Epidural Injection
Epidural injection is a targeted treatment that places medicine near irritated spinal nerves to help reduce pain and inflammation.
-
Nonsurgical Spine Care & Pain Management
We have decades of experience caring for patients with back and spine conditions, pioneering minimally invasive treatments and leading research for new treatments to improve patient outcomes.
What Is an Epidural Injection?
An epidural injection is a treatment that delivers medicine into the epidural space, the area around the nerves in the spine. The medicine usually includes a steroid to calm inflammation and, in some cases, a numbing medicine for short-term relief.
This treatment may help people with pain that starts in the spine and travels into the arm or leg. It is often used when symptoms are linked to nerve irritation from conditions such as herniated disc, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease or sciatica.
Why Choose Baptist Health?
Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care offers evaluation and treatment for spine-related pain with a focus on clear communication and personalized care. For some patients, epidural injection may be part of a broader treatment plan that can also include physical therapy, medicine, activity changes or other procedures.
Because back pain can have many causes, careful evaluation matters. Baptist Health Brain & Spine Care experts can help determine whether symptoms may be related to nerve inflammation and whether an injection, nerve block, facet joint injection or radiofrequency ablation may be appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
An epidural injection is used to help reduce pain and inflammation around irritated spinal nerves. It may be recommended for symptoms related to conditions such as herniated disc, sciatica or spinal stenosis when pain travels into the arm or leg.
-
No. An epidural injection is a nonsurgical treatment. It is done with a needle to place medicine near the spine, while surgery involves repairing or removing the cause of nerve pressure through an operation.
-
Pain relief varies. Some people have short-term improvement, while others may feel relief for weeks or months. The result often depends on the cause of the pain, how inflamed the nerve is and how your body responds to the medicine.
-
Many people feel pressure or a brief pinch rather than severe pain. The skin is usually numbed first, and the procedure is typically short. You may have mild soreness afterward for a day or two.
-
Your physician will give instructions based on your health history and medicines. You may be asked about blood thinners, allergies, diabetes or recent illness. Follow all guidance about eating, drinking and transportation on the day of treatment.
-
Yes. As with any procedure, epidural injection has risks. These can include bleeding, infection, headache, temporary numbness or little to no pain relief. Serious complications are uncommon but possible.
-
The number can vary based on your symptoms, response to treatment and your physician’s judgment. Your care plan should balance potential benefits with safety considerations, especially if steroid medicine is being used.
-
If relief is limited, your physician may reassess the source of pain and discuss other options. These may include physical therapy, medication changes, other image-guided procedures or surgery in selected cases.
Pioneering The Cures Of Tomorrow
Our researchers play a vital role in helping us better understand brain and spine disease. They participate in a wide variety of clinical trials dedicated to improving treatments that will ultimately lead to better patient outcomes. Learn more about their work and what it means to be involved in a clinical trial.
News & Podcasts
Have Questions? Let’s Talk.
Investing in the Healthcare Heroes of Tomorrow
At Baptist Health, we’re committed to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. With the support of the Baptist Health Foundation and its donors, we can expand access to innovative training, advanced technology, and collaborative spaces that bring learning to life.
Every gift helps us equip students and professionals with the skills they need to provide exceptional care, ensuring a healthier future for our community.
