a day or two.
Some Possible Side Effects and Risks
While epidural steroid injections can provide significant relief, like any medical procedure, they have possible risks:
• Mild pain or soreness at the injection site
• Temporary numbness or weakness
• Rare but possible complications can include infection or bleeding
Always discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider so you fully understand potential benefits and risks.
When to Consider an ESI
If other treatments for your chronic pain like physical therapy, medications, or home remedies have not been successful at providing relief, an epidural steroid injection may be worth exploring. In most cases, ESIs are part of a larger treatment plan that can also include exercises and lifestyle changes to keep pain under control.
If you live in Dallas, TX, or Plano, TX and you want to see if epidural steroid injections might be the right step for you, a pain management specialist can offer more detailed guidance.
Take the Next Step
Finding the best way to manage your pain is an important part of maintaining your quality of life. If you want to learn more or schedule an appointment, call 972-316-7270 or visit our contact page. You don’t have to face ongoing pain alone. Let our doctors support and provide accurate information to help you make an informed decision.