Epidural Injection

The area around your spinal cord is called the epidural space. An epidural injection places a mixture of local anaesthetic and steroid into this space. The anaesthetic helps numb the area, while the steroid works to reduce inflammation and irritation around the nerves. This combination can ease pain that travels down the back, legs or arms, depending on where the injection is given.

Epidural injections can be a helpful way to ease lower back pain and leg pain caused by inflammation or irritated nerves. By delivering medication directly into the epidural space, the injection can reduce swelling around the nerves and provide meaningful pain relief.

These injections can also reduce neural tension. When irritated nerves are tight or compressed, they can affect the way your hamstrings or calves function. An epidural may help improve movement and reduce discomfort in these areas.

Some people with acute lumbar disc herniations or disc-related pain experience relief from an epidural injection. It may also help certain patients with spinal stenosis by reducing irritation around the nerves and improving their overall comfort.

You’ll be asked to lie face down on the CT table. Once you’re comfortable, your back will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection. A radiologist who specialises in these procedures will use CT imaging to guide a fine needle into the epidural space with precision.

Once the placement is confirmed, a mixture of cortisone and local anaesthetic is delivered into the area. You might feel some brief discomfort during the injection. This usually settles once the local anaesthetic begins to take effect. The entire procedure takes around 30 minutes.

The cortisone starts working after two to three days and can provide relief that typically lasts three to six months, depending on the condition being treated.

All medical procedures carry some level of risk, although complications from an epidural injection are uncommon. Possible side effects include temporary soreness or bruising at the injection site, headaches caused by a dural puncture, or short-term numbness or weakness in the legs. Bleeding or infection can also occur, although these are rare.

Very rare complications may include loss of bladder control or nerve damage. Your radiologist will discuss the procedure with you and answer any questions to help you feel informed and comfortable before proceeding.

You’ll need someone to take you home, as you shouldn’t drive for at least six hours after the procedure. It’s normal to feel some tenderness or notice mild bruising around the injection site. Using ice and taking paracetamol can help ease these symptoms.

Some people develop a headache after the injection. This usually improves with rest and paracetamol and should settle within 48 hours.

The local anaesthetic can temporarily make your legs feel numb or weak. This usually wears off within four to six hours. Avoid exercise or strenuous activity for up to a week or follow the specific advice given by your treating doctor about when it’s safe to return to normal activities.

If you develop a fever, increasing pain, swelling or warmth at the injection site more than 48 hours after the procedure, contact your doctor promptly.

Please let our staff know if:

• You have any allergies to medicines, local anaesthetics or X-ray contrast

• You have diabetes

• You are pregnant or think you might be pregnant

It’s very important we know this before your appointment so we can keep you safe and plan your care appropriately.

If you are feeling unwell on the day or need to change or cancel your appointment, please call our office as soon as you can on 08 7081 3078.