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What is an epidural
injection and why is it helpful?
Epidural
Injections called a block that is performed under fluoroscopy
(x-ray monitor) to confirm a specific diagnosis and/or decrease
pain, swelling, and inflammation associated with an affected nerve
root.
An epidural
injection places anti-inflammatory medicine into the epidural
space to decrease inflammation of the nerve roots, hopefully reducing
the pain in the back or legs. The epidural
injection may help the injury to heal by reducing inflammation.
It may provide permanent relief or provide a period of pain relief
for several months while the injury/cause of pain is healing.
SPINAL ANATOMY
Where is it done?
Usually in an outpatient setting, such as ambulatory surgery center
(ASC) or outpatient surgery center that is well equipped to perform
the procedure.
How is it done?
A local skin anesthetic is given to numb the area prior to the
actual injection into the epidural space. A spinal needle is then
inserted into the epidural space of the lumbar or caudal spine.
An anesthetic and steroid are injected into the epidural space.
The epidural
injection is commonly called a cortisone shot, cortisone
being perhaps the most well known of the synthetic adrenal-related
compounds used to treat inflammation and pain.
Expected results:
Pain relief if the medication reaches the inflamed area or source
of pain. Some individuals notice improvement within hours of the
injection, while others may find it takes days to feel a reduction
in pain.
How long does it take?
Normally, the epidural
injection procedure takes thirty minutes plus approximately
forty-five minutes of recovery time. Patient may need to return
for subsequent treatments. Some clinicians suggest that a series
of two or three injections be performed over a number of weeks
or months for maximum efficacy.
GLOSSARY:
EPIDURAL
- Space outside the dura or covering of the spinalcord.
This space runs the length of the spine (see above anatomy diagram).
FLUOROSCOPY - X-ray imaging of a part of the body
that is displayed on a screen or monitor in the block suite.
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