Epidural FAQs
Question: Will this procedure be painful?
Answer:
A local anesthetic is administered which momentarily stings. Immediately following this, the skin is numb. After this, there shouldn’t be any pain. There may be a pressure sensation as the medicine is injected.
Question: How do you know what levels to inject?
Answer:
The radiologist will review your imaging studies prior to the procedure, including any X-rays, CT scans and/or MRI scans. We look to see what disc levels or facets look degenerated or perhaps a potential cause of pain. This information is then correlated with your symptoms, including the side and level of symptoms, and then the appropriate levels are determined.
Question: Will I be sedated for the procedure?
Answer:
Yes, an IV will be placed prior to the procedure and a small amount of sedative will be administered. You will be monitored during this time. Be sure to tell the nurse or doctor of any drug allergies you may have. It is not critical to sedate a patient for this procedure; if you’d rather not be sedated, simply tell the nurse or radiologist.
Question: How long will it take?
Answer:
The actual procedure typically takes about 20-40 minutes. We usually have the patient stay in the recovery room following the examination for 30-60 minutes.
Question: Can I go to work after the procedure?
Answer:
We typically advise patients to take it easy following the procedure, with no strenuous activity or lifting. After the sedation, it is also advised not to operate heavy machinery or drive for the remainder of the day. Sometimes we will leave it up to the patient, depending on how they feel, and the type of work they do, as to whether they can resume work that day.
Question: What happens after the exam?
Answer:
The results of the exam are immediately communicated to your referring physician, so that you and your referring doctor can come up with a plan to manage the back pain.
Question: What gets injected into my back during the procedure?
Answer:
We inject a small amount of anesthetic, as well as a small but very concentrated solution of steroids.
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