Epidural injections for back pain: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency medical help for:
New loss of bladder or bowel control
New numbness around the groin, genitals or inner thighs
Rapidly worsening leg weakness or inability to walk
Trouble breathing, facial swelling or another severe allergic reaction
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact the treating team urgently the same day for fever, increasing redness or drainage at the injection site, severe worsening pain, or numbness or weakness that lasts longer than they told you to expect.
A severe headache that is much worse upright and improves when lying down also needs prompt advice.
And for anyone, someone who:
has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
For routine follow-up, contact the team if soreness is not settling, medication side effects concern you, or you need help recording your response.
If you have diabetes, follow the action plan provided for blood sugar readings above your usual range.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Epidural injections for back pain. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.