Overview
This injection procedure is performed to
relieve low back and radiating leg pain.
The steroid medication can reduce the swelling and inflammation caused by
spinal conditions such as spinal stenosis, radiculopathy, sciatica, and herniated disc.
Vertebra and Nerve Root Located
The patient lies face down. A cushion is placed under the stomach area to provide comfort and flex the back. This position
causes the spine to open, allowing for
easier access to the epidural space. The physician uses a fluoroscope to locate the
appropriate lumbar vertebra and nerve
root, and a local anesthetic numbs the skin.
Tissue Anesthetized
All the tissue down to the surface of the vertebral transverse process is
anesthetized.
Needle Inserted
The physician slides a thin bent needle
with a slightly curved point through the
anesthetized track. With the aid of the fluoroscope, the physician carefully guides
the needle into the foraminal space near the nerve root.
Contrast Dye Injected
The physician injects a contrast solution
and uses the fluoroscope to see the painful areas and confirm the correct location of
the needle tip.
Steroids Injected
A steroid-anesthetics mix is injected into
the foraminal epidural space, bathing the painful nerve root with soothing
medication.
End of Procedure
The needle is removed, and a small band- aid is used to cover the tiny needle surface
wound. In some cases it may be
necessary to repeat the procedure as many as three times to provide the full
benefit of the medication. However many patients feel significant relief from only one
or two injections. |
