| CERVICAL EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTIONS GENERAL INFORMATION: An epidural steroid injection may be used to help reduce the pain caused by a number of spinal disorders. The medicine used in the injection is usually a combination of local anesthetic, saline, and a steroid. The patient may be positioned sitting up or lying laterally or prone on a bed. The physician may or may not use an x-ray machine called a fluoroscope to determine the positioning of the needle during the procedure. POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS: There is a very small risk of stroke associated with cervical epidural injections. Although the complication rates are extremely low, the spinal cord and major arteries are located near the injection site which increases the risk for stroke from injections in the neck area. Numbness or weakness in the arms and hands can occur during or after the procedure. In addition to blocking the nerves that cause pain, the local anesthetic placed in the epidural space can block other types of nerves as well. This generally only lasts a few hours. You should notify your physician immediately of symptoms lasting more than 24 hours. Post-dural puncture headache is a type of headache that is caused when the dura is punctured causing the spinal fluid to leak. This headache is characterized by exacerbation when the patient raises his or her head above the lying position. It may last for several days or longer. It can be resolved with treatment. If this happens, please contact your physician immediately or go to the emergency room. Steroid administration can cause side effects such as flushing in the face or chest, elevated blood pressure, and elevated blood sugars (especially in diabetic patients). Bleeding and infection are also known to be potential side effects. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Your pain may become worse for 24-48 hours. The medication used to treat your pain has been deposited into a tight space and this may cause increased swelling and irritation around already inflamed nerves in the epidural space. You may have soreness at the injection site for 24-48 hours. Avoid applying heat to the area during this time as this will increase swelling. Use ice 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off as needed until the soreness subsides. If any redness or fever occurs, contact your physician immediately. Additional injections may be needed to get your pain under control initially. You may be asked to repeat the injection in as soon as 7-10 days. If you still have pain one week after you have received an injection and you do not have an appointment scheduled, contact your physician for instructions. The amount of steroid each patient may safely receive each calender year varies. Your physician will determine what amount is appropriate for you and alert you if you are reaching the maximum dose you may receive. OUR GOAL: At Pinkerton Pain Therapy, our goal is to use interventional pain management to get you comfortable so that you are able to EXERCISE and do your daily activities. We believe that exercise is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and has been shown to be extremely beneficial for patients suffering from back pain. |
www.pinkertonpain.com
Phone: 417-781-PAIN (7246)
Phone: 417-781-PAIN (7246)
| Pinkerton Pain Therapy, LLC 3126 Wisconsin Avenue Joplin, MO 64804 |
PINKERTON PAIN THERAPY, LLC
We want to get you Back in the Game of life!
This website is not intended as medical advice.
CERVICAL EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTION
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