An epidural steroid injection is a corticosteroid treatment used to control symptoms of pain and inflammation within the neck, arms, legs or back, explains the Mayfield Clinic in Cincinnati, Ohio. This minimally invasive treatment can be injected into the lower or lumbar region of the back to help alleviate symptoms in affected patients. Patients should discuss the potential side effects of an epidural injection with a doctor before receiving this treatment.
Dural Puncture
Patients who receive a lumbar epidural injection can sustain a dural puncture as a side effect of this treatment. A dural puncture, or "wet tap," occurs when the dura, a portion of the spine that protects the spinal cord and contains spinal fluid, is accidentally pierced by the injection needle. When this occurs, spinal fluid can leak from the dura, causing severe headache pain. This rare side effect occurs in approximately 0.05 percent of epidural injections, report medical professionals at The Spine Center, a division of Columbia University Medical Center in New York. Patients who develop headache symptoms following a lumbar epidural injection should report these side effects to a medical professional immediately. Though headache symptoms typically resolve within a few days following the epidural injection, certain patients may require additional treatment to alleviate headache pain.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage can occur as a side effect of a lumbar epidural injection, explains the Mayfield Clinic. During the injection procedure, the nerves surrounding the spinal column can be injured by the injection needle. As a result, affected patients can experience temporary numbness, tingling or weakness throughout the body as a side effect of this treatment. Nerve damage caused by an epidural injection is rare but symptoms of numbness or tingling should be discussed with a medical professional immediately.
Bleeding or Infection
A lumbar epidural injection can increase a patient's risk of developing side effects of bleeding or infection, explains the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. Minor bleeding, pain or swelling at the injection site following treatment is normal. Patients who experience persistent injection site bleeding or severe pain or swelling should seek medical care immediately, as these side effects can be signs of a serious infection. Additional medication or treatment may be necessary to resolve an infection caused by a lumbar epidural injection.
Member Comments
mushmush10 December 21
I had fusion surgery 1-5, decompress and a lami, I thought I had a screw sticking out of my back because it was soo painful but here it was a nerve. I had the injuction yeaterday and it has made a noticable relief. I had an epidural injection about a year ago and it put me back six months in recovery time, never again!! But i do recomend the nearve injection, at my point i have to try something all my pain doc will give is a 25mmg of fentynal, neurontin 600x3 and celabrix, I do my best but can not walk too much because of the burning in my legs and feet at night, along with the pain. Hang in there everyone!!