Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Epidural corticosteroid injections help manage pain from spinal nerve irritation. Preparing for epidural steroid injection is key for a safe and effective procedure. At Liv Hospital, we focus on patient trust and quality care. We use international protocols and expert teams to meet global standards.

Knowing what to expect and how to prepare can greatly improve your treatment. We’ll walk you through the steps from your first visit to recovery. By following our guide, you can get the most out of your lumbar epidural steroid injections.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the importance of proper preparation for epidural steroid injections
• Learn the necessary steps to prepare for the procedure
• Discover how to maximize the benefits of your treatment
• Find out what to expect during the initial consultation and recovery
• Gain insights into the care provided by Liv Hospital’s multidisciplinary teams

Understanding Epidural Steroid Injections

Back pain can really hurt, but epidural steroid injections can help. They are a key treatment for many with chronic back pain.

What Is an Epidural Steroid Injection?

An epidural steroid injection puts medicine near the spinal cord. It aims to cut down inflammation and ease pain from spinal issues. The area around the spinal cord is filled with fat.

Types of Epidural Injections

There are different kinds of epidural injections:

• Interlaminar epidural injections: These go between the vertebrae’s laminae.
• Transforaminal epidural injections: Medication is injected through the foramen, where nerves exit.
• Caudal epidural injections: Medication is put into the caudal canal, a part of the epidural space.

How These Injections Work

Epidural steroid injections use corticosteroids to fight inflammation. Corticosteroids are strong anti-inflammatory medicines. They help reduce swelling and irritation around the spinal nerves. This can ease pain and improve movement for those with spinal problems.

Medical Conditions Treated with Epidural Injections

Epidural steroid injections help with many spinal problems. They ease pain and discomfort. Let’s look at the conditions they can treat.

Spinal Nerve Root Irritation

Spinal nerve root irritation happens when nerves in the spine get inflamed or compressed. This can be due to a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. Epidural steroid injections can lessen inflammation and ease pain.

Radicular Pain Management

Radicular pain, or sciatica, spreads along a nerve root. It’s caused by nerve root irritation or compression. Epidural steroid injections are great for managing this pain by targeting the affected area.

When Injections Are Recommended

Doctors suggest epidural steroid injections when other treatments don’t work. These injections can be used alone or with other treatments.

The table below shows the main points about conditions treated with epidural injections:

Condition	Description	Treatment Approach
Spinal Nerve Root Irritation	Inflammation or compression of spinal nerves	Epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation
Radicular Pain	Pain radiating along a nerve root	Epidural steroid injections for pain management
Herniated Disc	Disc material compressing nerves	Epidural injections to reduce inflammation and pain

Knowing about epidural injections can help patients make better choices. Always talk to a healthcare provider to find the best treatment.

Effectiveness and Success Rates

It’s important to know how well epidural steroid injections work. These injections are used to treat chronic back pain and inflammation. They are a common choice for many patients.

Expected Outcomes

About 60-75% of patients see a big drop in pain after getting these injections. This is because the injections help reduce swelling around the spinal nerves.

Here are some things you might expect from these injections:

• Less pain and swelling
• Being able to move and function better
• A chance to avoid surgery

Factors Affecting Success

Several things can change how well these injections work. These include:

1. The type of condition being treated
2. How well the injection is placed
3. The patient’s overall health and past medical history
4. Any other conditions that might affect the spine

Realistic Expectations

It’s key to have realistic expectations about these injections. While they can help a lot of people, they might not get rid of all pain or fix all spinal problems.

Talking to your doctor about your situation and what you hope to get from the injections is very important. This way, you can understand how they might help you.

Consulting with Your Healthcare Provider

Talking to your healthcare provider before an epidural steroid injection is key. This chat helps you get ready for the procedure and know what to expect.

Important Questions to Ask

When you talk to your healthcare provider, ask the right questions. Find out why they think you need an epidural steroid injection. Ask about the expected results and any risks.

Also, ask about the doctor’s qualifications and experience. This is important for your safety.

Some questions to ask include:

• What are the benefits and risks of the epidural steroid injection?
• How will the procedure be done, and what kind of guidance will be used?
• What are the expected outcomes, and how long will the effects last?
• Are there other treatments available, and how do they compare to epidural steroid injections?

Discussing Your Medical History

Talking about your medical history is very important. Tell your healthcare provider about any previous medical conditions, allergies, or previous surgeries. This helps them decide if the injection is safe for you.

Also, tell them about any medications you’re taking, like blood thinners. These can affect the procedure or your recovery.

Understanding Possible Risks

It’s important to know the risks and side effects of epidural steroid injections. Your healthcare provider will talk about possible problems like infection, nerve damage, or allergic reactions. They will also explain how to avoid these risks.

By having a detailed talk with your healthcare provider, you can make a smart choice about the epidural steroid injection. This conversation will help you understand the procedure, its benefits, and risks. This way, you’ll be ready for the treatment.

Preparing for Epidural Steroid Injection: One Week Before

One week before your epidural steroid injection, it’s important to take several steps. These steps help make sure the procedure goes smoothly and is successful. This time is key for making changes that can affect your treatment’s outcome.

Medication Review and Adjustments

Before the procedure, you should talk to your healthcare provider about your medications. Some drugs might not work well with the injection or could cause problems.

• List your medications: Write down all the medicines you’re taking, including prescriptions and over-the-counter ones.
• Discuss with your provider: Go over this list with your healthcare provider. They will tell you if any medicines need to be changed or stopped.

Blood Thinner Considerations

Medicines that thin your blood, like blood thinners, can make bleeding more likely during and after the injection. Your healthcare provider might tell you to stop taking these medicines before the procedure.

Common blood thinners include:

• Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Aspirin
• Clopidogrel (Plavix)
• Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) like dabigatran (Pradaxa), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), and apixaban (Eliquis)

It’s very important to follow your provider’s advice on stopping these medicines. This helps lower the risk of problems.

Supplement and Herbal Medication Guidelines

Not just prescription medicines, but also supplements and herbal remedies can affect the procedure. Some of these can make bleeding more likely or interact with other drugs.

Supplements to be cautious with include:

• Fish oil
• Vitamin E
• Ginkgo biloba
• Garlic supplements

Tell your healthcare provider about any supplements or herbal remedies you’re using. They can advise if you should keep taking them or stop before the procedure.

By carefully checking and adjusting your medicines, and being aware of supplements and herbal remedies, you can make sure the epidural steroid injection is safe and effective.

Pre-Procedure Testing and Evaluations

Before getting an epidural steroid injection, several tests are needed. These tests make sure the treatment is safe and works well. They help doctors find any risks and make the treatment fit the patient’s needs.

Required Medical Tests

Some medical tests are needed before the injection. These tests check the patient’s health and find any hidden problems that might affect the procedure.

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check for signs of infection or blood disorders.
• Blood Chemistry Tests: To evaluate kidney and liver function.
• Coagulation Studies: To assess blood clotting and the risk of bleeding.

Imaging Studies

Imaging studies are key to guiding the epidural steroid injection. They help place the medication correctly.

• X-rays: To visualize the spine and guide the injection.
• Fluoroscopy: A real-time X-ray imaging technique that helps guide the needle to the correct location.
• MRI or CT scans: To provide detailed images of the spine and surrounding tissues.

Allergy Assessments

Allergy tests are very important to avoid any bad reactions during the procedure. Patients should tell their doctor about any allergies they have, like:

• Contrast dyes: Used in some imaging studies.
• Local anesthetics: Such as lidocaine or bupivacaine.
• Corticosteroids: The medication used in epidural steroid injections.

By doing these tests and evaluations, patients can make sure their epidural steroid injection is safe and successful.

The Day Before Your Procedure

The day before your epidural steroid injection is key. You need to follow certain steps to make sure everything goes smoothly. It’s important to know what to do.

Dietary Restrictions

Your diet is important the day before. We suggest eating a light meal and avoiding heavy or spicy foods. These can make you uncomfortable.

Your healthcare provider might give you specific diet instructions. They might have certain rules based on your health or the procedure.

Hydration Guidelines

Drinking water is essential for your health. It can also make the procedure more comfortable. Drink lots of water the day before. But always check with your healthcare provider for any special hydration advice.

What to Pack

It’s good to pack the right things for your visit. Here’s what you should bring:

• Insurance cards and identification
• A list of your current medications
• Comfortable clothing
• Any required paperwork or documentation

Having these items ready will make the check-in process easier. It can also reduce stress.

Item to Pack	Purpose
Insurance cards and ID	For registration and verification purposes
List of current medications	To inform your healthcare provider about your current treatments
Comfortable clothing	To ensure your comfort during and after the procedure

By following these tips, you’ll be ready for your epidural steroid injection. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your healthcare provider.

Morning of the Procedure

On the morning of your epidural steroid injection, it’s important to follow certain guidelines. This ensures a smooth procedure. We know this can be stressful, so we’re here to help with the final preparations.

Fasting Requirements

One key preparation is following the fasting requirements. Typically, you’ll be asked to fast for a certain period before the procedure. This time can vary based on your healthcare provider’s instructions. It’s vital to follow these instructions to avoid any risks.

• Check with your healthcare provider for specific fasting instructions.
• Avoid eating or drinking anything during the specified fasting period.
• If you have diabetes or other conditions that may be affected by fasting, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

Medication Instructions

It’s also important to follow the medication instructions given by your healthcare provider. Some medications may need to be taken as usual, while others may need to be adjusted or stopped temporarily. Make sure to clarify any doubts with your healthcare provider.

1. Review your medication list with your healthcare provider.
2. Follow the instructions regarding which medications to take or avoid on the morning of the procedure.
3. If you’re taking blood thinners or other medications that may affect the procedure, discuss the details with your healthcare provider.

Clothing and Jewelry Recommendations

On the day of the procedure, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area where the injection will be administered. It’s also recommended to avoid wearing jewelry or other accessories that may interfere with the procedure.

• Choose clothing that is easy to remove or adjust.
• Avoid wearing valuable jewelry or items that you cannot afford to lose.

Transportation Arrangements

After the procedure, you may be advised not to drive yourself home. Arrange for someone to drive you home, as the effects of the procedure and any sedation used may impair your ability to drive safely.

“It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Having someone accompany you can make a big difference in your recovery experience.” — Medical Professional

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared for your epidural steroid injection procedure. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.

At the Medical Facility

When you arrive at the medical facility for your epidural steroid injection, you’ll go through a few steps. These steps are to make sure you’re safe and comfortable. We know this can be scary, so we’re here to guide you through it.

Check-in Process

The first step is checking in at the front desk. You’ll need to show your ID, insurance, and any papers from your doctor. Then, you’ll go to the waiting area to look over more forms or answer questions.

Key documents to bring:

• Identification
• Insurance cards
• Pre-procedure instructions from your healthcare provider

Pre-procedure Preparation

Before the injection, our team will get you ready. They’ll check your medical history, talk about allergies, and explain the procedure. They’ll also make sure you’re comfortable and in the right position.

Meeting with the Medical Team

You’ll meet the team doing your epidural steroid injection. They’ll answer your questions, go over the procedure, and get your consent. Our team wants to make sure you’re informed and comfortable.

Some important things to talk about with your team include:

1. Any concerns or questions you have about the procedure
2. Your medical history, including any previous reactions to steroid injections
3. Post-procedure care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery

Knowing what to expect at the medical facility can help you feel more ready and less worried. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

During the Epidural Steroid Injection Procedure

Getting ready for an epidural steroid injection can make you feel nervous. We’ll explain the steps, from getting ready to the actual procedure. This should help ease your worries.

Positioning and Setup

You’ll start by lying on your stomach on an X-ray table. This setup makes it easier to reach your spine. Next, we’ll clean the area with an antiseptic and numb it to avoid pain.

Fluoroscopic or CT Guidance

The injection is guided by X-rays or CT scans to place the medicine correctly. Fluoroscopic guidance uses X-rays to show where the needle is going. This helps our team aim for the right spot.

What You Will Feel

You might feel some pressure or discomfort as the needle goes in. But the numbing medicine we gave you should help. It’s important to stay calm and listen to our team to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Duration of the Procedure

The whole procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The actual injection is quick, but getting ready and positioned takes a bit longer.

Procedure Step	Typical Duration	Notes
Preparation and Positioning	5-10 minutes	Includes administering local anesthesia
Fluoroscopic Guidance and Injection	10-20 minutes	Real-time imaging ensures accurate placement
Total Procedure Time	15-30 minutes	May vary based on individual factors

Knowing what to expect can make the epidural steroid injection less scary. Our team is here to make sure you’re comfortable and the procedure goes well.

Post-Procedure Care and Managing Side Effects

After getting an epidural steroid injection, it’s important to take good care of yourself. This includes following aftercare instructions, staying active, and handling side effects.

Immediate Aftercare

Right after the procedure, you’ll be watched for any quick reactions or problems. It’s key to listen to your healthcare provider’s advice on rest, medicine, and follow-up visits.

You’ll likely be told to rest for the rest of the day. You might go home soon after, but it’s best to have someone with you.

Activity Restrictions

There are certain activities you should avoid to recover well. Your healthcare provider will tell you which ones to skip and for how long.

• Avoid heavy lifting or bending.
• Don’t do strenuous activities or exercises.
• Don’t drive or use heavy machinery if you’re tired or uncomfortable.

Managing Common Side Effects

Epidural steroid injections are usually safe, but some side effects can happen. These might include pain or discomfort at the injection site, headaches, or nausea.

Handling these side effects well is important for a comfortable recovery. You might be told to take over-the-counter pain relievers. Drinking plenty of water can also help with headaches.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While most side effects are mild and short-lived, there are times when you should see a doctor. Know the signs that mean you need to get help right away, such as:

• Increasing pain or swelling at the injection site.
• Fever or signs of infection.
• Numbness or weakness in the legs.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control.

If you notice any of these symptoms, call your healthcare provider right away.

Conclusion

Preparing for an epidural steroid injection is important. You need to know about the procedure and the types of injections. This knowledge helps you get ready for the treatment.

Getting ready is key to success. You should talk to your doctor, do any needed tests, and follow certain rules about medicine and food. It’s also important to know how to care for yourself after the procedure.

It doesn’t matter if you’re getting a lumbar epidural steroid injection or another type. Always follow the advice on how to prepare and care for yourself after. This way, you can get the most out of the treatment and avoid problems.

We suggest talking to your doctor for specific advice. With the right preparation and care, you can have a good outcome from your epidural steroid injection.

FAQ

Reference

1. Walega, D. R., & Kaye, A. D. (2014). Epidural steroid injections: indications, complications, and patient management. Ochsner Journal, 14(3), 350-358.
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4173574/