Thoracic Epidural Injection—

WHAT IS IT?

The thoracic epidural injection is done to treat inflammation of the thoracic (middle region of the spine) discs and/or nerve roots. Local anesthesia and anti-inflammatory (corticosteroid) are injected into the spinal canal into the epidural space, the space that contains the sac that holds the spinal fluid, which runs from the top of the neck to the tailbone. Pain relief from the local anesthesia can happen within a few minutes, but only lasts a short time. The corticosteroid portion usually takes about 2-5 days to work but can last from a few weeks to a few months.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

There is some risk of infection, bleeding, nerve damage, spiral cord injury, and side effects from the medication.