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Epidural Steroid Injection

An Epidural Steroid Injection places this powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly around the spinal nerves to help with lower back pain.

To administer the epidural steroid injection, you will lie flat, face down, on an x-ray table.
Using the x-ray to visualize the location of the tip of the needle, the doctor will guide the needle to an area very near to the spinal nerves, called the epidural space.
Using the x-ray improves the chance the medication will be given in the proper location.
The epidural steroid injection lasts about 20 minutes.

Please expect a phone call prior to your procedure informing you of specific requirements, obtaining a health history and a list of medications including blood thinners, and answering any questions that you may have.
Blood work is required prior to most procedures.
Please report to the Interventional Radiology Reception Desk upon arrival.
Please ensure that you have not had anything to eat or drink after midnight the night before your procedure.
Take your normal medications unless otherwise indicated by your physician.
If you are diabetic, talk to your physician about your insulin dose.
Shower or bathe the evening before or the morning of the procedure.
Please leave jewelry and other valuables at home; we are not responsible for items that you bring into the hospital.
Bring all medications in their labeled containers with you on the day of your procedure.
Plan on being at the hospital for at least 4 hours.
Plan on resting for 12 hours post procedure.
Do not drink alcohol 48 hours before or after your procedure.
You MUST have a responsible adult to drive you home.
Do not operate a vehicle, heavy machinery post- procedure for the remainder of that day.
Do not make any important decisions post-procedure for the remainder of that day.
As a reminder, children are not allowed into the imaging room and must be supervised by another guardian while your study is being completed.