Who Is a Good Candidate for an Epidural Injection?

You may be a candidate for an epidural injection if you experience:

• Severe neck pain that radiates into the arm
• Lower back pain that radiates into the leg
• Pain due to an injured or herniated disc in the spine

At your appointment, our physicians will review your medical history, conduct a focused physical exam, and assess imaging results to determine if an epidural injection is the right treatment for you.

What Is an Epidural Injection?

Epidural steroid injections are one of the most common non-surgical treatments for acute and chronic back, neck, and radiating limb pain.

How It Works:

• The injection is placed near the injured disc and inflamed nerve root to reduce swelling and pain.
• The injection contains:
  • Sterile saline (saltwater)
  • A nerve-numbing agent (local anesthetic)
  • A small dose of a potent anti-inflammatory (steroid)
• An epidural does not heal a torn or herniated disc, but it can reduce nerve inflammation to allow natural healing or to delay the need for surgery.

Epidural injections can be performed in the:

• Cervical spine (neck)
• Thoracic spine (mid-back)
• Lumbar spine (lower back)

This minimally invasive procedure can help patients return to daily activities with reduced pain and improved function.

Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection

A cervical epidural is performed to relieve neck, shoulder and arm pain related to compression of a nerve root in the cervical spine. Conditions such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis can compress nerves, causing inflammation and pain. The medication injected helps decrease the swelling of nerves.  An epidural performed using image guidance, takes several minutes to complete, and is done as an outpatient (same day) procedure.

A thoracic epidural is performed to relieve upper back, rib, and abdominal pain related to compression of a nerve root in the thoracic spine. Conditions such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis can compress nerves, causing inflammation and pain. The medication injected helps decrease the swelling of nerves.  An epidural performed using image guidance, takes several minutes to complete, and is done as an outpatient (same day) procedure.

A lumbar epidural is performed to relieve low back and leg pain related to compression of a nerve root in the cervical spine. Conditions such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis can compress nerves, causing inflammation and pain. The medication injected helps decrease the swelling of nerves.  An epidural performed using image guidance, takes several minutes to complete, and is done as an outpatient (same day) procedure.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Before the Procedure

• If you choose sedation, avoid eating or drinking for eight hours before treatment and arrange for someone to drive you home.
• You may need to pause certain medications (such as blood thinners) before your procedure.

During the Procedure

• The procedure is performed in a sterile operating room with image guidance for precision.
• You will be positioned comfortably, and your vital signs will be monitored.
• Oxygen will be provided if sedation is used.
• The injection site is sterilized and numbed with local anesthesia.
• Using image guidance, the epidural needle is placed and confirmed with contrast dye.
• The medication is administered, the needle is removed, and bandages are applied.
• You will be monitored in the recovery room before being discharged home.

When Will I Experience Pain Relief?

Pain relief typically begins within 3 to 7 days, but in some cases, it may take up to 14 days.

How long relief lasts depends on:

• The severity of inflammation
• The condition of the affected disc
• The duration of nerve irritation before treatment

Some patients experience complete relief after one injection, while others may require a subsequent injection for additional pain control. If the herniated disc continues to inflame the nerve root, surgical intervention may be necessary. However, if the disc heals naturally, an epidural injection can provide long-term pain relief.

Find Relief from Nerve Pain at OPS Surgery Center

If chronic back, neck, or radiating pain is interfering with your life, an epidural injection may help reduce inflammation and restore function.

Schedule an appointment at OPS Surgery Center today to explore your treatment options.