When a nerve root is squeezed or irritated, for example by a bulging disc or a narrowed spinal canal, it becomes inflamed. The steroid calms that inflammation, and a local anaesthetic gives early relief. Easing the pain can also make it easier to get moving and do your exercises.
The injection is usually considered for leg or arm pain that comes from an irritated nerve and has not improved with medicines and exercise. We start with a proper assessment, so the injection is aimed at the nerve that is causing your pain.
Immediately after the injection, the local anaesthetic can give significant pain relief. This pain may return once the anaesthetic wears off. The steroid can take 2 to 3 weeks to reach its full effect. Relief from an epidural steroid injection often lasts for a few months, which gives you a good window to build strength with physiotherapy. In many patients, the disc herniation will improve during this time and a second epidural steroid injection is rarely required.
The skin is numbed first, so most people feel a brief pinch and some pressure.
Epidural steroid injections are a routine procedure. Like any procedure they carry some risks, and we go through these with you in person before you decide, so that you have the full picture.
MOH accredited Pain Specialist and Medical Director of Alleviate Pain Clinic at Farrer Park Hospital. He completed an interventional pain fellowship at the University Health Network in Toronto and was previously a Senior Consultant in Pain Medicine at Singapore General Hospital.
Read more about Dr LiuIt is a day procedure in which medicine is placed next to an irritated spinal nerve to calm inflammation and ease pain.
People with leg or arm pain from an irritated nerve that has not settled with medicines and exercise. We confirm this at your consultation.
The local anaesthetic can help straight away. The steroid usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to work fully.
It varies from person to person, and relief often lasts weeks to months. Many people use this time to strengthen with physiotherapy.
The area is numbed first, so most people feel a brief pinch and pressure.
Tell us about all your medicines, especially blood thinners, as we may need to plan these with you. Please do not stop any medicine on your own. You may need to be fasted for the procedure if sedation is required.
Interventional pain procedures are covered by the Ministry of Health's Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP). They are therefore reimbursable by all Integrated Shield Plans and most corporate insurance plans. Our clinic staff will guide you through the process of preauthorisation.
Effective pain solutions for a better living. Specialist pain management at Farrer Park Hospital, Singapore.
1 Farrer Park Station Road #08-14
Farrer Park Hospital (Connexion)
Singapore 217562
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
Sat 9am–1pm · By appointment
