What Causes Fever After A Taking A Lumbar Steroid Injection?

Posted on Thu, 30 Oct 2014

Question: My husband had a lumbar steroid injection two weeks ago which has helped diminish, to some degree, severe lower back pain that radiates down his right thigh. Beginning a few days afterward, he started having periodic spells of sweating, chills, and sometimes fever (99-101). Is this a possible side-effect of the injection? He's scheduled for another injection next Tuesday, which he needs for the pain, but I'm wondering about the wisdom of it...???Forgot to mention that he had an MRI of the lumbar spine which showed deteriorating disks but nothing that indicated surgery.

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Considerations.

Detailed Answer:
hello and thanks for sending the question.

The fever is actually very concerning. It is remotely possible that the injection could be related to this which is why I think he needs to be seen by a medical professional as soon as possible.

I concern is that he has some type of infection which might need to be treated with antibiotics.

Again it is remotely possible that the injection and the fevers might be connected but it could be just coincidental and he might have an infection from some other source.

Thanks again for sending your question. Please let us know if you have any additional concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga

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

Follow up: Dr. Robert Galamaga (38 minutes later)

Thank you, Dr. XXXXXXX Unfortunately, we've waited too late on a Friday afternoon to get in at his doctor's office. Guess we'll have to wait it out over the weekend and see what's up on Monday. Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
hi thanks for the additional message. If he is still having fevers over the weekend you should take into the emergency room. Not want to wait extended periods of time if there is an active infection.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga

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

Follow up: Dr. Robert Galamaga (4 hours later)

Thank you, Dr. XXXXXXX We will do as recommended if the situation continues.

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (25 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
again it has been an absolute pleasure to help you with your healthcare concerns. Please keep in touch.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga

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