What Is An Epidural Steroid Injection And When Might I Need One For Pain?

Dr. Tarun Jolly answers the question: 'Use Of Epidural Steriod Injections?'

ByABC News
December 24, 2007, 11:37 AM

— -- Question: What Is An Epidural Steroid Injection And When Might I Need One For My Pain?

Answer: An epidural steroid injection is an injection of steroid, basically an anti-inflammatory agent into the epidural space.

This is something that you may be familiar with, as in a labor epidural, which is typically given to pregnant ladies and pregnant patients. But this is specifically aimed at basically decreasing the inflammation of a nerve that's present in and around the spinal cord. Once the steroid goes in the space, known as the epidural space, it basically bades the nerves back over there, and decreases the inflammatory response.

This is very common, and is usually the very first therapy that's aimed at treating a patient's pain.

Next: Are Steroid Injections Safe And How Often Might I Need Them?

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