Epidural Injections - FAQ

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What is an epidural injection?
What is an epidural space?
Is the injection painful?
How many injections are needed?
Are these procedures safe?
Can I drive afterwards?
Are there any things I should alert my doctor about?
Do I take my morning medications?

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What is an epidural injection?
An epidural injection is usually performed to relieve pain in the back or neck caused by herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
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What is an epidural space?
The epidural space surrounds the spinal cord and contains blood vessels and nerve roots.
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Is the injection painful?
Your doctor is a trained anesthesiologist and uses local anesthetic to numb the area first. Most find it only mildly uncomfortable.
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How many injections are needed?
Usually not more than 3-4 in each 6 month period. However, this varies with each patient.
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Are these procedures safe?
Yes. The most common concerns are with the side effects of the medications used. These are rare and usually temporary. Your doctor will discuss them with you in detail prior to the procedure.
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Can I drive afterwards?
No. The local anesthetic used may cause a temporary numbness or weakness in the legs or arms, which could affect your ability to drive.
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Are there any things I should alert my doctor about?
Yes. If you are diabetic, contact your diabetic doctor prior to the procedure. The medication used may cause a temporary rise in your blood sugar. If you are on a blood-thinning agent such as Coumadin, aspirin, Plavix, NSAIDS, or Ticlid inform your doctor. You may be asked to stop these medications several days prior to the procedure or asked to have a blood test or both.
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Do I take my morning medications?
Ask your doctor, usually you will be advised to take your routine medications.
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