Epidural Injection
Epidural Injection
The human skeleton consists of the spine. The “spine” is formed as a result of the overlapping of the bones called “vertebrae”. The overlapping of the bones leads to the formation of a gap. This cylindrical space has a sheath called the “dura” and the “epidural space” surrounding it. As a result of the overlapping of the vertebrae, there are gelatin-like cushions between them. These pads are called “disc”. The overlapping of the vertebrae leads to the formation of holes in the side walls of the spine. The spine leaves these holes and exits to nerves going to various parts of the body. Pain occurs in the areas where the nerve spreads. Pressures on the nerve are felt in the relevant area.
Epidural injection, on the other hand, can be defined as the process of giving medication to the area where the pain occurs. The area where the pressure occurs is reached by various imaging methods. By reducing the pressure on the nerve, the patient’s pain is relieved.
In the epidural injection method, drugs known among the people which is called “cortisone” are used. But this cortisone is not the kind that is known and has many side effects. There are different types of cortisones, just like antibiotics. So not all cortisone is the same. Cortisone used in epidural injection has been used for over 50 years due to its beneficial effects.
Steroids are given to the nerves around the spinal cord. The nerves reach the sheath called the “epidural” after the spinal cord. From here, the diseased area is treated. Oral or intravenous administration of the procedure is not preferred. Because applying the procedure directly to the diseased area is essential for effective treatment.
Epidural injection is preferred when recovery cannot be achieved with methods such as exercise, physiotherapy and drug therapy. It provides relief from disc-related pain. The procedure can be repeated several sessions depending on the patient’s condition.
- A serum is used in the epidural injection. This serum prevents pain stimuli in the area. It provides regression of tissue inflammation.
- Eliminates edema. Eliminates inflammation on nerves.
- It treats the cause of the damage.
The fact that the injection process is not painful is among the main reasons why patients prefer it. The patient is anesthetized and given painkillers. The local anesthetic effect lasts for 4 – 6 hours. Severe pain occurs for approximately 1 week after the epidural injection procedure. This feeling of pain is more than before the operation. However, within a maximum of 1 month, the pain gradually decreases and begins to disappear. The success rate of the procedure varies approximately between 50 – 70%.
Some patients may not see any benefit after the first procedure. In this case, the operation must be re-executed. It is not recommended to give patients more than 2 epidural injections in a 6-month period.
Bed rest is required for a few days after the procedure. The patient should not get out of bed except for his basic needs.
Epidural injection side effects are very rare. The application of the procedure in a limited area and the low systemic spread reduce the side effects. Some patients may experience temporary headaches. However, this is very low. Although it is very rare, there is a risk of infection. In order to prevent the risk of infection, the procedure must be carried out in completely sterile conditions. Apart from these, the possibility of serious side effects is very low. The physician informs the patient about possible side effects.