What are the risks and side effects of epidural injections?
Generally speaking, epidural injections are is safe. However, with any procedure there are risks, side effects and possibility of complications. The most common and usually temporary side effects are bruising, soreness or other pain at the injection site. Uncommon risks involve spinal puncture with headaches, infection, bleeding inside the epidural space, nerve damage or worsening of symptoms. Other risks are related to the side effects of the long acting steroid such as weight gain, increase in blood sugar in diabetics, water retention or suppression of body’s own natural production of steroids.
