Conditions Treated with Epidural Steroid Injections
Epidural steroid injections are often recommended for people living with:
- Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress nerves
- Radiculopathy: Nerve irritation that causes radiating pain into the arms or legs
- Degenerative disc disease: Wear and tear of the discs that cushion your spine
- Facet joint arthritis: Inflammation in the small joints of the spine
- Nerve compression: Caused by herniated discs, injury, or age-related changes
These conditions can make daily life difficult, but ESIs offer a targeted, non-surgical way to help manage the discomfort.
What to Expect During the Procedure
When you arrive for your injection, a member of our clinical team will talk you through the process, answer any questions, and review a consent form with you. Once you’re ready, you’ll lie on a treatment table while the injection site is carefully cleaned and prepped.
To ensure precision, your doctor will use a fluoroscope (a type of real-time X-ray) to guide a thin needle into the correct location. A small dose of local anesthetic will be used to numb the area. Then, the steroid medication is delivered into the epidural space near the affected nerves.
The entire process typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. Some people may feel brief discomfort during the injection, but your care team will work to keep you as comfortable as possible. Once it’s complete, the needle is removed and a bandage is applied.
You’ll rest in a recovery area before being discharged with detailed aftercare instructions. Be sure to bring someone with you to drive you home.
Recovery and Results
It’s normal to feel a little sore at the injection site for up to 24 hours. Rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relief can help ease any post-procedure discomfort.
You may begin to notice pain relief within a few days, though it can sometimes take up to a week. Many patients experience several months of reduced pain and improved mobility. While the relief may not be permanent, the injection can be repeated if it was effective the first time.
Why Consider an Epidural Steroid Injection?
Epidural steroid injections offer a non-surgical, low-risk solution for people dealing with chronic pain caused by spinal issues. Whether you’re looking to delay surgery or avoid long-term use of prescription medications, ESIs can be a valuable part of your treatment plan—helping you regain comfort, movement, and control over your life. in pain and mobility.