What is epidural steroid injection done with?

The corticosteroid is intended to calm inflammation around irritated spinal nerves. Local anaesthetic may numb the area briefly and can help the clinician understand whether the targeted region is contributing to your symptoms. A thin needle is guided toward the epidural space, the area outside the sac surrounding the spinal nerves. A C-arm fluoroscopy system can provide moving X-ray images so the clinician can check the needle position and inject contrast when needed. The exact medicine, dose, and approach depend on the spinal level, your symptoms, and your medical history.

Tell the treating team about allergies, infection, diabetes, pregnancy, and medicines that affect bleeding. Follow the clinic's instructions about eating, drinking, and arranging transport. After the procedure, follow activity advice and notice how your pain and leg or arm symptoms change. Temporary numbness or weakness can occur from the anaesthetic, so avoid driving until normal strength and sensation have returned and the clinic says it is appropriate.

Contact the clinic promptly for fever, increasing redness or drainage at the injection site, severe or worsening pain, or a new persistent headache. Seek emergency care for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the saddle area, rapidly worsening weakness, trouble breathing, or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

Which spinal level are you targeting, and why? Which corticosteroid and anaesthetic will be used? What medicines should I pause or continue? What symptoms after the injection should trigger an urgent call?