What is an Epidural?

An epidural is a procedure that involves injecting a steroid or anesthesia into the space around your spinal nerves (epidural). Your healthcare provider may recommend Houston epidural if you have chronic back pain limited to one spot or radiates to other body parts. An epidural procedure also provides relief for childbirth after certain surgeries or can be an alternative to general anesthesia. Here is more information about an epidural.

How does this procedure work?

The different medications injected into the epidural space create varying effects for patients. For example, corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory agents; they reduce swelling and nerve irritation. Consequently, the nerve heals itself, preventing further discomfort. When your specialist injects the medication into the epidural space, it moves throughout the area around the spinal, coating the irritated nerve roots. Epidural injection in the lumbar region offers relief from the pain of the lower back and nerves traveling to the lower limbs. Similarly, a cervical (neck) injection provides comfort to nerve roots in the neck and can also alleviate arm pain.

The duration of pain relief after an epidural injection varies; some patients have permanent relief, and the effect may be short-lived in others. Sometimes your healthcare provider may recommend several injections for optimal results. You can read this article from Vertos Medical if you need more info about what to do when your epidural steroid injections don’t bring you lasting relief. Pain relief may last for several days to months, but eventually, the pain returns, requiring another injection or alternative treatment.

What happens during an epidural injection?

An epidural is usually outpatient, but some patients may require admission following the procedure. Upon arrival at the hospital, office, or surgical center, a nurse may place an intravenous line in your arm to deliver a sedative. Relaxation medication is seldom necessary but should be available if required. You will lie on your stomach or side, and your physician will make you feel as comfortable as possible. Before administering the injection, the doctor cleans and sterilizes the skin area to be injected with an antiseptic solution. You will also receive a local anesthetic to desensitize the area before the doctor administers the epidural injection.

Once the local anesthetic takes effect your doctor uses imaging guidance to guide the epidural injection in the precise location. After the needle is in place, the doctor injects dye or contrast material to target the nerves. Finally, the doctor will slowly inject the medication, usually a combination of local anesthesia and steroids. After the procedure, you will rest for a few minutes to an hour as a nurse monitors you to ensure you are not reacting to the medication.

What will I experience during treatment?

You may have no sensation as the doctor administers the injection, but you may feel some pressure or tingling. Depending on the amount of inflammation in the areas, you may experience a burning sensation or mild discomfort as the medication enters the epidural space. Usually, this discomfort disappears once the doctor administers the injection. You may have difficulties walking or getting in your car due to the numbness; this is normal and should subside within a few hours.

If you have chronic back or neck pain, consult your specialist at Hui Kang, MD, to know how you can benefit from an epidural injection.