Overview
Epidural injection is a term applied to a variety of injections performed to deliver medication around a nerve coming out from the spinal canal in an epidural space. This epidural space is the space between the dural sac – which surrounds the spinal cord and exiting spinal nerves – and the bony spinal column.
This is the space into which disc material, cysts, thickened ligaments, or bone spurs can cause pressure and inflammation around spinal nerves. The medication injected into this area can stop inflammation and swelling to the nerves which will alleviate pain.
Preparation
To begin, you lie down. You may be given medicine to help you relax. You are numbed with an injection of local anesthetic.
Injection
Finally, the doctor injects the medicine. It bathes the painful nerve. It relieves pain and swelling. If you have other painful nerves, you may need more than one injection.
End of Procedure and Aftercare
After your injection, you’ll be watched for a short time, then you can go home. To get the full benefit, you may need to come back for more injections. Your doctor will create a plan that’s right for you.
