Epidural Injections

What Is an Epidural Steroid Injection?

An epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure designed to deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space surrounding the spinal nerves.

The goal of treatment is to reduce nerve irritation and inflammation that may be contributing to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Epidural steroid injections may help relieve symptoms affecting the:

• Neck (cervical spine)
• Mid-back (thoracic spine)
• Lower back (lumbar spine)
• Arms and hands
• Hips, buttocks, legs, and feet

Types of Epidural Steroid Injections

Depending on your condition, symptoms, and anatomy, different epidural injection approaches may be recommended, including:

• Caudal epidural steroid injections for lower lumbar and sacral nerve irritation
• Interlaminar epidural steroid injections to deliver medication into the central epidural space
• Transforaminal epidural steroid injections for targeted treatment around specific spinal nerves
• Cervical epidural steroid injections for neck pain and cervical radiculopathy
• Thoracic epidural steroid injections for mid-back and intercostal nerve pain
• Lumbar epidural steroid injections for low-back pain, sciatica, and lumbar nerve compression

These specialized techniques allow medication to be delivered to targeted areas of inflammation and nerve irritation within the spine.

Conditions Commonly Treated with Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections may be recommended for conditions including:

• Herniated or bulging discs
• Sciatica
• Cervical or lumbar radiculopathy
• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Chronic neck or back pain
• Nerve compression syndromes
• Post-surgical spinal pain
• Thoracic nerve irritation and intercostal pain

These injections may help reduce inflammation and improve comfort when conservative therapies alone have not provided sufficient relief.

Symptoms That May Benefit from Epidural Steroid Injections

Patients who may benefit from epidural steroid injections often experience symptoms such as:

• Radiating arm or leg pain
• Burning or electric-like pain
• Numbness or tingling
• Muscle weakness
• Neck or back pain that worsens with movement
• Pain associated with prolonged sitting, standing, or walking
• Difficulty performing daily activities due to nerve-related pain

What to Expect During the Procedure

Epidural steroid injections are performed using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to ensure accurate medication placement and improved safety.

During the procedure:

• The treatment area is cleaned and prepared
• Local anesthetic is used to improve comfort
• Image guidance is used to precisely position the needle
• Anti-inflammatory medication is injected into the epidural space surrounding the affected nerves

Most procedures take less than 30 minutes, and patients are typically able to return home shortly afterward.

Benefits of Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections may help:

• Reduce inflammation around irritated nerves
• Relieve radiating arm and leg pain
• Improve mobility and physical function
• Decrease numbness and tingling
• Reduce reliance on pain medications
• Support participation in physical therapy and rehabilitation

Relief varies depending on the condition being treated, severity of nerve irritation, and individual patient response.

Comprehensive Spine & Pain Care

At Alpenglow Pain & Wellness, epidural steroid injections are often combined with additional therapies to create a personalized treatment plan focused on long-term pain relief and improved function.

Additional treatment options may include:

Conservative & Supportive Therapies

• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Lifestyle and ergonomic modifications
• Stretching and strengthening programs
• Nutritional support and supplements
• Acupuncture and integrative therapies
• Limited medication management when appropriate

Additional Interventional Pain Management Treatments

• Facet joint injections
• Medial branch blocks
• Sacroiliac (SI) joint injections
• Trigger point injections
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
• Spinal cord stimulation (SCS)
• Peripheral nerve stimulation
• Image-guided minimally invasive procedures

Our goal is to reduce pain, restore function, and help you return to daily activities using evidence-based, minimally invasive treatment options whenever possible.

If neck, back, or nerve pain is affecting your quality of life, contact Alpenglow Pain & Wellness today to schedule a consultation and learn more about epidural steroid injections.