Epidural Injection for Chronic Pain Relief
This page will give you information about an epidural
injection for chronic pain relief. If you have any questions, you
should ask your GP or other relevant health professional.
What is an epidural injection?
An epidural injection involves injecting drugs, such as local
anaesthetics and steroids, into an area called the epidural space
which is around and below the spinal cord. The local anaesthetic
drugs affect the nerves to provide pain relief. The steroids reduce
inflammation and may make the pain relief last longer.
What types of epidural injection are available?
The type of epidural injection depends on where it is given (see
figure 1).
Figure 1 - Different types of epidural injection
What are the benefits of an epidural injection?
An epidural injection can give you short-term pain relief,
allowing you to move around more easily.
What does the procedure involve?
An epidural injection usually takes about fifteen minutes.
Your doctor will insert the needle and inject the drugs. Your
doctor will then remove the needle.
What complications can happen?
- Failure of the epidural
- Worsening pain
- Low blood pressure
- Headache
- Bladder-emptying problems
- Temporary leg or arm weakness
- Backache
- Infection around the spine
- Short-term nerve injury
- Long-term nerve injury
- Blood clot in the spine
Summary
An epidural injection can be used for most people, usually
giving a safe and effective form of pain relief.
Acknowledgements
Author: Dr Vanessa Hodgkinson FRCA and Dr Iain Moppett DM MRCP
FRCA
Illustrations: LifeART image copyright 2007 Lippincott Williams
& Wilkins. All rights reserved.
This document is intended for information purposes only and should
not replace advice that your relevant health professional would
give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare
Limited
The operation and treatment information on this website is
produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Ramsay Health
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You may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any
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The information should not replace advice that your relevant
health professional would give you.
Hospitals offering this treatment