What Is an Epidural Steroid Injection?
At its core, an epidural steroid injection is a way to deliver pain medicine quickly into the body with a syringe. This medication is injected directly into the epidural space, in the lower back area.
This kind of steroid injection can take up to seven days to start working – though some patients report immediate relief – and they can last several days to a few months or longer.
Why Are Epidural Steroid Injections Performed?
There are two major reasons that a doctor may give you an epidural steroid injection.
- Pain Relief – this kind of injection helps to numb the pain that originates in the spine and radiates down to the hips and leg. Because it is an anti-inflammatory medication that’s injected, it also soothes inflammation that may be causing the pain.
- Diagnostic Testing – in some cases, you may hear of an “Epidural Nerve Blocks.” Because the medication blocks pain signals, it will often be used to help identify where the pain is originating from – essentially injecting and seeing if it helps your pain level.
How is an Epidural Steroid Injection Given?
Before you receive the injection, your doctor will walk you through exactly what the process will look like for you. Typically, an x-ray machine providing real-time images will be used to help guide the needle into the correct spot in your lower back, and then the injection will take place.
This is an outpatient treatment, and patients are able to leave the clinic shortly after. Patients may experience mild discomfort but should not experience severe pain during the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions about Epidural Steroid Injections
1. Is an epidural steroid injection the same as a cortisone injection?
In some ways. Typically though, a cortisone shot is delivered into the bloodstream, whereas an epidural injection is delivered at or near the sources of the nerve pain.
2. Is an epidural steroid injection the same as what pregnant women receive?
No, the medication is not the same as epidural anesthesia given just before childbirth or certain types of surgery. It’s simply the same location.
