Epidural Injections for Spinal Pain
An epidural injection is an injection of medication into the space around the spinal cord, also known as the epidural space, to provide temporary or prolonged relief from pain or inflammation. The epidural space is the outermost part of the spinal canal. Steroids, anesthetics and anti-inflammatory medications are typically delivered in an epidural injection. The injection may reduce pain and swelling in and around the spinal nerve roots, as well as around damaged nerves which in time may heal.
An epidural injection may be performed to alleviate pain caused by:
- A herniated or bulging disk that impinges nerves causing pain.
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).
- Post-operative "failed back" surgery syndromes (chronic back or leg pain after spinal surgery).
- Other injuries to spinal nerves, vertebrae and surrounding tissues.
- Bone spurs.
