An Anti Inflammatory Injection that is done with the use of fluoroscopy ( a specialized x-ray) to decrease pain and inflammation and to confirm a specific diagnosis.
How is it done?
Local anesthetic is given, a special needle needle is inserted into the epidural space of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar or caudal spine. Fluoroscopy is used to confirm proper placement of the needle. An anesthetic and steroid are then injected into the site.
Expected Results.
Relief of pain. You may be sore for a day or so. Steroids most often begin in about 2-3 days.
How long will it take?
Fifteen to thirty minutes plus recovery time.
Following the procedure.
Most often you can go home in about 30-60 min. You will need someone to drive you home and care for you for the first 12 hours after your procedure. Written instructions will be sent home with you.
The day of your procedure.
You are expected to arrive on time for your procedure. Bring a responsible adult driver with you because you will be receiving medications and this could impair your ability to drive. Please take your regularly scheduled blood pressure and heart medications with a sip of water as you normally would.
After you arrive, you will be asked to sign in and complete any paperwork as needed. You will then be taken to the PreOp area. At this time, a nurse will ask you some questions and have you sign your consent forms. It is imperative that you, the patient, inform the nurse of any changes in your history and/or physical, such as a recent flu or have any health problems that might affect your procedure. Inform the staff if you are allergic to betadine.
Types of Procedures include:
Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection with or without Fluoroscopy
Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection with or without Fluoroscopy
Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection with or without Fluoroscopy
Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injection with or without Fluoroscopy