What is an Epidural Steroid Injection?
A lumbar epidural steroid injection (ESI) is an injection that helps relieve pain caused by inflamed nerves in the lower back. Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) can be used to treat pain and to diagnose which specific nerves in your spine are causing problems.
ESIs involve 2-3 injections into the lumbar spine that can help reduce pain and strengthen the lower back. As a patient’s pain decreases, their mobility improves, and their back can heal more quickly. Dr. Ahuja performs the injections, and the entire epidural steroid injection procedure takes less than a minute. After two injections, Dr. Ahuja sees patients back in his office to evaluate their progress and determine the next steps in treatment.
We have 3 convenient locations throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.
What to expect from an Epidural Steroid Injection procedure?
Before the procedure, the patient’s lower back is cleaned and prepped by a nurse to ensure the process is as quick and easy as possible when Dr. Ahuja comes into the room.
Dr. Ahuja administers a small shot of numbing medication right before the steroid injection.
As suggested by the name, Dr. Ahuja injects the steroid medication into the epidural space of the spine. The epidural layer surrounds the dura, a thin membrane that houses the spinal cord and cerebrospinal fluid.
If necessary, Dr. Ahuja will use a fluoroscope, an x-ray machine that displays live video, to guide him.
Typically, the procedure is over very quickly.
What is a facet steroid injection?
Dr. Ahuja also performs a similar type of steroid injection called a facet injection. The facets are joints on either side of the spine. Diseased facets can cause nerve irritation and pain.
There are two unique aspects to a facet injection: the steroid medication is directly injected into the joint, and the procedure is always done under fluoroscopy.
Don’t worry about deciding between an epidural steroid injection (ESI) and a facet injection; Dr. Ahuja will recommend the best way to treat your pain.
What is recovery like after an Epidural Steroid Injection?
Following the injection, Dr. Ahuja ensures the patient is feeling well enough to go home before leaving.
- Don’t drive for the rest of the day.
- Feel free to move around when you get home, but only do what you feel comfortable with.
- It’s normal for the medicine to take a day or two to work; don’t worry if you don’t feel any improvement or even a slight worsening of your symptoms right away.
- If you have any questions or feel like something isn’t right, please don’t hesitate to call our office.
Dr. Ahuja and his team are dedicated to providing the best care and guidance throughout your treatment with epidural steroid injections (ESIs).
