Treatments We Provide

Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injection

What is a Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injection?

A thoracic epidural steroid injection is a shot that can help ease pain in the upper to middle part of the back temporarily.

Why is a Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injection performed?

This procedure may help if the pain is from:

An injury
Thoracic disc herniation with pain radiating into the back or arm
Thoracic post-surgical pain
Thoracic spinal stenosis

The shot may reduce swelling around the nerve and can help ease the pain in the area for weeks to months.

How is a Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injection performed?

You will lie on your stomach or your side for the procedure. The area will be cleaned and you will be injected with an anesthetic to help numb the area. Once the area is numb, the epidural needle will be placed and a contrast material will be injected to ensure correct placement. Next, you will be injected with a combination of anesthetic and corticosteroid medication. Due to the anesthetic, you will feel some pain relief after the injection.

What should I expect after a Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injection?

You will need to take it easy for the rest of the day, but you should be able to resume your normal activities the next day. Your pain may get worse in the next day or two, due to the anesthetic wearing off, but the steroids should start working soon. It may take up to two weeks to experience the full effect of the injection. The pain relief can last for a few months. You may feel some arm numbness, which should go away within a few hours. You may feel some warmth and redness at the injection site, which are common side effects, but you should let the doctor know if you experience these or continued numbness. A Thoracic epidural steroid injection may help treat the pain, it doesn’t take care of the problem that is causing the pain. You may be prescribed back exercises or physical therapy as well as additional injections.

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If you’re struggling with neck, back, or hip pain or any other spine related issues, schedule an appointment with us today to get back to living your life the way you’d like to.