Is epidural steroid injection done with local anaesthetic?

Local anaesthetic temporarily reduces sensation in a small area. It may be injected into the skin and deeper tissues before the epidural needle is advanced. In some plans, a local anaesthetic is also combined with the corticosteroid. These medicines have different roles: local anaesthetic acts quickly for a limited time, while corticosteroid is intended to calm inflammation over a longer period.

You may feel pressure during needle placement even when the skin is numb. Tell the clinician if you feel sharp, electric or unusually intense pain so the needle position can be reassessed.

Tell the team about allergies, previous reactions to local anaesthetic, liver or heart conditions, pregnancy possibility, infection, and every medicine or supplement you take. Ask whether you need a driver and whether sedation is planned.

Protect an area that feels numb until normal sensation returns. Follow instructions about walking, lifting and exercise. Note whether any early improvement fades as the local anaesthetic wears off; this information can help interpret your response.

Contact the clinic for worsening swelling, redness, drainage, fever or pain at the injection site. Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, fainting, widespread hives, ringing in the ears, seizures, new severe weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin.

Ask whether local anaesthetic will be used in the skin, mixed with the injection, or both. Confirm which symptoms are expected as numbness fades, when you can drive, and what to do if pain or weakness changes after the procedure.