Epidural Steroid Injection Upper West Side, NYC

What are Epidural Injections?

Epidural injections, also known as epidural steroid injections (ESIs), deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the spinal space to relieve back pain. At Integrative Spine and Sports, our specialists administer these injections into the epidural space, which is located just outside the fluid surrounding your spinal cord. Each ESI includes a combination of local anesthetic and corticosteroid, providing both immediate and longer-term pain relief. Once the medication takes effect, it reduces swelling and pressure around the nerves, relieving nerve compression. Full effects of the steroid medication typically develop within 2-3 days, with pain relief lasting for several months.

What Happens During an Epidural Injection?

For the injection, you’ll lie face-down on an X-ray table to ensure accuracy, with a numbing medication applied to maintain comfort. After preparing the injection site, your provider at Integrative Spine and Sports precisely positions the needle over the lower back, guided by X-ray imaging for optimal accuracy. Most patients tolerate this procedure well, though a slight sensation of pressure may be felt during the injection. Following a 15-20-minute observation period, the treatment is complete. Complications are rare, with minor tenderness or swelling around the injection site resolving within a day or two.

Who Needs an Epidural Injection?

An ESI may be suitable if you’re experiencing nerve pain that hasn’t improved with conservative treatments like medications or physical therapy. This treatment is particularly effective for pain caused by spinal nerve pressure and can benefit individuals with conditions such as degenerative disc disease or herniated discs. In some cases, ESIs can also help identify the exact location of spinal nerve-related pain, guiding targeted treatment. However, steroid injections are generally limited to 2-3 per year. This may not be the best option if you are pregnant or need continuous blood-thinning medications, as epidural injections primarily address symptom relief rather than the underlying cause of back pain.

To learn more about how epidural injections can provide back pain relief, contact Integrative Spine and Sports online or by phone to schedule your appointment today.