Épiduralʹnaâ injection of steroids – Spinal injections of corticosteroids – Spinnaâ injection of steroids

Description of epidural steroid injections

Spinal injection of corticosteroids – corticosteroids into tissue around the spine. Corticosteroids – medicines, that reduce painful swelling and irritation – inflammation. They are administered in the back with a needle.

The reasons for performing epidural steroid injections

• Diagnose, whether a specific location in the spinal column's relentless cause pain or disability;
• Relieve pain, caused, swelling or inflammation around the spine;
• Improvements in physical function in patients with pain's relentless in the lumbar region and / or sciatica (poyasnichno kryesttsovyi radiculitis).

Spinal injections are usually performed, when the nagging pain and disability do not disappear after application of the following methods::

• Recreation;
• Ice and heat therapy;
• Medicines;
• Physiotherapy;
• Exercises;
• Changes in the work environment;
• Changes in physical activity, including work;
• Spinal massage.

Possible complications after epidural steroid injections

Complications are rare, but no procedure does not guarantee the absence of risk. Before, how to perform epidural steroid injections, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Headache;
• Allergic reactions to medications;
• Bleeding;
• Infection;
• Nerve Damage;
• Fainting.

Some factors, that may increase the risk of complications include:

• The presence of recurrent infection;
• Existing diseases;
• Treatment with drugs, blood thinners and some other drugs;
• Malaise due to illness.

How is the epidural steroid injections?

Preparation for the procedure

Before the procedure, the doctor may do the following:

• Perform a brief physical examination;
• The X-ray test, which uses radiation, to take pictures of structures inside the body, especially bones;
• MRT – test, which uses magnetic waves, to make pictures of structures inside the body;
• Computed tomography of the abdomen – such as X-rays, which uses computer, to take pictures inside the body.

Talk to your doctor about taking any medications. You may be asked to stop taking certain medicines a week before the procedure,:

• Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs;
• Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel or warfarin.

Anesthesia

They can be used local anesthesia and / or sedation. They will help ease the pain and anxiety.

Procedure spinal injections of corticosteroid

You will lie on your side on the X-ray table. The skin on your back will be wiped with a sterile solution. It will be prepared syringe, containing a corticosteroid and a local anesthetic. The needle is inserted through the skin into a space near the spine. Doctor, probably, It uses X-rays for more accurate needle insertion. They may be administered radiopaque substance, to confirm, that the needle is in the right place. The drug is administered and the needle is removed from the back. On the site of the injection can be applied small bandage.

How long will the injection?

The procedure takes less than one hour. The entire visit lasts about 2-3 hours.

Will it hurt?

Introduction of local anesthetic may cause a burning sensation for a few seconds. After that the pain during the procedure should not feel.

Caring for the patient after injection of a corticosteroid

Care in a hospital

• The doctor will monitor the recovery after injection;
• Since in the procedure used sedative, you need someone, to drive home;
• Potential side effects include:
  • A short period of pain amplification;
  • Headache;
  • Sleeping problems;
  • Redness of the face;
  • Ikotech;
  • Dizziness from low blood pressure.

Home Care

When you return home after the procedure, follow these steps:, to ensure the normal recovery:

• On the day of the procedure need to rest;
• Applying ice will remove soreness at the injection site;
• Avoid baths, basin, Jacuzzi for 24-48 hours;
• Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

It will take a few days to a week, medication to reduce inflammation and pain. You will be able to return to normal daily activities the day after the procedure, and be able to start active training in a week after the procedure.

Contact your doctor after an epidural steroid injections

After returning home, you need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills;
• Redness, edema, increased pain, bleeding, or any discharge from the injection site;
• Shortness of breath or chest pain;
• Numbness, pricking, pain or weakness, especially in the hands, kistyah, legs, or feet;
• Changes in urine or bowel function;
• Sudden weight gain of more than three kilograms.