ESI (Epidural Steroid Injection)

Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI) is a minimally invasive treatment option designed to provide relief from chronic spinal pain, including conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and sciatica. This procedure involves the injection of steroid medication directly into the epidural space, the area around the spinal cord and nerves. The goal is to reduce inflammation, alleviate nerve irritation, and provide long-lasting pain relief, allowing patients to resume daily activities with greater ease.

At the Brain and Spine Center of Texas, we use advanced imaging technology to precisely target the source of pain and ensure optimal results from the epidural steroid injection. This non-surgical treatment is often used as a first-line therapy to manage pain and improve quality of life for patients suffering from spinal conditions.

Epidural steroid injections are typically recommended for patients experiencing:

• Chronic lower back pain or neck pain caused by nerve compression or inflammation.
• Radiating pain into the arms or legs due to conditions such as sciatica or a herniated disc.
• Pain from spinal stenosis, which causes narrowing of the spaces in the spine, putting pressure on the nerves.
• Inflammation around the nerves that doesn’t improve with other conservative treatments, such as physical therapy or oral medications.

This treatment is often part of a comprehensive pain management plan designed to provide relief and restore functionality, helping patients avoid or delay the need for more invasive procedures like surgery.

The ESI procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Preparation and Positioning – The patient is positioned on an exam table, and the area of injection is cleaned and sterilized. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the skin and tissues around the injection site.
2. Injection – Under fluoroscopy (a type of real-time X-ray), the physician carefully guides the needle into the epidural space, ensuring precise placement near the affected nerves or spinal structures. The steroid medication is then injected into the targeted area.
3. Post-Injection Observation – The patient is monitored for a short period after the injection to ensure there are no immediate complications. Most patients can return home the same day.

ESI is a well-tolerated procedure with minimal discomfort.

After an epidural steroid injection, patients can expect:

• Immediate Pain Relief – Some patients experience relief almost immediately, while others may need several days for the full effects to be felt.
• Temporary Soreness – Mild soreness at the injection site is common, but it typically subsides within a few days.
• Physical Activity Recommendations – Patients are advised to rest for the first 24 hours, avoiding strenuous activities and lifting heavy objects.
• Follow-Up Appointments – The physician will schedule follow-up visits to monitor pain relief and determine if additional treatments are needed.

In most cases, patients can resume normal activities within a few days after the procedure. The duration of pain relief can vary, with some patients experiencing relief for several months, and others needing additional injections for long-term pain management.

• Expert Pain Management – Our team specializes in providing non-surgical, effective treatments for spinal pain, including epidural steroid injections.
• State-of-the-Art Imaging – We use the latest imaging technology to ensure accurate and targeted injections, providing the best possible outcomes for our patients.
• Comprehensive Care – We offer a full range of treatments and therapies to complement the ESI and support your recovery and long-term pain management.
• Patient-Focused Approach – We prioritize your comfort and well-being, offering individualized care plans tailored to your unique needs and goals.