In order to diminish the inflammation and ease pain associated with nerve root compression, an epidural steroid injection is performed. A herniated disc, spinal stenosis, and bone spurs disorders can cause nerve roots compression. The inflammation takes place at the point when the nerve is compressed. This, as a result, can drive towards pain, numbness, tingling or faintness along the course of the nerve. This is categorized as radiculopathy. The objective of the epidural steroid injection is to help diminish the inflammation of the nerve root. The place of the epidural space is above the external layer and it surrounds the spinal cord and nerve roots. The epidural steroid injection is injection with the purpose to reach the epidural space, specifically over the compressed nerve root.

Why Do You Need Epidural Steroid Injection?

There are a number of reasons that can work in a way to narrow the spinal passages, comprising disc herniations, bone spurs, thickening of the ligaments in the spine, joint cysts, or even irregular alignment of the vertebrae. A fat filled ‘sleeve’ is the epidural space that covers the spinal sac and works in a way to give cushioning to the nerves and spinal cord. The pain can be decreased and an improvement in the functionality can be obtained as steroids (‘cortisone’) put into the epidural space because they have an exceptionally strong action. In spite of the fact that steroids don’t change the fundamental condition, however, they can work in a way to break the cycle of pain and inflammation and prepare the body to compensate for the condition. Thus, the epidural steroid injections can work in a way to give benefits that survive the impacts of the steroid itself.

Risks and Complications of Epidural Steroid Injections

The injections are generally safe with minimal risk of complexities. A standout amongst the most widely recognized risk is the accidental puncture of the tissue coving the spinal cord named the dura mater. In the event that this occurs, the liquid can spill out and result in a spinal headache. According to its name, headache is the essential side effect. Afterward, the injury is commonly treated with bed rest either or both a process is known as a blood patch in which blood is infused over the hole in order to form a seal as it coagulates.

On the off chance that the needle contacts the spinal cord or nerve root, it can result in short-term neurologic damage showing with numbness or tingling in the extremities points for a considerable length of time. With the arrival of X-ray-guided injections, the occurrence of this has dropped significantly.

On the other hand, allergic responses are uncommon, approx. 0.3 to 0.5% yet may require emergency treatment on the off chance that you go through wheezing, shortness of breath, hives, facial swelling, quick breathing, and a sporadic heart rate. Infection is likewise rare.