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If you're in pain, an epidural injection can give you short-term pain relief, allowing you to move around more easily.
An epidural injection involves injecting drugs, such as local anaesthetics and steroids, into an area called the epidural space which is around and below the spinal cord. The local anaesthetic drugs affect the nerves to provide pain relief. The steroids reduce inflammation and may make the pain relief last longer.
The type of epidural injection depends on where it is given (see figure 1).
An epidural injection can give you short-term pain relief, allowing you to move around more easily.
An epidural injection usually takes about fifteen minutes.
Your doctor will insert the needle and inject the drugs. Your doctor will then remove the needle.
An epidural injection can be used for most people, usually giving a safe and effective form of pain relief.
Epidural injection for chronic pain relief costs are covered by most medical insurance policies, but please check with your insurer first. If you are paying for your own procedure the cost will be explained and confirmed in writing when you book the procedure. Ask the hospital for a quote beforehand, and ensure that this includes the surgeon's fee, the anaesthetist's fee and the hospital charge for your procedure.
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You may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any of the information other than for your personal, non-commercial use.
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Author: Dr Vanessa Hodgkinson FRCA and Dr Iain Moppett DM MRCP FRCA
Illustrations: LifeART image copyright 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.
This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.
Consultant in Pain Medicine and Anaesthesia
MBBS, FRCA, FFPMRCA
Shirley Oaks Hospital
Consultant in Anaesthetics and Pain Medicine
MBBS, MD, FRCA, FFPMRCA
The Manor Hospital
Consultant in Pain Management
State Exam Med (Berlin), MD (Berlin) FRCA (Lon) FFPMRCA (Lon)
Goring Hall Hospital
Consultant Neurologist
MA, MB BChir, MD, FRCP, MRCP, MEWI
The Clementine Churchill Hospital
Consultant in Pain Management
MBBS, MD(Anaesthesia), FRCA, FFPMRCA
The Droitwich Spa Hospital
Consultant Spinal Orthopaedic Surgeon
BM, FRCS Ed, FRCS Tr & Ortho
The Princess Margaret Hospital 1 more The Hampshire Clinic