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What is an epidural steroid injection?

An epidural steroid injection is a procedure that involves injecting anesthesia and a steroid medication into the epidural space. The epidural space is the outermost layer that covers the spinal cord. The spinal cord is contained within three layers, and between each layer is a small space. The epidural space contains fat, veins, arteries, spinal nerve roots, and lymphatics; this space helps protect the spinal cord. 

During an epidural steroid injection, x-ray with a special dye is used to guide the needle into the epidural space closest to an area of pain. Medications that help with pain and inflammation are injected into the epidural space.

What conditions do epidural steroid injections treat?

How painful are epidural steroid injections?

What is the difference between an epidural steroid injection and a cortisone shot?

Can you lie on your back or walk after an epidural steroid injection?

Why is the pain worse after an epidural steroid injection?

What are the side effects of an epidural steroid injection?

How long should you rest after an epidural steroid injection?

* Savings estimate based on a study of more than 1 billion claims comparing self-pay (or cash pay) prices of a frequency-weighted market basket of procedures to insurer-negotiated rates for the same. Claims were collected between July 2017 and July 2019. R.Lawrence Van Horn, Arthur Laffer, Robert L.Metcalf. 2019. The Transformative Potential for Price Transparency in Healthcare: Benefits for Consumers and Providers. Health Management Policy and Innovation, Volume 4, Issue 3.

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Your actual costs may be higher or lower than these cost estimates. Check with your provider and health plan details to confirm the costs that you may be charged for a service or procedure.You are responsible for costs that are not covered and for getting any pre-authorizations or referrals required by your health plan. Neither payments nor benefits are guaranteed. Provider data, including price data, provided in part by Turquoise Health.

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