L5S1 Epidural Steroid Injection

I received an epidural steroid shot just over a month ago. The approach used was the transforaminal route under guided fluoroscopy (a continuous x-ray image), allowing for precise administration of the steroid solution into the epidural space, close to where the nerve is irritated. While I was nervous about the procedure, it went very smoothly and has provided me with significant relief.

When I arrived, a nurse led into a prep room and took my vitals. There were no explanations about the procedure, although I was asked if I had any questions. While I was expecting to wear a gown, I simply wore the clothes I arrived in.

I was guided into the procedure room and lay face down on the cushioned procedure table. The nurses and doctor were all very kind and polite, and their directions were straight to the point. My lower back and right leg were in such pain that it was difficult for me to lay on my stomach. The nurses helped me into a position that was manageable to hold, involving my right leg angled off the side of table for a few minutes.

They prepped by using surgical cloth to isolate the lower back area and used cold antiseptic to clean the area. Without warning (which I honestly appreciated as it didn’t give me time to fret), the needle was quickly inserted. The insertion of the needle was not uncomfortable, just a slight prick. The local anesthesia was injected to numb the area; there was a sensation of a deep headache in my lower back which lasted a few seconds. This was the most uncomfortable part of the entire procedure, but it was more than manageable compared to the amount of pain I was in.

As the procedure proceeded, I felt the slight sensation of the deep headache in my back twice, this time the sensation was very mild. By this point, I felt comfortable on my stomach and was experiencing some pain relief, probably from the local anesthesia. The needle was removed and I was asked to sit up. After a few seconds they asked if I could stand, which I could. A nurse aide guided me to a waiting room where my vitals were taken again. Once they took my vitals, I was escorted to my ride (you are not supposed to drive to or from the procedure).

I rested the rest of the day, doing only small bits of activity for the rest of the day. When I went to sleep that evening, I felt such relief upon laying down that I sobbed with relief. It had been weeks since I had been able to lay down or to sleep for longer than 2 hours, the pain woke me consistently. I was so physically exhausted at that point that the mere promise of meaningful sleep was emotional.

The following weeks were a mixture of relief and recurring pain. At points, I felt pretty discouraged. But, after 2 weeks, I made steady and consistent improvements and finally am nearly pain-free a month later. More on the recovery and rehabilitation process in my next post.