SERVICES
Injections for Pain
BRAIN
SPINAL CORD
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
What are steroidal epidural injections?
Epidural injections are delivered by means of fluoroscopy. A fluoroscopy is a type of x-ray imaging to view and deliver medication directly to the pain region. Injecting an epidural is done less invasively in the doctor’s rooms or surgical centre.
What does the procedure involve?
Injecting epidurals to relieve back pain takes thirty minutes. The patient lies flat on their stomach while the route to administer the medication is being set up. An intravenous line is connected should the patient require relaxant medication. Before this, the injection site is sterilised with betadine and marked. Guidance by means of fluoroscopy indicates the location of vertebral damage and therefore presents live pictures of the site digitally. A local anaesthetic is used to deaden any sensation in the area before the medication is injected. The doctor then guides the epidural injection using a fluoroscopic x-ray and injects a special dye to assess the flow of the medicinal contents in the epidural space. Afterwards, after locating the epidural space, he injects the steroid.
Slight discomfort or stinging is felt during the process, but this should dissipate within the next few minutes.
What does recovery involve?
The patient remains in the post-operative room for at least an hour before going home. It is while in the recovery room that the patient’s vital signs are observed. Driving or signing any important documents must be put on hold for the rest of the day. Pain relief on the day may be misinterpreted. This pain-free state is mistaken for the use of steroids but is a result of mild anaesthesia. The effects of the epidural begin to show after two weeks from the initial procedure.
The morning after, the patient can resume their routine and may apply ice-packs from time to time. After every two hours, the patient may place an ice-pack over the injection site for twenty minutes. Swimming, enjoying the luxury of a sauna or hot bath must not occur for at least three days after injecting the epidural.
What are steroidal epidural injections?
Epidural injections are delivered by means of fluoroscopy. A fluoroscopy is a type of x-ray imaging to view and deliver medication directly to the pain region. Injecting an epidural is done less invasively in the doctor’s rooms or surgical centre.
What does the procedure involve?
Injecting epidurals to relieve back pain takes thirty minutes. The patient lies flat on their stomach while the route to administer the medication is being set up. An intravenous line is connected should the patient require relaxant medication. Before this, the injection site is sterilised with betadine and marked. Guidance by means of fluoroscopy indicates the location of vertebral damage and therefore presents live pictures of the site digitally. A local anaesthetic is used to deaden any sensation in the area before the medication is injected. The doctor then guides the epidural injection using a fluoroscopic x-ray and injects a special dye to assess the flow of the medicinal contents in the epidural space. Afterwards, after locating the epidural space, he injects the steroid.
Slight discomfort or stinging is felt during the process, but this should dissipate within the next few minutes.
What does recovery involve?
The patient remains in the post-operative room for at least an hour before going home. It is while in the recovery room that the patient’s vital signs are observed. Driving or signing any important documents must be put on hold for the rest of the day. Pain relief on the day may be misinterpreted. This pain-free state is mistaken for the use of steroids but is a result of mild anaesthesia. The effects of the epidural begin to show after two weeks from the initial procedure.
The morning after, the patient can resume their routine and may apply ice-packs from time to time. After every two hours, the patient may place an ice-pack over the injection site for twenty minutes. Swimming, enjoying the luxury of a sauna or hot bath must not occur for at least three days after injecting the epidural.