.png)
Epidural Steroid Injection
Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are one of the most widely used and well-researched treatments for back and neck pain caused by nerve irritation or inflammation.
What is a Epidural Steroid Injection?
Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are one of the most widely used and well-researched treatments for back and neck pain caused by nerve irritation or inflammation. The procedure delivers a powerful anti-inflammatory corticosteroid directly into the epidural space — the area just outside the protective covering of the spinal cord — where inflamed nerves can be bathed in medication right at the source. At River Cities Interventional Pain Specialists, we perform epidural steroid injections using advanced imaging guidance to ensure accurate, precise delivery and the best possible outcomes for our patients.
What To Expect
The procedure is performed in our office or at Park Plaza Surgical Specialists and typically takes 15–30 minutes. Here's what you can expect:
✔️ You'll be positioned on an exam table (typically face-down for lumbar ESIs) and the injection site will be cleaned and numbed.
✔️ Using fluoroscopy (live X-ray) guidance, Dr. Brewer will advance a needle into the epidural space with precision.
✔️ A combination of steroid and anesthetic is injected, coating the inflamed nerve roots.
✔️ You'll rest in recovery for 20–30 minutes before heading home.
✔️ You may feel mild pressure or brief soreness at the injection site — significant discomfort during the procedure is uncommon.
Results and Recovery
Most patients can return to light daily activities the same day. You may notice a temporary increase in pain for 1–3 days as the anesthetic wears off before the steroid takes full effect. Maximum benefit is typically felt within 3–7 days. We recommend limiting strenuous activity for 24 hours following the injection. Many patients experience significant improvement after a single injection; others benefit from a series of 2–3 injections spaced several weeks apart for optimal relief.
Epidural steroid injections are often an excellent choice for patients dealing with:
✔️ Herniated or bulging discs pressing on spinal nerve roots
✔️ Sciatica — radiating leg pain caused by lumbar nerve irritation
✔️ Spinal stenosis causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs
✔️ Degenerative disc disease with associated inflammation
✔️ Neck pain with radiating arm symptoms (cervical radiculopathy)
✔️ Pain that has not responded adequately to oral medications or physical therapy alone
WHO IS THIS BEST FOR?
Benefits of Epidural Steroid Injections
Accurate Pain Source Diagnosis
Medial branch blocks are a type of injection treatment used for minimally invasive, non-surgical pain relief.
No Surgical Procedure Necessary
Medial branch blocks are a type of injection treatment used for minimally invasive, non-surgical pain relief.
Immediate Pain
Reduction
Medial branch blocks are a type of injection treatment used for minimally invasive, non-surgical pain relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
A standard (interlaminar) ESI delivers medication into the general epidural space, while a transforaminal ESI is injected through the neural foramen to target a specific nerve root more precisely. Dr. Brewer will recommend the approach best suited to your diagnosis.
Results vary. Some patients experience relief for weeks, others for several months. The goal of the injection is to provide enough relief to allow you to engage in physical therapy and rehabilitation that builds long-term function.
Yes — ESIs have an excellent safety record and have been performed for decades. Side effects are generally mild and temporary. We review your full medical history before the procedure to ensure it's appropriate for you.
Guidelines generally recommend no more than 3 injections in a 12-month period to limit steroid exposure. Your response to the first injection will guide recommendations for subsequent treatments.
.png)
Leaders In Shreveport Pain Management for Over 20 Years