Sussex Premier Health, Hastings: Important update for patients with upcoming appointments
Steroids injections into the spine to help relieve pain
Sciatica is associated with back pain and involves shooting pains down the legs.
Back pain and related symptoms can significantly interfere with our lives. As well as being one of the main reasons people take time off work, back pain can prevent you:
An epidural injection can provide relief from pain for a few weeks to several months.
You will have a formal consultation with your Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.
We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests such as scans or blood tests are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.
We understand that having any medical procedure, even one as common and relatively straightforward as an epidural injection, can cause some anxiety. Our experienced and caring clinical staff will be there to reassure you throughout.
You’ll lie on your stomach for the injection. Your consultant will begin by cleaning your lower back with an antiseptic wipe. They’ll then give you a local anaesthetic which numbs the lower back but does not cause drowsiness.
Live X-ray images and a contrast/dye injected through a needle will allow your doctor to confirm the source of the pain in your lumbar region before your consultant injects the steroid solution.
Our clinicians may monitor you for a few minutes to make sure it’s fine to leave the hospital. Typically, the procedure takes less than 20 minutes.
You can leave hospital straight after the injection, however, you should rest for the remainder of the day.
If you’ve had a sedative you will need a friend or relative to take you home afterwards.
For a few hours after the treatment you may want to apply an ice-pack occasionally if tenderness at the injection site is a problem. Your back may initially be a bit more painful but this should wear off after a few days.
You should talk to your doctor about taking painkillers on the day of the injection. If you need them, continue taking painkillers as advised by the hospital.
You should rest your back for 48 hours to allow the treatment to take effect. This means that you should take it easy, but you shouldn’t stay in bed.
Try to do some light exercise, such as walking, this will help reduce discomfort.
Even after you’ve left hospital, we’re still here when you need us.
If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery you can call and speak to a member of the nursing team at any time, please call 01424 757459.
Your treatment will be performed by your consultant surgeon.
On rare occasions, complications following treatment can occur.
The chance of complications depends on the exact type of treatment you are having and other factors such as your general health.
Your consultant will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.
Speak to a member of our team