The most common causes of neural irritation within the spinal canal include disc herniations, spinal stenosis (narrowing), and scar formation. Patients with a component of arm or leg pain tend to respond the best to this treatment. A small dose of corticosteroid medication is normally used. Injections can be carried out in any part of the spine. At Nevada Pain and Spine Specialists, epidural injections are carried out with X-RAY guidance to ensure accuracy, and are frequently performed in our office injection suite. A local anesthetic is provided, and the procedure is usually not uncomfortable. If necessary, a sedative can be administered. Patients need to bring a driver, and not eat or drink 6 hrs before the treatment. Normal activities can be resumed the next day. Symptom improvement is most dramatic two to three days after the injection.
