What is an Epidural Steroid Injection?

An epidural steroid injection is a minimally invasive procedure that treats nerve inflammation and pain. The outpatient procedure is performed using a mild sedative and local anesthesia. Procedure steps include:

Positioning. The patient is comfortably positioned face down on a soft table with a special area to rest the head and neck.
Skin preparation. Alcohol and a sterilization solution clean and sterilize the skin.
Nerve targeting. X-ray guidance is used to carefully place a needle near the inflamed nerve.
Injection. Corticosteroid and anesthetic medications are injected around the inflamed nerve.

How Long Before a Epidural Steriod Injection Works?

Corticosteroid and anesthetic medications are powerful—often times they provide immediate pain relief. Results may last for many months. 

What to Expect After a Epidural Steroid Injection

Patients experience little to no discomfort during or after their procedure and are allowed to return home shortly after. Normal activities are usually not restricted.

How Many Epidural Steriod Injections are Safe in a Lifetime?

Repeat injections may be performed to maintain results. Multiple injections per year have been deemed safe. Our specialists will determine the frequency of injections based on your individual case. 

What Conditions Does an Epidural Steroid Injection Treat?

An epidural steroid injection treats an inflamed nerve that causes spine and/or extremity pain. Common conditions include but are not limited to:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated disc
• Sciatica
• Spinal stenosis
• Spondylosis

What Does an Epidural Steroid Injection Do?

An epidural steroid injection clams inflammation and decreases pain but it does not treat nerve compression. Other procedures may be recommended to remove pieces of nerve compressing bone and soft tissues.

To find out if an epidural injection can help relieve your pain, please contact us to arrange an appointment with a board-certified and fellowship-trained spine specialist.