Epidural Injections

Epidural injections are used to help manage pain and inflammation along the spinal cord that may be due to a ruptured disk, spinal stenosis, bone spurs or other problem that causes compression within the spinal canal. Depending upon where the pain begins, they may be administered in the neck (cervical region), mid-back (thoracic region) or lower spine (lumbar region). A trained spine surgeon, neurologist, radiologist, physiatrist or anesthesiologist can provide this treatment, which introduces a steroid medication into the epidural space with the help of x-ray guidance called fluoroscopy. While a local anesthetic avoids most discomfort, many patients do feel a degree of pressure when the steroid solution is introduced. The entire procedure typically takes about 15-30 minutes to perform and allows the patient to return home on the same day. Patients can receive up to three epidural injections per year to help manage severe back and leg pain.