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

Cortisone is a type of steroid and may be the medication that is injected during an epidural steroid injection. Cortisone shots can also be given like a regular “shot.” When given during an epidural, the cortisone goes right to the inflamed area of the spine that is causing problems. A regular shot has to be absorbed throughout your body and will have whole-body effects.

What is an epidural steroid injection?

What conditions do epidural steroid injections treat?

How painful are epidural steroid injections?

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.

Sidecar Health offers and administers a variety of plans including ACA compliant and excepted benefit plans. Coverage and plan options may vary or may not be available in all states.

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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