Epidural injections can relieve sciatica (radicular pain). This is pain that travels from your lower back to your legs. It is caused by a trapped nerve in your spine. This can be caused by various factors, including the ones listed below.
- A slipping or herniated disc
This occurs when one of the discs between your vertebrae (backbones) bulges out of your spine, occasionally pressing on nearby nerves;
- Spinal stenosis
This occurs as the space surrounding your spinal cord narrows, placing pressure on it;
- Spondylolisthesis
This is when one of your vertebrae shifts out of place.
Before considering epidural injections, your doctor will normally suggest other options for sciatica treatment. These include staying active, applying heat, using pain relievers, participating in exercise programs, and receiving physiotherapy. If your sciatica is severe and does not respond to other therapies, they may recommend you to a spinal or pain expert.
They can evaluate you and recommend whether epidural injections are a viable therapy choice for you. You may also be able to schedule an appointment directly with a private consultant who specializes in epidural injections for back pain. You will have to pay for this.
Epidural injections are not an appropriate treatment for everyone. If you are using blood thinners, have an infection, have diabetes, or are pregnant, notify your doctor. They may need to make additional preparations or reschedule your injection. Also, let your doctor know if you’ve had an allergic response to previous injections or if you have a blood issue.
If your doctor recommends an epidural injection, they will tell you exactly what to expect. This will cover all of the potential benefits and risks. Please consult your doctor if you have any queries or require further information. If you choose to receive the injection, you will need to provide your consent, so make sure you are completely informed.
Prepare For an Epidural Injection
Your doctor will tell you how to prepare for your procedure. A pain expert or spinal surgeon will do the injection. You have the procedure scheduled as a day case in the hospital. This means you get the injection and go home later that day.
You may be provided sedatives throughout the surgery. This will allow you to rest, but you will remain aware. You will not be able to drive immediately after the injection. Make sure someone drives you home and, preferably, stays with you overnight.
You may be requested to fast for several hours before receiving an epidural injection. You’ll normally be able to have clear fluids up to a few hours before. Follow any directions provided by your doctor.
Tell your doctor about any medications you’re taking. If you are taking any medications, particularly blood thinners, you may be requested to discontinue them for a few days before the treatment. Never stop taking any medication unless your doctor advises you to.
Receiving an Epidural Injection
At the hospital, your doctor will explain what will happen and make sure you are still willing to proceed. They will ask you to change into hospital gowns. When they’re ready to begin, your doctor will instruct you to lie in front of a special table.
Your doctor will insert a cannula (fine tube) into the back of your hand. This is to administer a sedative if you are having one, as well as any other medication you may require during the surgery. Your doctor will next use an antiseptic solution to thoroughly clean and prepare the region on your back where you will receive the injection. Your doctor will administer a local anesthetic to numb the region. This may sting slightly.
There are various procedures for administering epidural injections for back and leg discomfort. This includes:
- Interlaminar
This is given between two of your vertebrae (back bones);
- Transforaminal
These injections occur when a nerve departs the spine;
- Caudal injections
These take place through an aperture at the base of the spine.
Using real-time X-ray images (fluoroscopy), your doctor will guide the epidural needle to the proper location in your back. To accomplish this, they will inject contrast dye to ensure that the needle is in the proper position. Once the needle is in place, your doctor will slowly administer the drug into the epidural area that surrounds your spinal cord. You might feel some pressure during the injection, but it should not be uncomfortable. If you have any discomfort, let your doctor know.
The epidural injection will take only a few minutes, but the entire treatment could last up to 30 minutes.
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