Is epidural steroid injection done with corticosteroid?

Corticosteroid is an anti-inflammatory medicine. Placing it in the epidural space aims to calm inflammation around a spinal nerve or nearby tissues that may be contributing to radiating pain. The injection is targeted; it does not repair a disc, widen a narrowed spinal canal, or reverse a structural change.

The chosen medicine, dose and injection location depend on your symptoms, examination and medical history. Relief may be temporary, and the response can help your clinician plan the next part of care, such as physiotherapy or other options.

Give the clinician a complete medicine list and mention diabetes, immune problems, infection, allergies, pregnancy possibility and previous steroid reactions. Do not stop prescribed blood-thinning medicine unless the treating team gives you a plan. Ask when to resume normal activity and how to monitor glucose if you have diabetes.

Rest briefly if advised, then return to activity gradually. Keep note of pain, numbness and strength changes rather than judging the result from the first few hours alone.

Call the clinic about fever, increasing redness or drainage at the injection site, severe or escalating pain, or a marked change in blood glucose. Get urgent help for new weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the saddle area, breathing trouble, facial swelling or widespread hives.

Ask why corticosteroid is being recommended, where it will be placed, what other medicine may be included, and how your existing conditions affect the plan. Clarify expected warning symptoms, activity limits and alternatives if the injection does not improve your function.