Epidural Steroid Injection
Relieve Pain and Achieve your Optimal Quality of Life
An epidural injection is an injection of steroid into the epidural space. The epidural space is a space located in the spine between the vertebrae and the dural sac, which surrounds the spinal cord. The steroid reduces the inflammation of the nerve roots as they exit the spine, which can help alleviate pain in the back. Steroids are a trusted and well-established medication commonly used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee.
This strong injectable anti-inflammatory medication is mixed with a short acting local anaesthetic to provide quick pain relief (often within the first day of treatment).
Steroid injections are an effective treatment for reducing pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Many patients experience marked reductions in pain and a quick return to previous levels of function after a corticosteroid injection.
Treatment Summary at a glance
| Results: | Pain free joints |
|---|---|
| Side Effects: | Minor pain at injection site |
| Duration of Results: | Between a few months and a lifetime |
| Back to Work: | Within two days |
| Recovery: | Within two weeks |
How does Epidural Steroid Injection work?
The patient lies on the stomach and the skin on the back or neck is cleansed with an antiseptic solution. The skin and deeper tissues are numbed with an anaesthetic using a small needle and once the skin is numb, an X-ray machine helps guide the needle into the epidural space.
Once the epidural space is entered, X-ray contract is injected to ensure correct positioning of the needle, then medication consisting of a numbing medicine and a steroid (dexamethasone) will be injected.
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FAQ
Am I suitable for Epidural Steroid Injection?
At consultation, your Consultant will be able to tell you if you are suitable. We may need an MRI or X-ray to confirm next steps.
Does Epidural Steroid Injection hurt?
The procedure is relatively pain free. There is some discomfort with needle insertion which we minimise by numbing the skin over the joint with a local anaesthetic. If you’re in any pain post-procedure, you will be discharged with pain relief.
How long does Epidural Steroid Injection take?
Pain reliving injections take no more than 20 minutes per joint.
Is there any downtime/recovery time following Epidural Steroid Injection?
All procedures are carried out under local anaesthetic so within one and three hours of your procedure, patients are typically discharged. All patients should have a chaperone (friend, family member or carer) to collect them after their procedure and remain with them on their journey home.
You are likely to feel mild pain in the joint for two to three days, however the pain can be managed with regular strength painkillers.
Post procedure, you should refrain from strenuous activity for at least two weeks.
What kind of results can I expect from Epidural Steroid Injection?
Patients can feel immediate pain-relief. If this is not the case, do not worry, effects may take some days to come through and research has found it could take between 3-5 days.
What is the next step after the Epidural Steroid Injection?
You will be given a follow up appointment to discuss how effective the treatment was. If it was not successful other treatment options will be discussed.
How do we diagnose at Dr SW Clinics?
Depending on the joint issue you present with, there may be a couple of ways to diagnose your pain and thereby find you a lasting solution.
Firstly, you will have a telephone consultation with one of our highly trained patient advisors. This patient advisor will ask you a series of pre-assessment questions to better understand your personal needs.
You will then be invited for a consultation with one of our leading experts. To better gain an understanding of the problem, the Consultant may suggest you receive an X-ray or an MRI.
What is an X-ray?
A diagnostic test that can help identify what issues are causing the pain.
What is an MRI?
A diagnostic test using a magnetic field and radio waves for a detailed image of both joint and soft tissue.
What is an ultrasound?
Typically a handheld device that provides an on the spot image of the soft tissue.
Once we’ve received the results of your diagnostic tests, our team will be able to advise you on next best steps to get you pain free.
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