Procedure

Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI)

Epidural steroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the source of nerve irritation in the spine — providing targeted relief for neck pain, back pain, sciatica, and radiating arm or leg pain.

Candidacy

Who This May Help

Epidural steroid injections may be an option if you are experiencing neck or back pain with associated arm or leg symptoms — such as numbness, tingling, or radiating pain — caused by nerve root compression or irritation in the spine. They are most commonly considered when symptoms have not responded adequately to physical therapy, chiropractic care, or oral medications, or when more immediate relief is needed to support participation in rehabilitation. A consultation with our clinical team will determine whether you are a candidate.

Procedure Overview

How Epidural Steroid Injections Work

When a disc herniates, a nerve root becomes compressed, or the spinal canal narrows, the surrounding nerves become inflamed — and that inflammation is a primary driver of pain. An epidural steroid injection delivers a corticosteroid medication directly into the epidural space — the area just outside the membrane surrounding the spinal cord — where it can reduce inflammation around the affected nerve roots and provide meaningful pain relief.

The injection is performed at the level of the spine where the affected nerves are located — cervical for neck and arm symptoms, thoracic for mid-back and chest wall symptoms, or lumbar for back and leg symptoms. The procedure is performed using image guidance to ensure precise placement and is a same-day outpatient procedure.

Recovery & Results

What to Expect After the Procedure

Most patients go home the same day and can resume normal light activities within one to two days. Some patients experience a temporary increase in soreness for a day or two after the injection before relief begins — this is normal and typically resolves on its own. The steroid medication generally takes two to seven days to reach its full anti-inflammatory effect, though some patients notice improvement sooner.

The duration of relief varies by patient and condition. Some experience several weeks to months of meaningful improvement from a single injection. Others benefit from a series of injections. When injections provide temporary but significant relief, they can also serve as a useful diagnostic indicator — confirming that nerve inflammation in that region is contributing to your pain and helping guide further treatment decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

Epidural steroid injections are most commonly used for pain caused by nerve root compression or irritation in the spine — including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, cervical radiculopathy, and degenerative disc disease. They can be performed at the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar level depending on where the affected nerve roots are located.
The duration of relief varies by patient and condition. Some patients experience relief lasting several weeks to a few months from a single injection. Others benefit from a series of injections. Epidural steroid injections are generally most effective when used as part of a broader treatment plan that may include physical therapy or additional interventional procedures if needed.
The number of injections recommended depends on your response to treatment and the clinical picture. Typically no more than three injections are performed in a given period to limit cumulative steroid exposure. If injections provide significant but temporary relief, other longer-term interventional options may be considered.
No. While both procedures involve the epidural space of the spine, they are very different. The epidural used in childbirth delivers a continuous infusion of anesthetic to block sensation during labor. An epidural steroid injection for pain management delivers a small volume of anti-inflammatory steroid medication to a specific level of the spine to reduce nerve inflammation and relieve pain. The procedures, medications, and goals are entirely different.
The difference is location. A cervical epidural steroid injection targets the neck region and is used for pain caused by nerve compression in the cervical spine — including arm pain, neck pain, and cervical radiculopathy. A lumbar epidural steroid injection targets the lower back and is used for conditions such as sciatica, lumbar disc herniation, and lumbar spinal stenosis. A thoracic epidural targets the mid-back and is used less frequently for thoracic nerve-related pain conditions.

Schedule a Consultation

A consultation is the right starting point. Our clinical team will review your history and imaging to determine whether an epidural steroid injection is an appropriate next step.

Request an Appointment (850) 559-2355