Epidural Steroid Injection: What You Need to Know

An epidural steroid injection is a widely used, minimally invasive procedure designed to relieve pain caused by inflammation of the spinal nerves. This treatment involves injecting a corticosteroid—an anti-inflammatory medication—along with a local anesthetic directly into the epidural space, which is the area surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots. The goal of the injection is to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve mobility for individuals suffering from a variety of spine-related conditions.

The epidural steroid injection works by targeting the root of the pain rather than masking symptoms. When spinal nerves become irritated due to compression or inflammation—often caused by herniated discs, bone spurs, or narrowing of the spinal canal—the result can be sharp, radiating, or persistent pain in the back, neck, arms, or legs. The corticosteroid in the injection helps to calm that inflammation, which in turn relieves pressure on the nerves and provides relief from pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness.

This type of injection is commonly used as a non-surgical treatment option for several spinal conditions, including:

• Herniated or bulging discs: When the soft inner material of a disc pushes out and irritates nearby nerves.

• Spinal stenosis: A narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses nerves, often causing leg or lower back pain.

• Sciatica: Pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, typically starting in the lower back and radiating down the leg.

• Degenerative disc disease: Age-related wear and tear on spinal discs that may cause chronic pain or nerve irritation.

• Spondylolisthesis: A condition where one vertebra slips forward over another, sometimes putting pressure on spinal nerves.

The procedure itself is typically performed on an outpatient basis and takes only 15 to 30 minutes. Fluoroscopic (live X-ray) guidance is used to ensure accurate placement of the needle, allowing the epidural steroid injection to be delivered precisely where it’s needed. Afterward, most patients are able to return home the same day and resume normal activities within a short period of time.

While the effects of an epidural steroid injection can vary from person to person, many patients experience significant relief for weeks or even months. For some, a single injection is enough to manage their symptoms; for others, a series of injections over time may be recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that also includes physical therapy, medications, or lifestyle modifications. In the following sections, we’ll explore the benefits and risks of this treatment, who may be an ideal candidate, and how our experienced providers at Spinemed Specialists, deliver safe, effective care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Benefits and Risks of an Epidural Steroid Injection

An epidural steroid injection offers several important benefits for individuals struggling with chronic spine-related pain. While not a permanent cure for underlying conditions, it serves as an effective tool to manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve overall quality of life—especially when paired with other conservative treatments like physical therapy or lifestyle changes.

Benefits of an Epidural Steroid Injection

1. Targeted Pain Relief
   One of the primary advantages of an epidural steroid injection is its ability to deliver medication directly to the site of inflammation. By reducing swelling around irritated spinal nerves, the injection can relieve pain in the lower back, neck, arms, or legs—wherever the affected nerves are located. This targeted relief often allows patients to move more freely and return to daily activities with less discomfort.

2. Non-Surgical Option
   For many patients, an epidural steroid injection provides a way to manage pain without the need for surgery. It is frequently used before more invasive options are considered, offering a conservative approach that may delay—or even eliminate—the need for surgical intervention.

3. Quick Procedure with Minimal Downtime
   The procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes and is done on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can return home the same day. Most people experience minimal discomfort during the injection and can resume light activity shortly afterward.

4. Improved Mobility and Function
   When inflammation is reduced, patients often find that they are able to walk, sit, sleep, or participate in physical therapy more comfortably. This can accelerate recovery and help maintain strength, flexibility, and overall function.

5. Diagnostic Insight
   An epidural steroid injection can also help confirm the source of a patient’s pain. If relief occurs after the injection, it supports the diagnosis that a specific nerve root is involved. This information can be especially helpful when planning long-term treatment options.

Risks and Considerations

While an epidural steroid injection is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and side effects—just as with any medical procedure.

1. Temporary Side Effects
   Some patients may experience minor side effects such as soreness at the injection site, temporary numbness or weakness, or a slight increase in pain before the steroid begins to take effect. These symptoms typically resolve within a few days.

2. Limited Duration of Relief
   The pain relief from an epidural steroid injection may be temporary. Some individuals experience relief for a few weeks, while others may benefit for several months. Repeat injections may be necessary in some cases, but there are recommended limits on how frequently they can be given.

3. Hormonal Side Effects
   Because corticosteroids can affect the body’s hormone balance, repeated epidural steroid injections over a short time period may lead to side effects such as insomnia, mood changes, elevated blood sugar, or weight gain—especially in individuals with diabetes or other chronic health conditions.

4. Infection or Bleeding (Rare)
   Although rare, serious complications such as infection, bleeding, or nerve injury can occur. Strict sterile technique and proper imaging guidance help minimize these risks. Patients with clotting disorders or those taking blood thinners may require special precautions.

5. Not Suitable for Everyone
   An epidural steroid injection may not be appropriate for patients with certain medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, active infections, or known allergies to the medications used. A careful evaluation by a qualified specialist is essential to ensure the treatment is safe and appropriate.

In the next section, we’ll explore who makes an ideal candidate for this procedure—and how we determine if it’s right for you.

Who May Be a Candidate for an Epidural Steroid Injection

Not everyone with back or neck pain is an ideal candidate for an epidural steroid injection, but for many individuals suffering from specific spine-related conditions, this treatment can provide meaningful relief. Determining candidacy involves a thorough evaluation by a spine specialist who considers the cause of your pain, its severity, how long it has persisted, and how it has responded to previous treatments.

Common Candidates Include:

1. Patients with Radiating Nerve Pain
   If you experience pain that radiates from your spine down into your arms or legs—a common sign of nerve compression—you may be a strong candidate for an epidural steroid injection. Conditions such as sciatica, cervical or lumbar radiculopathy, and nerve impingement from a herniated disc often respond well to this targeted treatment.

2. Individuals with Diagnosed Spinal Conditions
   Those diagnosed with herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or spondylolisthesis may benefit from an epidural steroid injection as part of a non-surgical treatment plan. These conditions often involve inflammation or pressure on spinal nerves, which the injection is designed to address directly.

3. People Who Have Not Responded to Conservative Treatments
   If you’ve tried medications, rest, or physical therapy without lasting relief, an epidural steroid injection may be recommended as the next step before considering surgery. It’s especially useful when symptoms interfere with your daily activities or sleep, but are not severe enough to require immediate surgical intervention.

4. Patients Preparing for or Recovering from Surgery
   In some cases, an epidural steroid injection may be used to manage pain before surgery or during recovery. It can help reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and make physical therapy more tolerable during the healing process.

5. Individuals Looking to Avoid Long-Term Opioid Use
   For patients seeking alternatives to long-term pain medication, especially opioids, epidural steroid injections can offer effective relief with fewer systemic side effects. This approach aligns with current best practices for managing chronic pain safely.

At SpineMed Specialists, we carefully assess each patient’s medical history, current symptoms, and diagnostic imaging (such as MRI or CT scans) to determine if an epidural steroid injection is the best course of action. Our team ensures that any recommended treatment is both safe and likely to provide meaningful results. In the final section, we’ll explain how SpineMed Specialists can help guide you through the entire process—from diagnosis to treatment and recovery—using our patient-centered approach to spine care.

How SpineMed Specialists Can Help

At SpineMed Specialists, we provide expert, individualized care for patients dealing with spine-related pain. If you’re considering an epidural steroid injection, our experienced team will guide you every step of the way—from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up.

Led by Dr. Thomas Frimpong and Dr. James Sigler, our team uses advanced imaging and precise technique to ensure your epidural steroid injection is as safe and effective as possible. We take the time to understand your symptoms, review your imaging, and explain all your options clearly, so you can make confident decisions about your care.

Whether you’re trying to avoid surgery, manage chronic pain, or return to daily activities without relying on medication, SpineMed Specialists is here to help. Our goal is to relieve your pain and restore your quality of life—starting with the right treatment plan tailored to you.

Schedule a consultation today to find out if an epidural steroid injection is right for you.