Can You Drink Coffee Before An Epidural Steroid Injection?
An epidural steroid injection is a procedure used to reduce inflammation and, in turn, relieve pain in the shoulders, neck and back. Doctors may recommend someone with chronic pain consider this injection if conservative treatments are not sufficient. One of the common questions patients ask is can they drink coffee before an epidural steroid injection?
Background Information
An epidural steroid injection, or ESI for short, is an injection of corticosteroid and anesthetic that is administered directly into the epidural space of the spinal column. This space is the root for nerves that carry pain signals to the brain. By injecting the medication into the affected area, the inflammation on the nerve root can be reduced and subsequently reduce the pain. The injection is considered a minimally invasive procedure, meaning it requires very little disruption to the skin and other tissue surrounding the injection site.
The American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) recommends that doctors only consider an epidural steroid injection as a viable option if other conservative treatments have failed. This includes physical therapy, over-the-counter medications, and lifestyle changes. If the prospective patient smokes, then the physician may delay or recommend abstaining from the injection.
Caffeine Intake and Pre-Injection Guidelines
The AAPM guidelines indicate a significant amount of caution should be taken before any type of steroid injection. A major part of that involves determining any pre-injection instructions the physician may have and following them to the letter. Depending on the pre-injection instructions and severity of the pain, a doctor may recommend abstaining from caffeine before the procedure.
The most common pre-injection instructions pertain to the time frame of when the patient must stop taking medications. This includes both over-the-counter medications as well as prescriptions. In addition to medication, patients are also advised to stop drinking or eating any food or beverages that contain caffeine, including coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks. This is important because caffeine can increase heart rate, which can interfere with accurate blood tests that the doctor may need to do before and after the injection.
It’s also important for patients to inform their doctor about any prescription medications they are taking. Some medications, such as anticoagulants or blood thinners, can complicate the injection process; some may need to stop taking certain medications for a certain period of time before and after the procedure. The nurse will also explain about any other movements or activities the patient must do or avoid before the procedure. They will also review the consent form with the patient.
How Long Do Patients Have To Abstain From Caffeine?
The amount of time a patient is advised to abstain from caffeine varies on a case by case basis. The primary factor here is the amount of caffeine in the beverage. Generally speaking, if the patient consumed something a few hours before the scheduled appointment and it contains a significant amount of caffeine, then the doctor may recommend avoiding it altogether. It’s best to talk to the doctor and ask what their personal opinion is.
In general, doctors recommend avoiding caffeine for at least six hours before the injection. This is the bare minimum for most physicians, however, the timing may vary depending on the patient and the severity of the pain. Doctor’s may also take into account when the patient last ate and advise them to not consume any caffeine at least two hours before the injection. If the patient had any caffeine eight to ten hours earlier, then it’s usually safe to have a typical cup of coffee before the injection.
Decaffeinated Coffee Is Safe To Drink Before An Epidural Steroid Injection
Patients who don’t want to miss out on the comforting feeling of a hot beverage before the injection can safely drink a cup of decaffeinated coffee without significant complications. This eliminates the risk of the caffeine affecting the patient’s heart rate and other vitals making the injection process potentially difficult to complete. Decaf is just as effective as regular coffee as a stress-reliever, however depending on the type of decaf chosen, this may contain a small amount of caffeine but nowhere near the amount present in a brewed cup of coffee.
What the Experts Say
The American Society of Anesthesiologists recommends anyone getting an epidural steroid injection to follow their doctor’s instructions carefully with regards to caffeine consumption. The organization also recommends avoiding caffeine for at least eight hours before the procedure, and to refrain from eating and drinking for two hours before the injection. They note that caffeine can cause the patient’s heart rate to increase and make the injection more challenging for both the patient and the doctor.
Physicians may also offer advice based on their own hospital protocols and past patient experiences. It is important to note these instructions serve as general guidelines and may vary depending on the patient and the severity of the pain. As always, it’s best to consult a doctor prior to the injection in order to discuss any food or drinks the patient may have consumed before the procedure.
Insights and Analysis
Caffeine is often associated with increased heart rate and alertness, making it a potentially problematic stimulant prior to an epidural steroid injection. Understanding the risks associated with this stimulant and following the pre-injection instructions set by the doctor are essential in order to ensure the injection process is executed properly. Ultimately, the patient and doctor must collaborate to determine whether drinking coffee before an epidural steroid injection is an appropriate option.
The Benefits of An Epidural Steroid Injection
The primary benefit an epidural steroid injection delivers is finding relief from chronic pain. Once injected into the proper area, the steroid and anesthetic will reduce inflammation and, in turn, reduce the pain signals that the nerve roots transmit to the brain. If a patient is experiencing chronic pain, then this injection serves as a viable option if other conservative treatments are not successful.
Another benefit is that the procedure itself is typically a minimally invasive one. While some intravenous sedation may be used in certain cases, this is usually short-lived and the patient should be able to go about their daily activities within at least a couple of hours following the procedure. Post-procedure instructions usually include taking over the counter medications for a few days to help reduce any residual pain.
Risks Of An Epidural Steroid Injection
An epidural steroid injection carries a few risks and potential side effects. These include infection, headache, bleeding, nerve damage, and fluid retention. It’s important to note that the percentage of patients that experience side effects is quite low. However, it’s also important to notify the physician if any of these symptoms arise as they may require medical attention to ensure the patient gets the best possible outcome.
Patients who opt to undergo the procedure should also understand what to expect post-injection. Some patients may have to wait anywhere between several days to several weeks before the full effect of the injection is felt. Pain relief may also come gradually, so it’s important for the patient to be patient and understand that it may require several additional injections before the full effects are felt.
Other Factors To Consider
The decision to go with an epidural steroid injection is one that must be discussed between the patient and their doctor. During this conversation, the doctor should explain the risks, benefits and expected results of the procedure. They should also take into account any pre-injection instructions, such as avoiding caffeine before the procedure, that may help the injection process occur with maximum efficiency.
It’s also important to make sure the patient has a realistic expectation of the results. The American Society of Anesthesiologists recommends that the patient and doctor discuss expectations prior to going through with the procedure. This keeps the doctor and patient on the same page and allows the patient to have an understanding of what to expect both during and after the injection.
Medical Alternatives To An Epidural Steroid Injection
If the patient, for whatever reason, wishes to opt out of an epidural steroid injection there are several other medical treatments they may opt for. Physical therapy is a common alternative due to its ability to reduce pain and improve mobility. This is especially effective if the patient is experiencing chronic neck and back pain. Other alternatives include acupuncture, chiropractic care, and pain medications.
In some cases, surgery may be an option if the patient does not respond to other forms of medical treatment. This should be an option of last resort, and the patient should discuss this with their doctor if the other treatments don’t provide relief from the chronic pain. Surgery, especially the type requiring the patient to be put under anesthesia, is typically a more complex and riskier procedure than the epidural steroid injection.
Questions To Ask Prior To The Injection
Patients considering an epidural steroid injection should ask their doctor a few questions prior to the procedure. These include but are not limited to: are there any other treatments that may be more suitable for the patient; what are the expectations of the patient prior to and following the injection; and what type of anesthetic will be used during the procedure.
Patients should also ask whether there are any post-injection instructions that they should be aware of. This includes how much activity the patient should avoid following the injection, what type of pain reliever may be recommended and how long the patient should wait before feeling any effects from the injection.
The Pros And Cons Of An Epidural Steroid Injection
Epidural steroid injections offer a degree of effectiveness that other treatments may lack in terms of reducing inflammation and relieving chronic pain. The procedure itself is minimally invasive and typically doesn’t require too much downtime for the patient, allowing them to return to their normal activities post-injection.
The risks involved with the procedure can always be mitigated as long as the patient follows the pre- and post-injection instructions given to them by their doctor. As long as the patient is aware of the risks involved, they can make a decision they feel comfortable with.
All in all, epidural steroid injections offer a degree of pain relief that other treatments may not be able to match. It is, however, important for patients to discuss the procedure with their doctor to ensure it is the best option for them and that they understand the risks and benefits entailed.
