Epidural injection for chronic pain relief

A needle is inserted in the epidural space, near your spinal cord. Local anaesthetics and steroids are injected through the needle into the epidural space.

The local anaesthetics numb the nerves to give pain relief. The steroids reduce inflammation and may make the pain relief last longer.

An epidural injection is usually used for pain from a slipped disc or trapped spinal nerve and can give you short-term or long-term pain relief. This should allow you to move around more easily and return to normal activities.

If you decide not to have an epidural injection, your doctor may suggest other options such as painkillers, physiotherapy or surgery.

An epidural injection usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your doctor will usually use an x-ray machine to guide them and confirm the needle position while they give the injection.

Your doctor will carefully insert the needle for the epidural injection.

The healthcare team will monitor you closely during and after the injection.

The healthcare team are trained to reduce the risk of complications.

Any numbers which relate to risk are from studies of people who have had an epidural injection. Your doctor may be able to tell you if the risk of a complication is higher or lower for you. Some risks are higher if you are older, obese, you are a smoker or have other health problems. These health problems include diabetes, heart disease or lung disease.

Some complications can be serious and may even cause death. This is rare.

• Failure of the epidural.
• Worsening pain.
• Low blood pressure. Any problems can be treated straight away.
• Headache. There is a particular type of headache that can happen if the bag of fluid around your spinal cord is accidentally punctured.
• Shivering after your procedure.
• Allergic reaction to the equipment, materials or medication.
• Backache. It is common to have a bruised feeling for a few days where the epidural injection was given.
• Temporary leg or arm weakness.
• Seizures caused by the local anaesthetics.
• Difficulty passing urine. If the nerves to your bladder are numbed, you may need a catheter (tube) while the effect wears off.
• Unexpected high block, if the local anaesthetic spreads beyond the intended area. This can make it difficult for you to breathe, cause you to have low blood pressure and, rarely, cause you to become unconscious.
• Infection around your spine. This can cause an abscess or meningitis.
• Short-term nerve injury, which recovers fully.
• Visual disturbance or loss of vision.
• Long-term nerve injury.
• Blood clot around your spine.
• Paralysis.

Most people feel completely normal after the procedure. After a short while you should be able to go home.

An epidural injection can be used for most people, usually giving a safe and effective form of pain relief.