The analysis also suggested that steroid injections may help with short-term pain. They bring relief to a significant majority of patients with chronic back pain. They also ease leg pain in 61% of cases. There are several steps before the procedure is safe and effective. It must not be too dangerous. A complete guide to prepare for an epidural steroid injection.
Talk to Your Doctor
Discuss your procedure with your healthcare provider in depth beforehand. Tell them about any drugs you take, including OTCs, supplements, and herbs. Patients may need to stop some medications, like blood thinners. This is to prevent bleeding. Your doctor will give you instructions for you. Your medical history and current health will be the basis for them.
Pre-Procedure Instructions
- There may be some medication adjustments. You may need to stop taking blood thinners or other drugs that raise the bleeding risk. Your doctor might tell you to stop them for a few days before the injection.
- If the ability plan allows, we may ask you to remain NPO before the epidural steroid injection. This is especially true if there is sedation. This usually means not eating or drinking after midnight.
- Drink a lot of water the day before your injection unless your doctor tells you something else!
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing. It should give you access to the injection site. This helps you relax during and after the injection.
Day of the procedure
- Bring any forms and arrive early to check in so you’ve got time to do any pre-procedure assessments. After discussing the risks and benefits of the injection, your doctor may have you sign a consent form.
- Vital Signs: A nurse will check your vital signs. They’ll check your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. This is to ensure that you’re well enough for the procedure.
- At CT Imaging of Andover, we’ve performed the procedure under sedation. Sometimes, we use local anesthesia. But, an IV line is always placed before the exam. You need to apply local anesthesia to numb the injection site.
- How to do it: You’ll be lying on your stomach or side for the duration of the injection. The doctor will use fluoroscopy (a type of X-ray) to find the needle’s location. They’ll do this before they inject the steroid.
Post-Procedure Care
Work finishes on time. We’ve tracked your response to the shot in the first few moments. If you become sedated, make sure to ask someone to drive you home. Follow the post-procedure instructions from your healthcare provider. For example, put ice packs on the injection site for swelling. Also, avoid strenuous activities for the next 24-48 hours.
