What Causes Tightness Around The Chest After Taking Epidural Steroid Injection?

Posted on Wed, 6 Sep 2017

Question: During surgery I just wrote about, I had an epidermal in for four days. I was in so much pain I moved all over the bed trying to get out of pain. When I stood to walk, I leaned 45 degree angle and my left leg I couldn't control. One foot was hot, one cold and my ankles were swollen terribly. The site of epidural plagues me. From site up I have thoracic pain and cannot control sitting up. I get at the feeling of tightness as this is behind the lungs. It is of no concern to doctor. How can I tell if the epidural did damage. I know it did, but what tests. My abdomen also tightens up when I have the "attacks" on area all the way around my chest.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
MRI is one accurate imaging testin such cases.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HealthcareMagic.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

In rare cases the epidural injection may result in nerve damage or cerebrospinal fluid leak at the site of the injection.

MRI of the spine is the preferred imaging tool that may assess with accuracy if there was any damage or not.

Discuss with your Doctor about getting a spine MRI done.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana