Spinal Corticosteroid Injection

Why is this procedure done?

Your spine is a group of bones that are in your back. They protect the nerves that are in your spinal cord. A spinal corticosteroid injection is a strong drug. It is given to relieve pain in the neck, back, arms, and legs. Problems with your spine can cause swollen nerves in the spinal cord. This swelling leads to pain. The pain can limit movement. Your doctor will talk to you about what kind of problem you have with your spine. ‚

What will the results be?

The treatment may: ‚

Lower pain
Reduce swelling in the nerves
Improve movement

What happens before the procedure?

Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- If you have high blood sugar or diabetes. Your drugs may need to be changed.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
Tell the doctor if you are pregnant.
You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.

What happens during the procedure?

An x-ray of your spinal cord will be taken. This helps the doctor inject the drug in the right place.
You may be given a drug to help you relax. You may be given a drug to make the area of the injection numb.
The doctor will clean the skin on your back. This helps prevent infection.
The doctor will put a needle through the skin toward your spine. The drug will be injected into a space near the spine.
Your doctor may use a contrast or colored dye to see if the drug was injected in the right place.
The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be placed over the injection site.

What happens after the procedure?

Staff will check on you to make sure you are doing well. They will tell you when you can go home.

What care is needed at home?

Relax on the day of the injection.
Do not drive or run machines for at least 12 hours afterwards.
Apply ice to the injection site. Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
It may take few days before you will see the effects of the injection.

What follow-up care is needed?

Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may also need to see a physical therapist (PT). The PT will teach you exercises to help you get back your strength and motion. Ask your doctor when you can exercise. ‚

What problems could happen?

Bleeding
Infection (rare)
Headache

Where can I learn more?

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00560 ‚
North American Spine Society ‚
http://www.knowyourback.org/Pages/Treatments/InjectionTreatments/ES_Injections.aspx ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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