Interlaminar epidural
Placed from the middle of the back or neck so medication can spread more broadly around multiple nerves.
Epidural Injections
Epidural injections place medication into the epidural space around the spine to reduce inflammation and relieve pain caused by irritated or inflamed spinal nerves.
Overview
Fluoroscopy-guided injections that place medication around irritated spinal nerves to reduce inflammation and ease arm or leg pain.
Types of epidural injections
Transforaminal epidural steroid injection
Targets a specific nerve root more precisely and is often used for pain radiating into the arm or leg.
Caudal epidural
Placed near the tailbone in the sacral area to provide broader coverage of lower spinal nerves, often when prior surgery has caused scar tissue.
Epidural injection approaches
Fluoroscopy helps place medication around irritated spinal nerves.
What is injected and why it matters
Most epidural injections include a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation around the affected nerve or nerves. A local anesthetic is often added to provide short-term pain relief and, in some diagnostic cases, to help confirm the injection target.
Contrast dye is used under fluoroscopic guidance to confirm that the needle is correctly positioned before medication is delivered. Patients with a known allergy to contrast dye should notify the clinic before the procedure.
- Steroid to reduce inflammation
- Local anesthetic for short-term pain relief
- Contrast dye to confirm accurate needle placement under imaging
- Tell the clinic if you have any allergy to contrast dye
Common conditions treated
- Sciatica or leg pain from nerve irritation
- Cervical radiculopathy or arm pain
- Herniated disc-related nerve pain
- Spinal stenosis
- Persistent pain after spine surgery
Important preparation notes
- If you take blood thinners such as Apixaban, Rivaroxaban, Heparin, or Warfarin, timing matters before the procedure
- Cervical injections are listed as stopping 5 days before
- Lumbar interlaminar injections are listed as stopping 2 days before
- Always follow your physician's specific instructions before stopping any medication
Before your appointment
Blood thinner timing varies by injection type and site. Confirm with the clinic well in advance of your appointment date so you have time to adjust your medications safely under physician guidance.
What to expect after the procedure
- Mild soreness at the injection site
- Temporary numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
- Temporary tingling, especially with caudal injections
- Do not drive on the day of the procedure if numbness or weakness is present
- Pain may temporarily increase because of a steroid flare
- Relief typically begins in 2 to 7 days, but full effect may take up to 2 weeks
- Other temporary effects can include higher blood sugar, higher blood pressure, headache, dizziness, or nausea
Benefits, aftercare, and alternatives
Epidural injections are minimally invasive and performed with image guidance for safety and accuracy. They may reduce inflammation, relieve nerve pain, improve function, and in some cases delay or avoid the need for surgery.
After the procedure, apply ice packs for 10 to 15 minutes at a time and take acetaminophen if needed. Avoid strenuous activity for 24 to 48 hours before gradually returning to normal activity over a few days.
- Medications and physiotherapy as alternatives
- Activity modification and other injections
- Surgery in selected cases depending on the diagnosis
- No treatment is also a valid option depending on the situation
Rare but serious problems that need urgent attention
- Severe headache that gets worse when sitting or standing
- Significant or worsening weakness
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Severe or increasing pain
Next Step
Discuss whether epidural injections is appropriate.
The clinic can review your symptoms, prior treatment, imaging, and whether this procedure fits into your care plan.
If you have a question after a recent procedure, call the clinic directly rather than waiting for an online response.