Epidural Injections FAQs
What do I need to know about epidural injections?
According to research published in physician journals, epidural injections of local anesthetic with or without steroids may effectively manage compression or inflammation of a spinal nerve.
What is an epidural injection?
An epidural steroid injection (ESI) is an injection of anti-inflammatory medicine into the space around your spinal nerves to treat pain caused by irritation and inflammation of spinal nerve roots.
Are Epidural Injections Used For Back Pain After a Car Accident?
Car accidents have hurt the spine, causing excruciating pain as a result of the car crash. Epidural steroid injections are injected in the lumbar spinal area, as a way to relieve pain. This is considered a non-invasive treatment for lower back pain after a car accident.
What are the Different Types of Epidural Steroid Injections?
- Transforaminal epidural steroid injection. …
- Caudal epidural steroid injection. …
- Interlaminar epidural steroid injection.
What Conditions Are Treated Through Epidural Injection?
- Spinal stenosis
- Radiculopathy
- Radicular cervical pain
- Radicular back pain
- Neck pain
- Degenerative disc pain.
- Herniated disc pain.
- Leg pain following sciatica
- Radiculitis
- Bilateral radicular pain
Epidural Injections Quick Summary:
What is an epidural injection? An epidural injection is a shot of steroid medication into your spine, given through a needle.
How does an epidural injection work? The steroid medication reduces inflammation and decreases pain inflammation.
What type of pain does an epidural injection treat? The injection treats pain from a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, nerve pain, and other low back pain conditions.
How does an epidural injection work? The injection works by numbing the nerves and reducing pain.
How long does an epidural injection take? The injection takes only a few minutes.
Does an epidural injection hurt? The injection is given through a needle, so it does not hurt.
Is an epidural injection safe? The injection is safe. There is a small risk of bleeding and infection, but this is rare.
Can I drive after an epidural injection? You should not drive for 24 hours after the injection.
Can I go to work after an epidural injection? You can go back to work the next day. When will I feel better after an epidural injection? You should feel better within a few days. How many epidural injections will I need? You may need more than one injection.
References:
References
Weinstein SM, Herring SA: NASS. Lumbar epidural steroid injections. Spine J 3(3 Suppl):37S-44S, 2003. *
Lutz GE, VAd VB, Wisneski RJ: Fluoroscopic transforaminal lumbar epidural steroids: an outcome study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 79:1362-1366, 1998.
Botwin K, Brown LA, Fishman M, Rao S; Fluoroscopically guided caudal epidural steroid injections in degenerative lumbar spine stenosis. PubMed
Young IA, Hyman GS, Packia-Raj LN, Cole AJ; The use of lumbar epidural/transforaminal steroids for managing spinal disease. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2007 Apr;15(4):228-38
Lin EL, Lieu V, Halevi L, Shamie AN, Wang JC; Cervical epidural steroid injections for symptomatic disc herniations. J Spinal Disord Tech. 2006 May;19(3):183-6.
Kwon JW, et al; Cervical interlaminar epidural steroid injection for neck pain and cervical radiculopathy: effect and prognostic factors. Skeletal Radiol. 2007 May;36(5):431-6. Epub 2007 Mar 6
Abdi S, et al; Epidural steroids in the management of chronic spinal pain: a systematic review. Pain Physician. 2007 Jan;10(1):185-212.
