Thoracic Epidural Injection

What is a thoracic epidural injection?

A thoracic epidural injection is a shot that helps ease pain for a short time in your upper to middle part of your back (thoracic region). Medicine is injected into the epidural space. This is the area around your spinal cord.

Your spinal cord is a delicate bundle of nerves that runs from your brain to your lower back. The nerves of the spinal cord let your brain communicate with the rest of your body. The epidural space surrounds the spinal cord. The spine or backbone is the hard structure made of a column of many small bones (vertebrae). The bones of the spinal column help protect your spinal cord from injury. Between these bones are intervertebral disks. These disks cushion the vertebrae. They also give your backbone flexibility.

Sometimes, nerves leaving the spinal cord can become pinched or inflamed. That might happen, for example, if part of an intervertebral disk presses into the space of the spinal cord and nerves. Or it may happen with a herniated or ruptured disk, or a deteriorating disk. You may then feel pain in your back.

Why might I need a thoracic epidural injection?

If you have middle or upper back pain, your healthcare provider may first suggest other treatments. These involve pain medicine and physical therapy. If these treatments don’t work, a thoracic epidural shot might make sense for you. It may be best if you have had moderate to severe pain for at least 3 months.

A thoracic epidural injection may ease pain for several types of back problems such as:

• Injuries causing irritation of the spinal nerves

• Thoracic disk herniation with pain spreading into your back or arm

• Thoracic post-surgical spine syndrome

• Thoracic spinal stenosis

The shot may reduce swelling around the spinal nerve roots. It can help ease your pain in the area for weeks to months.

Healthcare providers may sometimes use this type of shot to help find the source of back pain. In that case, you might get a shot of pain medicine. If you feel instant relief, it can help your healthcare provider confirm the source of your pain.