What is an Epidural Steroid Injection?
An Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI) is a simple, safe, and effective non-surgical treatment that involves
the injection of a steroid medication similar to cortisone into the Epidural Space of the spine. The
epidural space is the portion of the spine where inflamed nerves are located. The intent of this
procedure is to reduce inflammation and therefore relieve pain. ESI’s are often recommended when
the physician suspects pain arising from an injured disc of the spine including a herniated disc.
An Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI) is a simple, safe, and effective non-surgical treatment that involves
the injection of a steroid medication similar to cortisone into the Epidural Space of the spine. The
epidural space is the portion of the spine where inflamed nerves are located. The intent of this
procedure is to reduce inflammation and therefore relieve pain. ESI’s are often recommended when
the physician suspects pain arising from an injured disc of the spine including a herniated disc.
What types of conditions will respond to Epidural
Steroid Injection?
For over forty years, ESI has been used to effectively
treat chronic neck and back pain as well as a
variety of other conditions. The most common
diagnoses treated with ESI include herniated or
bulging discs, spinal stenosis, and recurrent pain
following spine surgery. As injuries to the discs
can occur following auto accidents, ESI’s are a
common procedure for such problems.
Steroid Injection?
For over forty years, ESI has been used to effectively
treat chronic neck and back pain as well as a
variety of other conditions. The most common
diagnoses treated with ESI include herniated or
bulging discs, spinal stenosis, and recurrent pain
following spine surgery. As injuries to the discs
can occur following auto accidents, ESI’s are a
common procedure for such problems.
Auto Accident Injury Care
Covered by Auto Insurance
Treatment and Rehabilitation
Covered by Auto Insurance
Treatment and Rehabilitation
Copyright 2009, The Pain & Injury Center, A Division of the Center for Regenerative Medicine of Tampa Bay. All Rights Reserved.
The Pain and Injury Center
3001 Eastland Blvd
St 2
Clearwater, Fl 33761
Call for an appointment
(727) 797-0500
3001 Eastland Blvd
St 2
Clearwater, Fl 33761
Call for an appointment
(727) 797-0500
Epidural Steroid Injection
(727) 797-0500
The Pain and Injury Center
Auto Accident Physician, Clearwater, Florida
How is this injection done?
Although there are different techniques used for Epidural Steroid Injection, the most common
technique employed by interventional pain management specialists uses X-Ray guidance
(fluoroscopy), usually with the patient lying on his or her stomach.. The procedure usually takes no
more than about 10 minutes, followed by a brief recovery before discharge home.
Although there are different techniques used for Epidural Steroid Injection, the most common
technique employed by interventional pain management specialists uses X-Ray guidance
(fluoroscopy), usually with the patient lying on his or her stomach.. The procedure usually takes no
more than about 10 minutes, followed by a brief recovery before discharge home.
What should I expect after the injection?
You may notice some reduction in your pain for the first 1-2 hours after the injection if local anesthetic is
injected with the steroid. When this anesthetic wears off, your pain will return as it was before the
procedure. Although pain relief with ESI generally occurs within 3 - 5 days, some patients experience
improvement before or after this time period. Diabetic patients should be on the alert for a rise in blood
sugar during the first few days after injection and must monitor blood sugar accordingly.
Could there be side effects or complications?
Fortunately Epidural Steroid Injection has an extremely good safety profile, and serious complications
are quite rare. Just like any other medical procedure, there are potential complications associated with
ESI.
What are the chances that this treatment will help my pain?
Most studies show that this treatment helps relieve pain for approximately half (50%) of the patients
treated but the degree and duration of pain relief depend on many different factors, including the
underlying diagnosis or condition being treated, duration of symptoms before treatment, whether
previous back (neck) surgery has been performed and other factors.
You may notice some reduction in your pain for the first 1-2 hours after the injection if local anesthetic is
injected with the steroid. When this anesthetic wears off, your pain will return as it was before the
procedure. Although pain relief with ESI generally occurs within 3 - 5 days, some patients experience
improvement before or after this time period. Diabetic patients should be on the alert for a rise in blood
sugar during the first few days after injection and must monitor blood sugar accordingly.
Could there be side effects or complications?
Fortunately Epidural Steroid Injection has an extremely good safety profile, and serious complications
are quite rare. Just like any other medical procedure, there are potential complications associated with
ESI.
What are the chances that this treatment will help my pain?
Most studies show that this treatment helps relieve pain for approximately half (50%) of the patients
treated but the degree and duration of pain relief depend on many different factors, including the
underlying diagnosis or condition being treated, duration of symptoms before treatment, whether
previous back (neck) surgery has been performed and other factors.
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