Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI)

Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI) is a procedure similar to epidural analgesia administered to pregnant women who are in labor.  The difference is that there is no catheter inserted, simply a “single shot” using a special needle, and using a long acting steroid.  The steroid is injected into the epidural space, which is a potential space surrounding the dura, which is a membrane surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots in the spine.  Inflammation of the nerve roots due to a variety of reasons, such as a herniated (bulging) disc or from contact with the bony structure of the spine (spinal stenosis), may cause pain to the neck and upper extremities, chest, lower back and lower extremities.

The steroid reverses or reduces the inflammation and therefore pain is relieved or reduced. With these procedures, usually a second or 3rd injection might be indicated and may provide temporary or permanent relief. At times it may take several days for the steroid to take effect.

The procedure is usually done under intravenous anesthesia and the use of a fluoroscopy (X-Ray) machine in most instances.  Because of the institution of IV (intravenous) anesthesia, the patients are required not to eat after midnight, the day before the procedure, and have somebody else drive for them. Routine medications such as blood pressure medication or diabetic medications except insulin, can be taken at the usual time.  Blood thinners such as Coumadin, Plavix or Heparin will have to be stopped at various times prior to the procedure, and you must notify us if you are taking these so that the timing of these medications can be adjusted.  You are advised to take it easy the rest of the day following the procedure, but typically able to go back to normal activities including work, the following day.

Epidural Injections could be done at the cervical, thoracic, lumbar and caudal levels of the spine, depending on the source of the problem.