Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar and Sacral Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injections
An epidural injection is an injection of long-lasting steroids and occasionally some other medications into the epidural space. The epidural space is the area that surrounds the spinal cord and the nerves coming out of it.
Epidural injections are quite successful for spinal stenosis or a gradually tightening of the spinal canal from degenerative processes. Epidural injections can also help degenerative disc disease, certain neuropathies, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, and other conditions.
Immediately after the injection, you should feel much the same as before the injection. You may have a small numb area at the injection site. You may also have some deep aches from the passing of the injection needle. Certain patients, especially those with prior neck or back surgery around the injection site, may have some soreness or ache for a day or two. This is due to the mechanical process of needle insertion and initial irritation from the volume of the medications injected. You should start noticing pain relief starting the third day or so.
This procedure is done under local anesthesia.
The actual injection takes five to ten minutes.