Who Should Avoid Epidural Steroid Injections?
Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections should not be performed on patients who: • Have a local or systemic bacterial infection • Are pregnant (if fluoroscopy is used) • Have bleeding problems • May be suffering from a tumor or infection (if suspected, an MRI scan should be done prior to the injection to rule out these conditions) • Are suspected of having allergies to the injected solution, uncontrolled medical problems (such as congestive heart failure and diabetes) • Are taking aspirin or other antiplatelet drugs/blood thinners (epidural steroid injections can be given once these medications have been stopped; however, patients need to consult with their physician before discontinuing them)
