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Spinal Corticosteroid Injection by Laurie LaRusso, MS, ELS

Definition | Reasons for Procedure | Possible Complications | What to Expect | Call Your Doctor

Definition

A spinal corticosteroid injection places corticosteroids into tissue around the spine. Corticosteroids are drugs that reduce painful swelling and irritation, called inflammation. They are injected into the back with a needle.

Reasons for Procedure

To diagnose whether a specific site in the spine is the cause of persistent pain or disability
To reduce pain caused by swelling or inflammation around the spine
Improve physical function for people with persistent low back pain and/or sciatica

Spinal injections are typically performed when persistent pain and disability are not relieved by:

Rest
Ice and heat therapies
Medicines
Physical therapy
Back exercises
Changes to the physical set-up of the work environment
Changes to physical activities, including work
Spinal manipulation

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have an injection, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

Headache
Allergic reaction to the medicine
Bleeding
Infection
Nerve damage
Fainting

Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

Current infection
Certain pre-existing medical conditions
Treatment with blood thinners or certain other medicines
General ill health

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor may:

Perform a brief physical exam
Order an X-ray —a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones
Order an MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body
Order a CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the body

Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:

Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs
Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plavix) or warfarin (Coumadin)

Anesthesia

A local anesthetic and/or a sedative may be used. They may help to alleviate pain and anxiety . You will be awake for the procedure.

Description of the Procedure

You will lie on your side on an x-ray table. The skin on your back will be washed with a sterile solution. A syringe containing corticosteroid medicine and a local anesthetic will be prepared. The needle will be injected through the skin and into a space near the spine. The doctor will likely use x-ray imaging to guide placement of the needle. Contrast material may also be injected to confirm that the needle is in the right place. The medicine will be injected and the needle will be removed from your back. A small bandage may then be placed over the injection site.

Corticosteroid Injection

How Long Will It Take?

The procedure will take less than one hour. The entire visit takes about 2-3 hours.

Will It Hurt?

The injection of the local anesthetic may burn or sting for a few seconds. After that, you should not feel pain during the procedure.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

You will spend time in a recovery area.
A healthcare professional will monitor your recovery.
Because you were sedated during the procedure, you will need someone to drive you home.
Potential temporary side effects include:
- Brief period of increased pain
- Headaches
- Trouble sleeping
- Facial flushing
- Hiccups
- Lightheadedness from low blood pressure

At Home

When you return home after the procedure, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

Rest on the day of the procedure.
Apply ice packs for soreness at the injection site.
Avoid baths, pools, and whirlpools for 24-48 hours.
Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions .

It will take a few days to a week for the medicine to reduce the inflammation and pain. You should be able to resume your regular daily activities the day after the procedure. You should be able to start exercising within one week.

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills
Redness, swelling, increasing pain, bleeding, or discharge from the injection site
Shortness of breath or chest pain
Numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness, especially in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
Changes in urine or bowel function
Sudden increase in weight of more than five pounds

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://www.aaos.org/
American Association of Neurological Surgeons http://www.neurosurgerytoday.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation http://www.canorth.org/default.asp/
Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php/

References:

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). AAOS clinical guideline on low back pain/sciatica (acute) (phases I and II). Available at: http://www.guidelines.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=5369&nbr=003672&string=spinal+AND+fusion.
Jain KK. Neurologic complications of local anesthesia. In: Gilman S, ed. MedLink Neurology. San Diego, CA: MedLink Corporation; 2008.
Lumbar epidural steroid injections. Pain Clinic.org website. Available at: http://www.pain-clinic.org/lumbarepiduralsteroidinjections. Accessed July 21, 2009.
Manchikanti L, Staats PS, Singh V, et al. Evidence-based practice guidelines for interventional techniques in the management of chronic spinal pain. Pain Phys. 2003;6:3-81.
Ramachandran TS. Lumbar spinal stenosis and neurogenic claudications. In: Gilman S, ed. MedLink Neurology. San Diego, CA: MedLink Corporation; 2008.
Spinal injections. North American Spine Society website. Available at: http://www.spine.org/articles/injections.cfm .

Last reviewed December 2011 by John C. Keel, MD

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