What Are The Side Effects Of Spinal Block?

Posted on Sun, 29 Sep 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 3 Oct 2013 Answered on

Fri, 25 Oct 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I did not get the answer about what side effects I can get from a spinal block.?

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (4 days later)

Brief Answer:
Could you clarify please.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your question.
I need to clarify whether you mean an spinal block or epidural steroid injection as they are different procedures. The spinal block is an injection for anesthesia and an epidural steroid injection is for pain relief for a chronic pain problem.
I am unclear which you are referring to. Therefore, if you let me know which you are considering I will help you with your questions.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kerry Pottinger (18 hours later)

thank you for your response... what I was going to be given is an EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTION WITH CONTRAST XXXXXXX WHICH I AM HIGHLY ALLERGIC TO.The doctor said to me that they now have a XXXXXXX that is geared for people who are allergic to a XXXXXXX that I had in the past which gave me a very bad itching all over my body. What they describe as what they were giving me is:
EPIDURAL/FACET,JOINT,MEDIALBRANCH NERVE,SACROILLAC JOINT, SELECTIVE NERVE ROOT OR LUMBAR SYMPATHETIC INJECTION/BLOCK. ABLATION: Low blood pressure, temporary weak/numb arm leg, headache requiring epidural blood patch. I have had pain in my Lumbar L4 and L5 since 1988 (I am 79 years old) and I have a prolapsed bladder where I must wear 24/7 Tena pads with my underwear. Thanks for your reviewing this request.

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Further explanation of the block.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for the further information.
The epidural injection you are going to receive is a frequently used treatment for back pain related to nerve root or disc problems. The side effects you mention do occur but are not common.
The injections will be local anesthetic and steroid. The local anesthetic will produce immediate relief and the steroid will reduce inflammation and be longer lasting. The beneficial effects may last weeks or months. If necessary the injections can be repeated every few months.
I hope I have helped you understand your treatment. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr L A Pottinger
MBChB FRCA

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar