What Is an Epidural Space?
An epidural space is a narrow area inside the spinal canal that surrounds the outer covering of the spinal cord and nerve roots. The space contains fat, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Doctors may place medication there to reduce inflammation and pain near irritated spinal nerves.
Quick Facts About Epidural Space
Category
Spinal anatomy
Used for
Targeted medication delivery
Common confusion
Not the spinal cord
Also called
Epidural compartment
Often discussed with
Epidural Steroid Injection
Key Takeaways About Epidural Space
- The space lies outside the protective covering around the spinal cord.
- Medication placed there can reach inflamed spinal nerve roots.
- The epidural space is not the spinal cord or the spinal canal itself.
How Epidural Space Works
The epidural space sits between the inside of the spinal canal and the tough outer covering around the spinal cord. It extends along the spine and surrounds nerve roots as they leave the spinal canal.
Related glossary terms: Epidural Fibrosis, Fluoroscopy, Lumbar Radiculopathy.
During an epidural steroid injection, a clinician guides a needle toward this space. Imaging may help confirm the needle's position. The clinician then delivers medication near an irritated nerve or inflamed tissue. The medication can include a steroid to calm inflammation and a local anesthetic to reduce pain for a short time.
The exact target depends on the symptoms and the part of the spine involved. A lumbar injection addresses the lower back region, while a cervical injection addresses the neck region.
From the Premier Injury Specialists team
When we plan an epidural steroid injection, we review the patient's symptoms and imaging to identify the likely irritated nerve. We then select the spinal level and approach that best match the pain pattern. Our team checks the needle position with imaging before medication enters the epidural space.
Epidural Space in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person with leg pain from an irritated lower-back nerve may be considered for an epidural steroid injection. The clinician guides medication into the lumbar epidural space near the affected nerve root.
Related Terms
Epidural Fibrosis
Epidural Fibrosis is scar tissue that forms in the epidural space after spinal surgery, injury, or…
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy is an imaging method that uses continuous X-ray views to show movement inside the body…
Lumbar Radiculopathy
Lumbar Radiculopathy is a nerve-related condition in the lower back that affects a nerve root near…
Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical Radiculopathy is a condition that develops when a nerve root in the neck becomes irritated…
Premier Injury Specialists
Have Questions About Epidural Space?
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