What to Expect From The Epidural Steroid Injection Process
Epidural steroid shots are a quick, non-invasive treatment. They involve cleaning and numbing the injection area and the injection itself. Most patients do not require an anesthetic, but sedation is available when needed.
Regardless, make arrangements to have someone drive you home from your Austin pain center the day of the injection, as you shouldn’t drive or do any rigorous activity for 24 hours after treatment.
Types of Epidural Steroid Injections
Interlaminar Injection
This is the most common type of ESI and is commonly just called an epidural injection. A needle is inserted into the back of the epidural space and delivers the steroid over a wider area.
Caudal Injection
The caudal injection delivers the steroid through the sacral hiatus, a small boney opening just above the tailbone. The needle placement for this approach is lower on the back, at the very bottom of the epidural space.
Transforaminal Injection (Nerve Block)
A transforaminal injection is often referred to as a “nerve block”, as the needle is placed near the nerve where it exits the spine. Medication is delivered here and moves into the epidural space from the side, allowing for a more concentrated delivery of the steroid.
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