Epidural Steroid Injection

 An epidural steroid injection is a procedure in which corticosteroids are injected into a small space surrounding the spinal cord. The doctor also injects a local anesthetic, and the procedure is intended to iheal pain center, or a herniated disc. There are very few major side effects associated with this treatment. However, some patients may experience pain or swelling after the procedure, and some may have significant bleeding.

The doctor performs an epidural steroid injection on patients who are undergoing spinal surgery. The procedure is typically performed by a pain management physician at HSS. Physiatrists, interventional radiologists, and anesthesiologists are other physicians who perform the procedure. In addition, pain management physicians often have additional training in other areas of medicine, such as neuroradiology or osteopathic medicine.

Immediately following the injection, patients will usually be sent home and advised to take it easy for the remainder of the day. While the steroid medication will relieve the pain and improve function, the pain may return. In these rare cases, patients should contact their physician if the symptoms persist or worsen. They may also be prescribed an ice pack to reduce the area of tenderness. If the epidural steroid injection fails to provide pain relief, it is possible that the pain has come from another source.

The procedure usually lasts about an hour, with only a few hours of bruising or local tenderness. The doctor may ask patients to use an ice pack to reduce the pain. The injection site may also be sore, but this is normal and should not interfere with the procedure. The steroid takes two to three days to take effect and should be completely gone within a week. It is important that the patient is able to be responsible for driving and taking public transportation after the procedure.

The procedure is usually painless. In most cases, patients are given a local anesthetic and a mild sedative. The healthcare provider may also administer an x-ray machine for guidance. The x-ray images help the physician place the needle precisely in the epidural space. Once the injection is complete, the pain should diminish in a couple of days. The steroid will not interfere with the patient's ability to drive.

During the procedure, the doctor will place a needle into the epidural space. The patient will likely feel some pain for a few hours after the injection. Some patients may experience temporary weakness and numbness in the extremities. They may have difficulty walking for a few days after the injection. The discomfort associated with the steroid is temporary and can be related to other symptoms. It will subside within three to seven days. The x-ray is used to guide the needle during the epidural steroid injection.

After the procedure, the patient will be escorted back to the spine assessment room. After the procedure, the patient may experience a few hours of localized pain. The steroid may increase pain levels for a few days, so it's important to find someone to drive you home. After the procedure, the pain may decrease or even decrease depending on the individual. If the epidural steroid injection has a numbing effect, the pain may subside completely.

After the procedure, the Dr Jignyasa Desai  will inject a steroid into the epidural space. After the injection, the skin will be cleaned. Then, a bandage will be applied to the site. The doctor will monitor your blood pressure for 20 to 40 minutes after the procedure. In some cases, the pain may be increased, but this is usually temporary. The steroid usually takes two or three days to take effect.

After the procedure, the patient will be given a mild sedative. A local anesthetic is used in most cases. If you have any medical conditions that may affect your blood sugar levels, talk to your healthcare provider to ensure your safety. If you have a medical condition, your healthcare provider may recommend that you get an epidural steroid injection. It's important to understand what to expect from the procedure and the risks.