Patient Education

Epidural Steroid Injections

Anti-inflammatory medication delivered precisely to the epidural space to relieve nerve pain from herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and radiculopathy.

Cervical Epidural
→
Lumbar Epidural
→
Transforaminal Epidural
→
CERVICAL EPIDURAL — Side View Needle reaches the epidural space behind the discs Medication coats irritated nerve roots

Educational illustration only

Cervical Epidural

What is it?

A cervical epidural steroid injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication into the epidural space of the neck. Using real-time X-ray (fluoroscopy) for precision, a small needle is guided to the affected level. The medication bathes the irritated nerve roots, reducing inflammation and relieving pain that radiates into the arms.

Who is it for?

Neck pain, arm pain, numbness or tingling caused by cervical disc herniation, cervical radiculopathy, or cervical spinal stenosis.

What to expect during the procedure

You lie face-down or on your side. The skin is numbed with local anesthetic. Using fluoroscopic guidance, the physician carefully places the needle into the cervical epidural space. A contrast dye confirms placement before the steroid is delivered. The procedure takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

What to expect after the procedure

Mild soreness at the injection site may last a day or two. Relief typically begins within a few days and peaks around one to two weeks. Most patients receive up to three injections per treatment series, spaced several weeks apart.

Request a Consultation
LUMBAR EPIDURAL — Side View Large lumbar vertebrae with discs between Relieves sciatica and nerve root pain

Educational illustration only

Lumbar Epidural

What is it?

A lumbar epidural steroid injection places anti-inflammatory medication into the epidural space of the lower back. This reduces swelling around compressed nerve roots and can significantly relieve pain that radiates down the legs, commonly known as sciatica.

Who is it for?

Low back pain, leg pain, sciatica, numbness or weakness caused by lumbar disc herniation, lumbar radiculopathy, or lumbar spinal stenosis.

What to expect during the procedure

You lie face-down on a padded table. The lower back is cleaned and numbed. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the needle is advanced into the lumbar epidural space, confirmed with contrast dye, and the steroid is injected. The procedure takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

What to expect after the procedure

Mild soreness may occur for one to two days. Pain relief typically begins within three to seven days and can last several weeks to months. Activity may be resumed the following day. Driving is not recommended immediately after the procedure.

Request a Consultation
TRANSFORAMINAL — Top-Down View Needle placed at the foramen where the nerve root exits the spine

Educational illustration only

Transforaminal Epidural

What is it?

A transforaminal epidural delivers medication directly to the opening where a nerve exits the spine. This targeted approach allows a higher concentration of medication to reach the specific nerve root causing symptoms, often leading to better relief with fewer injections.

Who is it for?

Specific single-level nerve root pain, foraminal stenosis, disc herniation causing one-sided leg pain, or post-surgical pain at a defined spinal level.

What to expect during the procedure

You lie face-down and the target area is numbed. The physician uses fluoroscopy to guide the needle through the foramen at the affected level. Contrast dye confirms needle position at the nerve root sleeve before the steroid is injected. The procedure takes 15 to 20 minutes.

What to expect after the procedure

Temporary numbness or mild weakness in the leg may occur for a few hours. Relief typically begins within a few days. Due to its targeted nature, fewer injections may be needed compared to other approaches.

Request a Consultation