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Cincinnati, OH Pain Management

Epidural Steroid Injections in Cincinnati

By reducing inflammation, epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are used to temporarily relieve lumbar (lower back), cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-spine), and sciatic-nerve pain. ESIs commonly include a corticosteroid and a local anesthetic delivered to the epidural space to help calm irritated spinal nerves.

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Outpatient procedure
Often fluoroscopy-guided
Diagnostic + therapeutic value
Important: the FDA warns of rare but serious neurologic adverse events after epidural corticosteroid injections. A consultation is required to review risks and alternatives.

What is an epidural steroid injection (ESI)?

An epidural steroid injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication (a corticosteroid) into the epidural space around spinal nerves to help reduce irritation and swelling that can cause neck, back, or radiating arm/leg pain.

Why it helps
Reduces inflammation around irritated nerve roots.
What’s injected
Typically a steroid plus a local anesthetic.
How it’s guided
Often fluoroscopy/X-ray guidance to improve precision.

Candidates for epidural steroid injections

ESIs are commonly considered for back/neck pain and radiating pain into the arms or legs (radicular pain), often related to nerve irritation.

  • Lumbar disc herniation
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Lumbar spinal stenosis
  • Annular tears
  • Facet joint or nerve root cysts
  • Vertebral compression fractures (case dependent)
  • Sciatic-nerve pain (radiculopathy)
  • Diagnostic evaluation of pain source
Rehab advantage
ESIs can be used as part of a broader rehabilitation plan to help patients tolerate physical therapy with less discomfort.

The epidural steroid injection procedure

ESIs are often performed in an outpatient setting. The skin is numbed, then imaging guidance is used to help place the needle and deliver medication to the intended epidural region.

  1. Preparation: Review medical history, medications, allergies; position you comfortably.
  2. Numbing: Local anesthetic is used to numb the skin and deeper tissues.
  3. Guidance: Fluoroscopy may be used to improve accuracy and safety.
  4. Injection: Steroid + anesthetic is delivered to the epidural space.
  5. Observation: Short monitoring period, then home with aftercare instructions.
Procedure time
Often only a few minutes for the injection portion.
Return to activity
Many people resume normal activities the next day (as instructed).

Expected relief and frequency

Patients may notice early improvement from the anesthetic, with steroid effects developing over the next several days. Relief duration varies; some patients experience weeks to months of improvement, while others may have a shorter response.

Immediate phase
Temporary relief from anesthetic may wear off in hours.
Steroid phase
Often begins within days; may take up to a week.
Repeat injections
If helpful, frequency is individualized; many guidelines discuss spacing injections.
Want to know if an ESI is appropriate for your symptoms?
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Risks of epidural steroid injections

ESIs are commonly performed, but risks exist. Potential side effects can include temporary soreness, headache, bleeding, infection, allergic reaction, and (rarely) nerve injury. Steroids can temporarily raise blood sugar and blood pressure and may affect mood in some patients. The FDA also warns about rare but serious neurologic events after epidural corticosteroid injection.

Common
Soreness, temporary pain flare, bruising.
Less common
Headache, infection, bleeding, allergic reaction.
Rare (serious)
Neurologic injury; FDA warns of rare serious neurologic events.
This page is educational and not medical advice. A consultation is required to review your candidacy, contraindications (e.g., certain infections/bleeding risk), and individualized risks/benefits.

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