1. Epidural Injection
Radiology Spine Injection Doctors

2. Epidural Injection
Your doctor thinks you have a disc bulge or bone spurs causing your back or leg pain.
Disc

3. Epidural Injection
Radiology Spine Injection Doctors can inject medication into the epidural space & often reduce the pain
Inject into epidural space

4. Before the Injection
Let your doctor know if you are taking an anticoagulant or blood thinner
Bring someone who can drive you home; some people can feel weak in the legs after the procedure

5. Day of the injection
Report to the Radiology Department in UW Hospital at G3/3 (Atrium elevators to the 3rd floor)
If you have a MRI or CT of the spine from another hospital, bring it with you

6. Epidural Injection
The procedure will be described to you by a radiologist, and you can ask questions

7. Procedure Takes about 45 minutes
You will lie on you stomach and a fine needle will be placed in your back to inject medication into the epidural space
Medications are Lidocaine (to numb the area) and Corticosteroid (to reduce inflammation)

8. Possible complications
complications are rare

9. Possible complications
For 1-2 days after the procedure, some patients have had:
temporary worsening of back or leg pain
redness and flushing around the face
fluid gain which could cause breathing difficulty (if you have heart problems)
higher blood sugars (if you are diabetic)

10. After the injection Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours
Take your usual medicines for back pain
You will be given a phone number to call if any drainage, swelling, or increased pain at the injection site