Epidural Steroid Injections

What are epidural corticosteroid injections?

Epidural corticosteroid injections are minimally invasive treatments used to reduce pain caused by disc herniation or bulging spinal discs. The injections deliver anti-inflammatory medicine into the space outside of the sac of fluid surrounding your spinal cord (the epidural space). They help relieve your discomfort without invasive procedures.

Why might I need epidural corticosteroid injections?

Dr. may suggest you receive epidural corticosteroid injections if you struggle with:

• Back, spine, hip, or leg pain
• Nerve discomfort
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain
• Herniated disc
• Spinal stenosis (narrowed spinal canal)
• Degenerative disc disease
• Osteoarthritis 

You might be a candidate for the procedure if your pain hasn’t improved with conservative treatments, such as physical therapy or medicines. 

Are epidural corticosteroid injections right for me?

To find out if you’re a candidate for epidural corticosteroid injections at the Pain Institute of Nevada, Dr. Travnicek reviews your medical history and symptoms. She checks your vital signs, completes a physical exam, and may order blood tests, nerve tests, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or other imaging procedures to pinpoint the root cause of your discomfort. 

Stop taking certain medications before epidural corticosteroid injections if Dr. Travnicek asks you to, and arrange for someone to drive you home if needed.

What happens during epidural corticosteroid injections?

During the procedure, you first change into a hospital gown and lie face down on an X-ray table. Dr. Travnicek cleans the treatment area and numbs it so you don’t feel any discomfort. She offers a sedative to help relax you.

Dr. Travnicek then inserts a needle into your back using X-ray guidance for optimal precision and accuracy. She injects a combination of numbing and corticosteroid medicines to decrease swelling and nerve pressure, thereby reducing pain. It’s important to lie completely still during each injection. While you might feel some pressure, the procedure isn’t painful.

After an observative period of 15-20 minutes, you can go home. However, if you’ve received a sedative, have someone drive you there. 

What should I expect after the procedure?

After getting epidural corticosteroid injections, you might feel discomfort near the treatment area for a few hours. Take it easy for the rest of the day. It may take the corticosteroids 2-3 weeks to improve ongoing discomfort. You might need repeat injections spaced over time to ensure the best outcome. 

Dr. Travnicek could recommend other treatments, such as physical therapy or surgery, in addition to epidural corticosteroid injections.

To learn more about epidural corticosteroid injections at the Pain Institute of Nevada, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.