Performed by – Sri Chatakondu, Sarmad Kazzaz, Mark Thomas, Adam Way

These can be lumbar, thoracic, or cervical and can be central or foraminal. These are more specific than the caudal epidural. X-rays are used to guide the needle precisely. Normally sedation is required to allow this to happen.

Because these injections are near to the spinal cord or the end of the spinal cord (the cauda equina) much more care has to be taken in placing the needle to avoid damage to those structures and blood vessels nearby.

This means using x-rays is essential. Females of child bearing age should inform the treating doctor if there any chance they might be pregnant.

Side effects can be temporary leg numbness due to the local anaesthetic, there is a very low chance of infection or an injection into the spinal cord itself, causing prolonged numbness of one or two days.