Does pain management perform epidural steroid injections?

An epidural steroid injection places anti-inflammatory medicine near the nerves in the spine. A pain management clinician uses your symptoms, examination and imaging when deciding whether the target should be in the neck, mid-back or lower back. The procedure is usually planned rather than used for unexplained pain, and it may be considered when irritation around a spinal nerve contributes to radiating pain.

The clinician reviews medicines and health conditions before the injection. Mention blood-thinning medicines, diabetes, allergies, possible infection, pregnancy and previous reactions to injections. A local anaesthetic may numb the skin, and you should receive instructions about driving, activity and monitoring afterward.

Bring your scan reports, medication list and details of previous treatments. Ask which spinal level is being considered, what benefit is realistic, and whether physiotherapy, medicines or another approach could address the same problem. Follow the clinic’s instructions about medicines and food; do not stop prescribed treatment unless the clinician who manages it tells you to. Arrange help getting home if sedation is planned.

Seek urgent care for new severe weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the saddle area, fever with worsening back pain, severe headache after the injection, or signs of an allergic reaction such as facial swelling or breathing difficulty. Contact the treating service promptly for increasing redness, drainage or pain at the injection site.

Ask: What is the suspected pain generator? What will the injection target? How will you reduce procedural risk? What should I do with my regular medicines? When should I expect review, and what is the next option if symptoms persist?