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Epidural Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Injection Of The Sacro - Iliac Joint

Severe lower back pain and inflammation originating from the base of the spine, known as the sacro-iliac joints can often be eliminated or helped immensely by undergoing a procedure known as an epidural steroid anti-inflammatory injection. This anti-inflammatory injection is utilized to deliver medication to the identified area that will assist in reducing or eliminating severe lower back pain caused by inflammation to the nerves and surrounding joints. This type of procedure can actually serve to be a diagnostic tool by helping to localize the source of the back injury symptoms.

An epidural steroid anti-inflammatory injection may not completely eliminate all severe lower back pain symptoms be it immediately or permanently but can serve to significantly aid in back injury pain reduction allowing increased comfort and function with activities of daily living.

This anti-inflammatory injection is performed in the office using X-Ray equipment known as fluoroscopy. The procedure is done under sterile conditions and utilizes a local anesthetic.

It will be very important for you to follow your physicians instructions regarding modification of your current medication intake (if any) to minimize risks of this anti-inflammatory injection procedure. For example, you should cease taking any type of blood thinning products such as aspirin, or Coumadin. You should also stop anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen, Aleve or any other prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. The best practice is to fully inform you treating physician of any and all medications you are currently taking and then follow instructions on temporary modification of these.

Approximately 60 minutes prior to the anti-inflammatory injection procedure, you will receive a small amount of sedative, such as Valium, unless it is determined not to be indicated for you personally.

You will also receive further instructions before the scheduled anti-inflammatory injection on what to wear, eating properly and also transportation recommendations.

For more information on how the severe lower back pain specialists at Cary Orthopaedics can help you, contact us today at 919-297-0000 for an appointment!

Cary Orthopaedics serves patients from Raleigh, Garner, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Clayton, Chapel Hill, and Pittsboro, NC