Injections
Epidural Steroid Injections
An epidural steroid injection places anti-inflammatory medication into the epidural space around irritated spinal nerves, calming the inflammation behind radiating neck, back, arm, or leg pain. The procedure is minimally invasive, guided by imaging for accuracy, and relief typically builds over several days as the steroid reduces swelling around the nerve.
Request an AppointmentWhat is an
Epidural Steroid Injection?
An epidural steroid injection (ESI) delivers anti-inflammatory steroid medication into the epidural space of the spine, the area around the spinal nerves where inflammation or pressure can contribute to pain.
When a spinal nerve becomes irritated, it can cause shooting, burning, aching, numb, or tingling discomfort that travels from the spine into the neck, back, arms, buttocks, or legs. The goal of an ESI is to calm that inflammation, decreasing pain and letting you move comfortably enough to participate in physical therapy.
Using live X-ray guidance, your physician guides a thin needle toward the epidural space, confirms the position with a small amount of contrast dye, and delivers the medication near the irritated nerve. The procedure itself often takes just 15 to 30 minutes.
ESIs aren't a cure for the underlying spine condition. They're one part of a broader pain management plan that may include activity modification, physical therapy, and medication management.
At Kentuckiana Pain Specialists, every injection begins with a careful evaluation of your symptoms, history, and imaging: treatment aimed at the right nerve, for the right reason.
Live X-ray (fluoroscopy) and contrast dye confirm the medication reaches exactly the intended area.
The injection itself is brief and performed as an outpatient visit, with no incision and no tissue removal.
Some patients feel relief within hours; more often the steroid begins working over two to seven days.
Reduced inflammation opens the window for physical therapy and movement, the longer-term fix.
Am I a candidate for an epidural steroid injection?
When an irritated nerve sends pain down an arm or leg, we calm it at the root.
Epidural steroid injections may be considered for pain caused by spinal nerve irritation or inflammation. Common conditions that may respond to this treatment include the following.
Sciatica
Pain that travels from the lower back into the buttock, hip, or leg, often sharp, burning, or electric-like.
Herniated or Bulging Discs
A disc pressing against a nearby spinal nerve, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or leg.
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal that places pressure on nerves, causing back pain, leg pain, heaviness, or walking discomfort.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Age-related disc changes that contribute to inflammation and nerve irritation.
Cervical or Lumbar Radiculopathy
Irritated nerve roots affecting the neck, shoulder, arm, or hand, or the lower back, buttock, leg, or foot.
Spondylolisthesis
A vertebra slipping forward over another, narrowing nerve spaces and radiating pain into the limbs.
Common questions about epidural steroid injections
Most patients feel pressure or brief discomfort rather than significant pain. A local anesthetic is used to numb the skin before the injection. Mild soreness at the injection site may occur afterward.
Does the injection hurt?
Most patients feel pressure or brief discomfort rather than significant pain. A local anesthetic is used to numb the skin before the injection. Mild soreness at the injection site may occur afterward.
Ready when you are.
Calm the Nerve.
Reclaim the Day.
If pain is radiating down your arm or leg, an image-guided epidural steroid injection may quiet it at the source. The evaluation starts with one call.
Prefer to talk? Call (502) 995-4004, answered 24/7.
Medically reviewed by Ajith Nair, M.D., Founder & Medical Director at Kentuckiana Pain Specialists. This page is for education and is not a substitute for a personalized medical consultation.
Last medically reviewed July 2026Updated