An epidural injection is a simple noninvasive, nonsurgical procedure used to tackle back and/or leg pain. The medication may vary depending on each patient but will often include some type of steroid. Their use for pain relief has become quite commonplace and can sometimes be used in conjunction with other solutions. The relief offered is temporary but can range anywhere from a single week to an entire year.
Types of Epidural Injections
While the medication within these injections may vary, the types of injections are based on the target area of pain. As they are primarily used to alleviate back and/or leg pain, the types of injections have adopted names based on these locations:
- Cervical Epidural Injection – targets neck, shoulders, head, and arms
- Thoracic Epidural Injection – targets the middle-back
- Lumbar Epidural Injection – targets lower-back, buttocks, and legs
Ailments Epidural Injections Treat
While predominantly used for back and/or leg pain, epidural injections can be used as a treatment method for specific ailments which cause these types of pain:
- Sciatica
- Inflammation
- Spinal Stenosis
- A herniated disc
- A pinched nerve
Benefits of Epidural Injections
The nature of an epidural injection allows it to be a more effective painkiller for dealing with back and/or leg pain. The procedure allows the medication to be focused directly at the source of the pain — as opposed to traditional painkillers and oral steroids which cannot be focused on a specific area. The medication is also faster acting since it does not need to be digested first.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Before the procedure, our health experts will conduct an examination to ascertain the patient's condition and the source of their pain. Upon insertion of the needle, our expert will target the epidural space near the spine. The medication is released in this area — not the actual spinal cord, which is a common misconception. Once released, it will immediately begin alleviating pain. After the procedure, patients are monitored briefly before leaving and are advised to rest for the remainder of the day.
Risks and Side Effects
The procedure takes roughly 30 minutes and is entirely safe. After the procedure, it is not uncommon to experience temporary side effects such as headaches, numbness, or a tingling sensation in the extremities. In rare cases, patients might develop an allergic reaction which can lead to itching, a drop in blood pressure, wheezing, and swelling.
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