The Do’s and Don’ts of Epidural Injections
Living with chronic back and leg pain can be a debilitating experience, affecting everything from your work life to your personal time. At Central Texas Spine Institute in Austin, we understand your goal is to find lasting relief and return to the activities you love. For many of our patients, epidural steroid injections are a highly effective, non-surgical treatment that can significantly reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
To ensure you get the best possible outcome from your treatment, we’ve compiled a list of essential “do’s and don’ts” for anyone considering or scheduled for an epidural injection. Schedule a consultation today.
DO Have a Thorough Consultation and Diagnosis
Before recommending any procedure, a clear and accurate diagnosis is essential. A lumbar epidural steroid injection is a specific treatment for specific conditions, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. During your consultation at our Austin clinic, we will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including a review of your medical history and imaging studies like MRIs. This ensures that an epidural injection for back pain is the most appropriate and effective course of action for your unique situation.
DO Arrange for a Driver on the Day of the Procedure
This is a strict requirement for your safety. The procedure involves a local anesthetic that can cause temporary numbness or weakness in your legs. Because of this, you will not be able to safely operate a vehicle immediately following your spinal epidural. Please make arrangements for a friend or family member to drive you home.
DO Follow Your Post-Procedure Instructions Carefully
We will provide you with a detailed set of instructions to follow after you return home. These typically include taking it easy for the first 24 hours, avoiding strenuous activities, and refraining from heat application to the injection site (ice is usually recommended for any soreness). Adhering to these guidelines is crucial for minimizing side effects and allowing the medication in the spinal injections for pain to work effectively.
DON’T Expect Complete, Instantaneous Relief
It’s important to have realistic expectations. While the local anesthetic provides some immediate pain relief, it will wear off within a few hours. The steroid medication, which reduces inflammation, needs time to take full effect—this typically occurs within three to seven days. Some patients even experience a temporary, mild increase in their usual pain for a day or two before the powerful anti-inflammatory effects kick in. This is normal for a spinal epidural.
DON’T Discontinue Other Recommended Therapies
Spinal injections are most effective when they are part of a comprehensive treatment plan. The pain relief from an injection can create a crucial window of opportunity to make progress in physical therapy. Unless specifically instructed by your doctor, do not stop your physical therapy exercises or other prescribed treatments.
DON’T Hesitate to Communicate With Our Team
Your recovery and results are our top priority. Keep track of your pain levels in the days and weeks following the procedure. If you experience any severe or unusual symptoms, such as a fever, severe headache, or signs of infection, please contact our office immediately. While spinal injections for pain are very safe, we want to address any concerns you may have. Your feedback helps us gauge the effectiveness of the epidural injection for back pain and determine the next steps in your care plan.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY
At Central Texas Spine Institute, we believe that an informed patient is an empowered one. A lumbar epidural steroid injection can be a life-changing procedure, offering significant relief that allows you to heal and regain function. If you’re struggling with back or leg pain, contact us today to find out if spinal injections are the right solution for you.
