Procedures

MR ARTHROGRAMS PAIN MANAGEMENT Epidural Injections Facet Injections Nerve Root Blocks Joint Injections / Aspirations VERTEBROPLASTY FLUOROSCOPY PROCEDURES AND IMAGING LUMBAR PUNCTURE PICC & PORT PLACEMENT

Procedures

Epidural Injections

An epidural is an injection that delivers medication directly into the epidural space in your spine that surrounds the spinal cord and spinal nerves. An epidural injection is used to relieve back pain, sciatica, or for diagnostic purposes—to identify the source of your pain and plan for your care.

After the area is anesthetized, a radiologist will insert a different needle into the epidural space using the X-ray machine for guidance. Contrast material will be injected to check positioning. A steroid, used to reduce inflammation, is mixed with a local anesthetic and injected through the needle into the epidural space. The needle is removed after this is done.

You may feel some pressure while the steroid is being injected, but this shortly resolves. You will be observed for 30 minutes after the procedure. Arrangements should be made to have someone drive you home.