Question 1

what are the different types of epidural injections?

Accepted Answer

One technique: All epidural injections involve putting medications into the epidural space, which is where nerves pass on their way from the spinal cord to all parts of the body. For anesthesia, numbing medications are used that block pain and movement. For pain relief, narcotics or steroids may be used. Epidural injections can be done in any part of the spine from the neck down to the lower back.

Question 2

when are epidural injections good for back disc hernation pain?

Accepted Answer

Rarely: There is controversy on this.  The neurology literature shows that it is rarely helpful, and then for a very limited time.  There are potential complications.  Therefore I do not recommend using it to treat  disc herniation pain.  Orthopedists generally have a different opinion about this topic, and use this treatment  more.  Bed rest and decompressing the disc help, unless there is motor weakness.

Question 3

does the numbing injection for epidural hurt?

Accepted Answer

Epidural: Usually not, it can cause just the prick of the needle it self, and most of the time they use local anesthesia before that.

Question 4

is it safe to have epidural injections if you have glaucoma?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Should not have any contraindications

Question 5

what are epidural steroid injections used to treat?

Accepted Answer

Spine-related pain: There are many indicated uses for these injections. Generally, they are used for radicular pain (that is, arm or leg pain) from a cervical or lumbar disc herniation, arthritis or stenosis. A physician specializing in Pain Medicine or Physiatrist usually administers these injections under X-ray guidance.

Question 6

what are the common risks of epidural steroid injections?

Accepted Answer

Rare: In the hands of someone experienced epidural injections are very safe. They are done often under light sedation and utilize x-ray for proper placement.  Most common risks are dural puncture leading to a leak of cerebrospinal fluid. This can lead to headaches. Once recognized there are ways to treat this.  Other risks are injection site pain, infection and bleeding.

Question 7

what is an epidural steroid injection like?

Accepted Answer

Not bad: If you can relax and allow the person doing the procedure walk you through what he/she is doing, then it will be over before you know it.
Local anesthetic is injected into the skin with a small needle and then another needle is placed into the epidural space so that anti-inflammatory drug (steroid) is placed near the site causing the nerve root irritation.

Question 8

do epidural injections relieve back pain?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Epidural injections can relieve back pain.  This is not true for all conditions or all people.  Only a qualified physician who specializes in this procedure can give you an opinion as to whether an epidural would be indicated.

Question 9

will an epidural injection cause me to feel sluggish?

Accepted Answer

No: That is not a usual side efffect.

Question 10

what is the definition or description of: epidural injection?

Accepted Answer

Pain treatment: Epidural injections treat either acute or chronic pain.  The most common epidural injections are to treat labor pain and usually include an indwelling catheter that provides continuous treatment until the baby is delivered.  The medicine is a local anesthetic +/- opiod.

Epidural injections also include single shot injections to treat chronic back pain.  These usually include the use of steroids.

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What is the definition or description of: epidural injection?

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