Steroid Injection Research Paper
Epidural Steroid Injection
An epidural steroid injection is a shot of steroid and numbing medicine that helps relieve pain caused by an irritated or swollen nerve root. The shot is made into the epidural space, which is the space between the spinal cord and the bones in your back (vertebrae).
The amount of pain relief you get from the injection depends on what is causing the nerve to be swollen and irritated and how long the pain lasts. You are more likely to benefit from this injection if your pain comes on strong and suddenly than if you have long-term pain.
LET YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER KNOW ABOUT:
• Any allergies you have.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Previous
problems you or members of your family have had with the use of anesthetics.
• Any blood disorders you have.
• Previous surgeries you have had.
• Any medical conditions you have.
• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS
Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, as with any procedure, complications can occur. Possible complications include:
• Headache.
• Bleeding.
• Infection.
• Allergic reaction to medicines.
• Damage to your nerves.
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
• Ask your health care provider about: o Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners. o Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines before your procedure if your health care provider instructs you not to.
• You may be given medicines to reduce anxiety.
• Plan to have someone take you home from the hospital or clinic.
PROCEDURE
• You may receive medicine to make you relaxed.
• You will be asked to lie on your stomach.
• The injection site will be cleaned.
• A local anesthetic will be used to numb the injection site.
• A needle will be inserted through your skin into the epidural space. You may feel a little uncomfortable when this happens. An X-ray machine will be used to make sure needle is put as close as possible to the affected nerve.
• The steroid and the local anesthetic will be injected into the epidural space.
• The needle will be removed.
• A bandage (dressing) will be put over the injection site.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
• Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored often until the medicines you were given have worn off.
• Your arm or leg may feel weak or numb for a few hours.
• The injection site may feel sore.
An epidural steroid injection is a shot of steroid and numbing medicine that helps relieve pain caused by an irritated or swollen nerve root. The shot is made into the epidural space, which is the space between the spinal cord and the bones in your back (vertebrae).
The amount of pain relief you get from the injection depends on what is causing the nerve to be swollen and irritated and how long the pain lasts. You are more likely to benefit from this injection if your pain comes on strong and suddenly than if you have long-term pain.
LET YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER KNOW ABOUT:
• Any allergies you have.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Previous
problems you or members of your family have had with the use of anesthetics.
• Any blood disorders you have.
• Previous surgeries you have had.
• Any medical conditions you have.
• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS
Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, as with any procedure, complications can occur. Possible complications include:
• Headache.
• Bleeding.
• Infection.
• Allergic reaction to medicines.
• Damage to your nerves.
BEFORE THE PROCEDURE
• Ask your health care provider about: o Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners. o Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines before your procedure if your health care provider instructs you not to.
• You may be given medicines to reduce anxiety.
• Plan to have someone take you home from the hospital or clinic.
PROCEDURE
• You may receive medicine to make you relaxed.
• You will be asked to lie on your stomach.
• The injection site will be cleaned.
• A local anesthetic will be used to numb the injection site.
• A needle will be inserted through your skin into the epidural space. You may feel a little uncomfortable when this happens. An X-ray machine will be used to make sure needle is put as close as possible to the affected nerve.
• The steroid and the local anesthetic will be injected into the epidural space.
• The needle will be removed.
• A bandage (dressing) will be put over the injection site.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
• Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored often until the medicines you were given have worn off.
• Your arm or leg may feel weak or numb for a few hours.
• The injection site may feel sore.