Epidural Steroid Injection

Your pain physician will perform epidural steroid injections when indicated for pain and inflammation. These injections are very precise procedures done with x-ray guidance. Small doses of steroids are placed on the inflamed nerve root which will decrease swelling and decrease pain.
Medications to Hold
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Pre-Op

  • Nothing to eat or drink for 4 hours prior to procedure

  • Arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled procedure time

  • You MUST have a driver. Your driver can stay in our waiting room when you go back into pre-op

  • Masks are required in our facility. If you don’t have one, we will give you one when you arrive
  • Wear loose clothing preferably without any metal buttons or zippers because of the X-ray machine.
  • We ask that you shower the night before or the morning of to ensure cleanliness of the area

  • HOLD NSAIDs- See button for medications to hold on your right

  • If you begin to show any signs or symptoms- cough, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath or have been exposed to anyone showing symptoms or diagnosed with Covid-19, YOU MUST cancel this procedure.

Post-Op

  • You may resume your normal diet after the procedure

  • Continue to hold any blood thinners or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications for 24 hours following procedure

  • Tenderness at the site of injection is possible but usually minimal. If the pain is too bothersome, take over the counter Tylenol as directed on the bottle. Cold compresses may be applied on for 15 minutes, off for 2 hours

  • DO NOT use heat to the area for 3 days. No heating pads, TUB BATHS, swimming pools, or hot tubs. Heat will affect the way your body absorbs the medication and can greatly reduce the amount of relief you receive

  • The day of your procedure:

  • You may shower

  • DO NOT drive, operate heavy machinery, or use power tools.

  • DO NOT make important or legal decisions, as your judgment may be impaired.

  • NO alcohol.

  • Please rest on the day of the procedure. You may resume your normal activities the following day.

  • The anesthetics used during the procedure usually wear off in a few hours but may remain in your body for up to 24 hours. Side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea are unlikely but normal during this period.

  • It is possible that your legs may feel shaky, weak, or numb. This is normal and is temporary.

  • You may experience an increase in pain and numbness in extremities

  • If you are a diabetic, you may experience an increase in your glucose levels. Report major changes to your primary care physician.

  • If you take pain medications that are as needed, these medications only need to be taken if you are still having pain. If you take long-acting narcotics, they should be continued unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

  • Notify our office immediately if you experience any:

  • Persistent abnormal bleeding

  • Headache, fever, or chills

  • Persistent Nausea or vomiting

  • Redness, swelling or any other signs of infection

Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection

Your pain physician will perform epidural steroid injections when indicated for pain and inflammation. These injections are very precise procedures done with x-ray guidance. Small doses of steroids are placed on the inflamed nerve root which will decrease swelling and decrease pain.
Medications to Hold
Contact

Pre-Op

  • Nothing to eat or drink for 4 hours prior to procedure
  • Arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled procedure time.

  • You MUST have a driver. Your driver can stay in our waiting room when you go back into pre-op.

  • Masks are required in our facility. If you don’t have one, we will give you one when you arrive.
  • Wear loose clothing preferably without any metal buttons or zippers because of the X-ray machine.
  • We ask that you shower the night before or the morning of to ensure cleanliness of the area.

  • HOLD NSAIDs- See button for medications to hold on your right.

  • If you begin to show any signs or symptoms- cough, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath or have been exposed to anyone showing symptoms or diagnosed with Covid-19, YOU MUST cancel this procedure.

Post-Op

  • You may resume your normal diet after the procedure.

  • Continue to hold any blood thinners or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications for 24 hours following procedure. EXCEPT Coumadin- Coumadin may be restarted tonight.

  • Tenderness at the site of injection is possible but usually minimal. If the pain is too bothersome, take over the counter Tylenol as directed on the bottle. Cold compresses may be applied on for 15 minutes, off for 2 hours.

  • DO NOT use heat to the area for 3 days. No heating pads, baths, swimming pools, or hot tubs. Heat will affect the way your body absorbs the medication and can greatly reduce the amount of relief you receive.

  • The day of your procedure:

  • Showers are okay.

  • DO NOT drive, operate heavy machinery, or use power tools.

  • DO NOT make important or legal decisions, as your judgment may be impaired.

  • NO alcohol.

  • Please rest on the day of the procedure. You may resume your normal activities the following day.
  • The anesthetics used during the procedure usually wear off in a few hours but may remain in your body for up to 24 hours.

  • It is possible that your legs may feel shaky, weak, or numb. This is normal and is temporary.

  • If you are a diabetic, you may experience an increase in your glucose levels. Report major changes to your primary care physician.
  • If you take pain medications that are as needed, these medications only need to be taken if you are still having pain. If you take long-acting narcotics, they should be continued unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
  • Notify our office immediately if you experience any:

  • Persistent abnormal bleeding

  • Headache, fever or chills

  • Persistent nausea or vomiting

  • Redness, swelling or any other signs of infection