After Thoracic Epidural Injection

You had a thoracic epidural injection.  Your health care provider injected a small amount of anesthetic and steroid in your upper to middle back near your spine.  As you recover, follow the instructions below.

Activity

• Do not drive or operate heavy equipment.  You will need someone else to drive you home.

• Take it easy the rest of the day.  Avoid lifting heavy objects, pulling and pushing activities.

• You may return to normal activity tomorrow.

Home Care

• You may shower today.

• Do not apply any heat to your back today.  This includes using a heating pad or sitting in a hot tub.

• You may have increased pain for the first 24 hours.  Pain can continue up to 72 hours (3 days).

• You may have a severe headache.  If you do, lie down and drink fluids with caffeine unless your provider has told you not to drink caffeine. 

• It is normal to have numbness or tingling in your stomach, chest, and legs.  This can last up to 6 hours after the procedure.

• It is normal to have weakness in your arms or legs.  This can last up to 6 hours after the procedure.

• It is normal to feel dizzy.  If you are dizzy, lie down for 10 minutes.  Gradually sit up for 10 minutes, then stand up.

• It is normal to have pain or tenderness at the injection site. You may use a pain reliever such as Tylenol or Advil.  You can also use ice today to help ease the discomfort.  If the pain continues tomorrow, you can use ice or moist heat to relieve the pain. Follow these instructions:

  • Apply ice or moist heat to the injection site for 20 minutes

  • Remove the ice or moist heat for 20 minutes

  • Repeat this process as needed

When to call your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have:

• Weakness or numbness that lasts more than 12 hours

• Increased pain

• A headache that will not go away

Call your provider if you have signs of an infection:

• Fever above 100.4°F (38.0°C)

• Chills

• Increasing redness, tenderness, or swelling at the injection site

• Drainage from the injection

Emergencies

Loss of control off

• Bowel
• Bladder
• Leg/arm function 

to call 911 

Call 911 immediately if you have increased numbness, weakness or tingling that don't go away.