It is an effective method in spinal diseases that occur in the neck and waist region and cause nerve root compression. It is used to control pain in cases such as disc herniation (lumbar-neck hernia), slipped disc and narrow spinal canal. The aim here is to reduce inflammation and edema caused by compression and to dissolve adhesions. Epidural steroid injection is most effective in compression on nerve roots and disc herniations. 70-80% of patients whose symptoms have just started improve and do not require further treatment. In later cases, relief is provided for 2 months to 1.5 years or more in 50-70% of patients. Epidural steroid injection is more effective when it is administered within the first 6 months after the onset of the patient’s complaints. With epidural injection, a drug mixture containing a long-lasting depot steroid and a local anesthetic to provide relief in the early period is made around the damaged spinal nerve.
How to Apply?
Intervention is performed by Algology specialists under continuous radiological imaging (with C-arm scopy). During the procedure, the vital functions of the patient are monitored by an anesthesiologist, and drugs are administered intravenously so that the patient does not feel pain. All procedures are performed under local anesthesia.
What Happens After the Procedure?
2-3 days of rest is recommended after the procedure. The main effect of the long-acting steroid reaches the desired level within 48-72 hours and the pain complaint begins to decrease within 3-4 days. During this time, movements that will put excessive strain on the waist or neck should be avoided.
What are the Risks?
There is a possibility of infection with a frequency of one in 40-60 thousand patients among the patients who received epidural steroid injection. For this reason, this possibility is minimized by performing the applications in absolute sterile conditions in the operating room. Nerve damage is also very rare. In order to minimize this risk, the intervention must be performed under imaging with C-arm fluoroscopy and by experts.
