Why is local anaesthetic used in an epidural steroid injection?

The anaesthetic works quickly around the treatment area and can temporarily interrupt pain signals. This may make the procedure easier and can provide useful information about how the targeted spinal region relates to your symptoms. The steroid is included to address inflammation and may take longer to have an effect.

A brief reduction in pain is not a promise of lasting relief or a complete explanation for every symptom. Leg pain, back pain, tingling, and weakness can have different causes, so the injection is considered alongside your examination and history.

Give the clinician a full list of medicines and mention allergies, infection, pregnancy, diabetes, bleeding problems, or new neurological symptoms. Arrange transport if advised, and follow the instructions about food, medicines, and activity. Temporary numbness or heaviness can affect walking, so move carefully and have support available if needed.

Do not test the area with strenuous exercise while sensation is altered. Note changes in pain, strength, walking, or sensation as the anaesthetic fades, then follow the rehabilitation and review plan provided by your care team.

Contact the treating service for increasing injection-site redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, fever, or pain that is becoming severe. Seek urgent assessment for new or worsening leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the saddle area, breathing difficulty, or a severe headache that changes with position. These symptoms need prompt clinical advice rather than home observation.

Which symptoms is the injection targeting? How long could numbness or leg heaviness last? When is walking or exercise safe? How will you interpret pain relief after the anaesthetic wears off? Which new symptoms require immediate assessment?