Injections are not the first choice when it comes to taking medications, especially not spinal injections. Spine injections are a completely different experience compared to a typical vaccination or blood draw, even for those who aren't bothered by needles.
If your doctor has recommended a spinal epidural steroid injection, it is best to fully understand the procedure and know what to expect. Our blog covers the essentials for gearing up for a lumbar spinal injection. Let’s uncover each step without delay.
Lumbar Steroid Spinal Injection: How It Works & Benefits Spinal Issues
Firstly, there is no reason to be nervous or concerned about undergoing an epidural steroid injection. It is a quick procedure done with specific medical protocols to ensure you gain relief from pain and resume your daily routine.
Doctors may recommend a lumbar epidural steroid injection to relieve pain, numbness, or tingling in your back or leg, which may be due to spinal nerve compression. The steroid medication acts on the irritated nerve, which is the primary cause of the discomfort.
The steroid injection relieves pain for at least three months, allowing you to regain strength and engage in physiotherapy or other treatments.
Preparing For Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI): Pre-Procedural Care
Make sure to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding the preparations needed for your ESI injection. You should:
- Avoid eating or drinking for the stipulated time specified by your doctor.
- Modify your medication intake, especially if you are taking blood thinners.
- Get an MRI or CT scan to determine the exact sport for your lumbar ESI.
- Ensure you have someone to take you home in case you are sedated for the procedure.
What Happens During the Procedure
Generally, there are three different approaches to accessing the epidural space in your spine:
- Transforaminal
- Caudal
- Interlaminar
Here’s an approximate account of how the procedure takes place:
- You will lie on your stomach on the procedure table.
- A nurse will place a pillow under your stomach or hip to elevate the injection site on your back. This position will help open the inter-laminar spaces on the side of the spinal cord.
- The main spot for the injection is marked and sterilised with betadine solution.
- Your doctor will use fluoroscopic X-rays to locate the accurate vertebral level and guide the needle using live images on a computer screen.
- A local anaesthetic is injected into the underlying tissues to numb the area for the next step in the procedure.
- Your doctor will use the fluoroscopy to guide the needle to the accurate site.
- They will inject a contrast dye into the epidural space and monitor the spread of the contrast.
- Once the contrast dye confirms the affected site, your doctor will inject the steroid drug into the epidural space, which encases the spinal cord like a sleeve. This space comprises critical parts such as the connective tissues, blood vessels, and spinal nerves.
- Once the steroid (liquid anti-inflammatory medication) reaches the epidural space, it acts on the irritated nerves to minimise the pain and swelling.
- When the steroid permeates the epidural space, you may feel a tingling or mild burning sensation. However, the discomfort usually disappears within a few minutes.
Also Read: Exploring the Different Types of Spinal Injections for Pain Relief
Benefits of Undergoing Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections
If medication and physiotherapy fail to deliver results, your doctor may recommend lumbar epidural steroid injections because the procedure:
- Gives you several months of pain relief. You can use the time to get treatment for the spinal issue or participate in rehabilitation exercises.
- Helps enhance your quality of life and capability to do your routine work without discomfort.
- Minimises the need for more invasive surgeries to manage the pain.
What To Expect During Recovery: Post-Procedural Care Tips
It is important to remember that it may take up to two weeks for the steroid drug to take effect and provide pain relief. However, your doctor may advise you to:
- Take adequate rest and cautiously resume routine work the next day.
- Use ice packs once every two hours for 15-20 minutes to prevent skin injuries.
- Avoid hot baths and saunas for the following 2-3 days post-procedure to minimise the risk of infection.
You may experience mild soreness or discomfort for a couple of days, for which you will be given post-injection care advice and medication. You may resume your daily activities within a week of the injection.
Get Pain Relief From Spinal Issues: Say Yes to Spine 360’s Expert Care
A spinal steroid injection may sound intimidating. Contrarily, it may offer much-needed relief from back pain or Sciatica. Although the relief is temporary, it opens a valuable window of opportunity to regain strength through treatment and exercise.
We hope our blog has enlightened you about what to expect from the process. You can benefit from this treatment by adhering to your doctor’s guidelines.
Spine 360 is your trusted partner in prioritising your spinal health. We have some of the best spine doctors in Bangalore to guide you through every step of your treatment and ensure the best possible outcomes for your well-being.
Book your appointment and get the best care for your spine-related issues.
