Epidural steroid injection by Globalspine.net

Epidural steroid injection

The epidural steroid injection has been now used for over 40 years and is the most commonly performed injection for relief of spine-related pain. The epidural steroid injection is the placement of either steroids or anaesthetic agents into the epidural space, which approximates the disc and spinal column with minimal risk factors. The main goal of the epidural injection is to shrink the swelling in bulging or herniated discs, and to decrease any inflammation that surrounds the disc and may be pressing on a spinal nerve.

Side effects and adverse reactions are rare. Some of these potential but uncommon side effects include fluid retention, “puffiness” and rarely, acne. An additional risk is the possibility for the epidural needle to nick the durra (the covering of the spinal cord). If this occurs, there could be leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, which could cause a severe “spinal headache”.

Other potential risks include: worsening of symptoms, bleeding, infection, backache, steroid side effects, bowel or bladder dysfunction, haematoma, cord compression, paralysis, neurological damage or impairment, or death. One of the most serious side effects (which is extremely rare) is the development of an epidural infection or abscess.