Where are epidural injections injected?

Epidural injections are administered in the space between the dura mater and the vertebrae, known as the epidural space. This area contains fatty tissue and blood vessels but does not have direct contact with the spinal cord itself, which allows injections to deliver medications that can help manage pain effectively. The anesthetic or steroid injections target the nerve roots as they exit the spinal column, which can alleviate pain caused by various conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or other nerve irritations.

The epidural approach is favored because it provides localized relief at specific spinal levels without the risks associated with direct spinal cord injections. Additionally, this method minimizes potential complications while still achieving significant pain relief.

Other choices involve spaces that do not align with the proper anatomical sites for epidural injections. For example, the spinal cord is not a location for injection due to the risk of causing damage or complications. Similarly, injecting between the neural foramina or into the subarachnoid space would not achieve the same therapeutic effects as injections in the epidural space.