Epidural Injections

Pain Services

Epidural Injections

What are epidural injections?

Epidural Steroid injections are a minimally invasive injection into the epidural space to provide pain relief from a herniated disc, spinal stenosis or inflamed spinal nerves.

Frequently asked questions:

Pain from a herniated disc, spinal stenosis or inflamed spinal nerves.

Patients exhibiting neck, back, arm, or leg pain caused by herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, sciatica, or degenerative discs may be suitable candidates for disc injections. 

If you are taking a blood thinner, you may need to discontinue this prior to treatment. Please contact our booking team and consult with your doctor for further instruction.

 

Once you arrive at the clinic you will be asked to complete a few forms pertaining to the appointment. To allow adequate time for this, please do arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. You may be instructed to change into a gown for your procedure.  

 

You will be taken back to a private exam room for your procedure. One of our technologists and a Radiologist will review your previous diagnostic imaging, discuss the reason for your referral to Beam Radiology, and explain the details of the recommended pain management treatment.

Communication is very important to Beam, and you will be given opportunity to ask any questions you may have before beginning. You will be asked to lay on the exam table, face down, and your back will be exposed. The targeted area will be cleaned and sterilized. To ensure effectiveness and accuracy, fluoroscopy will be used in real-time to guide the injection. Fluoroscopy is a type of X-ray imaging. The Radiologist will advance the needle to the epidural space and inject anaesthetic and corticosteroid (cortisone).

Following your injection, you will be directed to our recovery area for a brief observation period. One of our Nurses will review the post-procedure care with you prior to you leaving. You will not be permitted to drive immediately following this procedure, please arrange transportation to and from your appointment.

Pain relief varies on a patient by patient basis. Where insufficient pain relief is realized, additional injections may be recommended. With successful treatment, pain relief can last weeks or years. With sufficient pain relief, a physiotherapy regime is then recommended to strengthen back muscles and prevent future flare ups.

This procedure is performed using a sterile technique, rare complications include allergic reaction, infection, and bleeding. If you have diabetes, you may experience a temporary elevation in you blood sugar because of the corticosteroid (cortisone) medication.

With the injection of a corticosteroid, patients may also experience weight gain, water retention, flushing, mood swings or insomnia, and elevated blood sugar in patients with diabetes. Numbness usually experienced post-procedure usually resolves 8 hours post-procedure. It is recommended you discuss any medications you are currently taking with your doctor prior to your procedure. 

Keep the area clean and dry. Avoid hot tubs, pools, or baths for 48 hours. You can shower normally. 

You can perform your normal daily activities but avoid strenuous activities for the next 3-4 days following the treatment.  

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