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Epidural Steroid Injection
Anti-inflammatory medication delivered precisely to irritated spinal nerves under X-ray guidance — for back, neck, and radiating arm or leg pain.
In short — An epidural steroid injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication into the epidural space around irritated spinal nerve roots under X-ray guidance. Dr. Eaddy uses these injections for nerve-related back, neck, and radiating arm or leg pain — such as sciatica from a herniated disc or spinal stenosis — and may recommend one after evaluation, depending on your diagnosis, imaging, and medical history.
What is an epidural steroid injection?
An epidural steroid injection (ESI) places a small dose of corticosteroid — usually with a local anesthetic — into the epidural space, the area surrounding the spinal nerve roots. The medication calms inflammation around a compressed or irritated nerve, which can reduce pain enough to restore sleep, activity, and progress in physical therapy. Every injection is performed under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, with contrast dye confirming needle placement before any medication is delivered.
What conditions can it help?
ESIs are most helpful for nerve-related spine pain: sciatica and lumbar radiculopathy from a herniated or bulging disc, spinal stenosis, and cervical radiculopathy that sends pain down an arm from a neck problem. They are among the first-line interventional options for back pain with a nerve component, and they can also help clarify the diagnosis — meaningful relief after a targeted injection helps confirm which nerve root is generating the pain.
What happens during the procedure?
The injection is a brief outpatient procedure, typically taking only minutes. After the skin is numbed with local anesthetic, Dr. Eaddy guides a thin needle to the target level under X-ray, confirms the position with contrast dye, and delivers the medication. Most patients go home shortly afterward and resume light activity the same day; if sedation is used, you will need someone to drive you.
How long does relief last?
Response varies with the diagnosis and how long the nerve has been irritated. The steroid usually takes several days to reach its full effect, and relief can last weeks to months. Injections work best as part of a broader plan that includes physical therapy and medication management. If injections do not provide lasting relief, Dr. Eaddy will reassess the diagnosis and discuss next steps — which, for selected patients with persistent nerve pain, can include spinal cord stimulation.
What are the risks?
Serious complications are rare. Risks include:
- Temporary soreness or a brief flare of pain
- Headache
- Bleeding or infection (uncommon)
- Allergic reaction
- Temporary blood-sugar elevation in patients with diabetes
- Nerve injury (rare)
Blood thinners may need to be paused beforehand — tell the office about all medications when scheduling.
How many epidural steroid injections can I have?
There is no single universal number, but corticosteroid dosing is kept within accepted safety limits — commonly a few injections per year, spaced apart and repeated only when they provide meaningful relief. Dr. Eaddy tailors the number and frequency to your diagnosis, response, and medical history.
Ready to talk about your pain?
Call the office for an appointment, or send a question online — office staff will respond by phone during business hours.
Call (904) 453-7976 Send a questionMessages only / callback line: (813) 397-3047
Reviewed by Kenneth J. Eaddy, MD · Updated July 2026