What is an epidural injection?
During an epidural injection, lidocaine (a numbing medicine) and cortisone (a very strong anti-inflammatory medication) are injected into the epidural space, or spinal canal, for relief of pain. The injection is performed by a physician using fluoroscopy (X-ray) to guide the needle and medication placement. The procedure takes 15-30 minutes, with the total appointment lasting 1 ½ to 2 hours.