An Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI) involves delivering potent anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord’s fluid sac. This area is known as the epidural space.
ESI can alleviate pain in the neck, shoulders, and arms resulting from a pinched nerve or nerves in the cervical spine. Herniated discs and spinal stenosis can cause nerve compression, inflammation, and pain. The injected medication helps reduce nerve swelling.
Am I a Candidate for an Epidural Steroid Injection?
If you have pain that spreads from the lower spine to the hips or down the leg caused by nerve pressure as it exits the spine, often due to a bulging disk, your healthcare provider may recommend an ESI.