Epidural steroid injections are a common procedure used to relieve pain and inflammation in the spine. Many people wonder if these injections are painful, and the answer is that it varies from person to person.
During the procedure, a local anesthetic is first injected into the skin to numb the area where the epidural needle will be inserted. This helps to minimize any discomfort or pain during the procedure. The anesthetic may cause a slight burning or stinging sensation, but it is usually well-tolerated.
After the area is numbed, the epidural needle is inserted into the targeted area of the spine. The needle is guided by fluoroscopy, which is a type of real-time X-ray imaging. This helps the doctor ensure accurate needle placement and avoid any potential complications.
Some patients may experience mild discomfort or pressure as the needle is inserted, but it should not be severe pain. The doctor will advance the needle to the desired location and then inject a combination of a corticosteroid medication and a local anesthetic into the epidural space. This medication helps to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
Once the medication is injected, the needle is removed and a small bandage is placed over the injection site. Sometimes, patients may feel a brief, sharp sensation as the needle is removed, but it is usually not a cause for concern.
It is important to note that every individual’s pain tolerance and experience can vary. Some people may have a higher pain threshold and may not feel much discomfort during the procedure, while others may be more sensitive and experience more discomfort. It is always a good idea to communicate any concerns or fears to your doctor before the procedure, as they can help address them and make the experience as comfortable as possible.
In my personal experience, I have had an epidural steroid injection for a herniated disc in my lower back. I was initially nervous about the procedure and worried about the pain. However, the doctor and medical staff were very reassuring and explained the process to me beforehand. They made sure to numb the area with a local anesthetic, and although I felt some pressure and mild discomfort during the injection, it was not unbearable. the procedure was relatively quick and the pain relief I experienced afterward was worth any temporary discomfort.
Epidural steroid injections are generally not extremely painful. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area before the needle is inserted, minimizing any discomfort. Some patients may experience mild discomfort or pressure during the procedure, but it should not be severe pain. Each person’s experience can vary, so it is important to communicate any concerns with your doctor before the procedure.