This procedure is used to treat spinal stenosis and cervical, thoracic, or lumbar radiculopathy which is a condition wherein nerve roots inside or just exiting the spine are compressed or irritated. There are many causes including but not limited to disc herniation, fracture, bone spurs, degeneration, even shingles. This causes nerve pain, sensory disturbance, or even weakness in the arms, chest, or legs. An x-ray guided injection of cortisone and temporary anesthetic into the epidural space is placed within the spinal canal to bathe the nerves and calm down the irritation. This procedure sometimes requires repeat injection a few weeks later depending on the acuity or severity of the situation. The duration of pain relief from an epidural steroid injection can vary from one condition to another, sometimes lasting for a few weeks while often lasting for many months.
This procedure requires a careful review of medications. If you are on regular NSAIDs (Ibuprofen or Naproxen) or blood thinners make sure to communicate this with the office staff during scheduling.