Epidural Steroid Injection
An image-guided injection of anti-inflammatory medicine near irritated spinal nerves to ease neck, back, arm or leg pain.
What Is Epidural Steroid Injection?
An epidural steroid injection places a corticosteroid (an anti-inflammatory medicine), often with a numbing medicine, into the epidural space around the spinal nerves. The goal is to calm inflammation and reduce pain so you can move more comfortably and take part in physical therapy.
Conditions It May Help
- Sciatica and pain that travels down the leg
- Pinched nerves in the neck causing arm pain
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Radiculopathy (nerve root irritation)
How It Is Done
You lie on a procedure table and the skin is cleaned and numbed. Using live X-ray (fluoroscopy) and contrast dye to confirm placement, Dr. Rema guides a thin needle to the epidural space in the neck, mid back, low back or tailbone (caudal) area. The injection itself usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
What to Expect
You may feel numbness or heaviness for a few hours from the numbing medicine. The steroid often takes several days to start working. Most people go home the same day and return to normal activities within a day or so. Please arrange a driver if you receive sedation.
Possible Side Effects and Risks
Temporary soreness at the injection site, a short-term increase in pain, facial flushing, trouble sleeping, or temporarily higher blood sugar in people with diabetes. Uncommon risks include headache, infection, bleeding and nerve injury. Dr. Rema will review your medical history and medications, including blood thinners, before your procedure.
Take the Next Step
Call 845-245-6033 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rema at Hudson Valley Pain Management, 33 Grand Street, Suite 33A, Kingston, NY 12401. Results vary from person to person, and Dr. Rema will review the benefits and risks for your situation.