Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections are common procedures used to treat pain from disc herniations, stenosis, or pinched nerve pain (radicular pain, sciatica).  This type of injection is performed with the use of fluoroscopic guidance (live action x-ray), which allows accurate and precise placement of the medication.  

Commonly, a mixture of anesthetic (lidocaine) and anti-inflammatory steroid is used.  The injection attempts to reduce local tissue inflammation and chemicals that are irritating to the surrounding tissue and nerves.  In many cases, the reduction of the inflammation allows pain relief which can be long standing.  These type of injections can also be used for diagnostic purposes to localize the source of pain.  Pain relief is most commonly noted 3-5 days following the injection, but may take up to 2 weeks for effect.  

                                Contraindications for epidural injections

Tell the office if any of the following apply to you:

• Blood thinning medications (warfarin, coumadin, pradaxa, xarelto, high dose aspirin)
• Recent fevers or active infections
• Allergies to lidocaine, contrast, or "steroids"
• If you could be pregnant

Have questions or would like to make an appointment?

Call us at 208-765-0156 or use our contact form.