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Epidural Steroid Injections

Targeted Pain Relief for Back, Neck, and Nerve Conditions

Chronic back, neck, or nerve pain can limit how you move, work, and live. When medications and physical therapy are not enough, epidural steroid injections offer a focused, minimally invasive treatment designed to reduce inflammation around irritated spinal nerves.

By delivering medication directly to the source of pain, this procedure helps relieve symptoms, improve mobility, and support long-term pain management without surgery.

Request a consultation today to find out if this treatment is right for you.

Dr Albert Gros with Brandi Menier and Ashley Whitmore

What Are Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections involve placing a corticosteroid and local anesthetic into the epidural space, the area surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots.
The goal is to reduce inflammation around compressed or irritated nerves, which is often responsible for radiating pain into the arms or legs.
Unlike oral medications, which affect the entire body, this treatment targets inflammation at the exact location of nerve irritation.
It is important to understand that epidural injections help manage pain and inflammation. They do not correct structural conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or arthritis.
What Are Epidural Steroid Injections
Pain management specialist explaining the benefits and spinal targeting of epidural steroid injections

Conditions This Treatment Can Help With

Epidural steroid injections are commonly used to treat:
  • Herniated or bulging discs
  • Sciatica and radiating leg pain
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Pinched nerves
  • Cervical and lumbar radiculopathy
These conditions often involve inflammation that irritates spinal nerves, leading to persistent or traveling pain.

Why This Treatment Works

Epidural injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly around the affected nerve roots.
This allows:
  • Reduction of inflammation at the source
  • Decreased nerve irritation
  • Improved pain control
  • Better participation in physical therapy

Compared to oral medications, this approach reduces unnecessary systemic exposure while focusing on the area that needs treatment.

Fluoroscopy imaging is typically used to guide the injection and ensure accurate placement.

spine-anti-inflammatory-injection

Types of Epidural Steroid Injections

The technique used depends on your symptoms and imaging findings.

Interlaminar Epidural Injection

Delivers medication between the vertebrae, allowing it to spread across multiple nerve roots. Often used for broader pain patterns.

Transforaminal Epidural Injection

Targets a specific nerve root. Commonly used for one-sided pain such as sciatica. This approach is more precise and requires advanced imaging guidance.

Caudal
Epidural Injection

Delivered through the base of the spine. Often used when multiple levels are involved or when prior surgery limits access.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Epidural Steroid Injections

Initial Evaluation

Your care begins with a detailed assessment:

  • Review of medical history and symptoms
  • Evaluation of MRI or X-ray imaging
  • Physical examination
  • Discussion of prior treatments
If appropriate, a treatment plan is created based on your condition.

Radiofrequency Ablation

During the Procedure

The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting.

  • The area is cleaned and numbed
  • A thin needle is guided using imaging
  • Medication is injected into the epidural space
The procedure typically takes 5 to 15 minutes. Most patients feel pressure rather than pain.

Spinal Cord Stimulation

After the Procedure

  • You will need someone to drive you home
  • Avoid driving for the rest of the day
  • Resume light activities as tolerated
  • Mild soreness at the injection site is normal
Relief may begin within a few days, with full effect typically seen within one to two weeks.

How Long Does Relief Last

How Long Does Relief Last

Pain relief varies depending on the underlying condition.
  • Relief may last several weeks to several months
  • Some patients require a series of injections
  • Injections may be spaced weeks apart based on response
The goal is to improve function and reduce reliance on medications.

Safety and Risk Information

Epidural steroid injections are generally safe when performed by experienced specialists using imaging guidance.
Possible risks include:
  • Temporary soreness or increased pain
  • Headache due to dural puncture
  • Infection or bleeding
  • Nerve irritation
  • Temporary numbness or weakness
Certain conditions may require delaying or avoiding the procedure, including active infection, uncontrolled medical conditions, or use of specific medications.
Safety and Risk Information

Contraindications and Patient Safety Screening

A full medical evaluation is required before treatment.
Epidural Steroid Injections

Absolute Contraindications

  • Active infection
  • Uncontrolled bleeding disorders
  • Allergy to injected medications
  • Lack of patient consent

Radiofrequency Ablation

Relative Contraindications

The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting.

  • Blood-thinning medications
  • Poorly controlled diabetes
  • Pregnancy
  • Severe hypertension
Your provider will determine whether the procedure is safe for you.

Insurance Coverage and Medical Necessity

Insurance Coverage and Medical Necessity

Epidural steroid injections are commonly covered by insurance when medically necessary.

Typical Requirements

  • Chronic pain lasting several weeks or longer
  • Imaging evidence of nerve compression
  • Failure of conservative treatments such as:
  • Physical therapy
  • Medications
  • Activity modification

Pre-Authorization

Many insurance providers require approval before the procedure. Our team assists with documentation and verification to help streamline the process.

Clinical Evidence and Medical Support

Epidural steroid injections are widely used in interventional pain management and supported by clinical guidelines.
  • American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians supports their use for radicular pain
  • North American Spine Society recognizes their role in treating lumbar nerve pain
  • National Institute for Health and Care Excellence includes them in select cases of nerve root pain
Clinical evidence shows moderate effectiveness for short-term pain relief, especially when inflammation is the primary cause of symptoms.
Clinical Evidence and Medical Support
When This Treatment Is Most Effective

When This Treatment Is Most Effective

Patients tend to see better results when:
  • Pain is caused by nerve inflammation
  • Symptoms include radiating pain into arms or legs
  • Treatment is performed earlier in the condition
  • Combined with physical therapy and rehabilitation

Realistic Expectations

To ensure clarity and trust:
  • This treatment reduces inflammation and pain
  • It does not correct structural spinal conditions
  • Results vary depending on severity and diagnosis
  • Repeat treatments may be required
Setting the right expectations helps improve long-term outcomes.
Realistic Expectations
Why Choose Our Clinic

Why Choose Our Clinic

  • Experienced pain management specialists
  • Image-guided precision for accuracy and safety
  • Personalized treatment plans
  • Focus on long-term pain relief and mobility
  • Patient-centered care approach

Book Your Consultation

If pain is limiting your quality of life, epidural steroid injections may provide the targeted relief you need.
Schedule your consultation today and take the next step toward better movement and lasting comfort.

Book Your Consultation