Epidural Steroid Injection

Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs) are injections done under fluoroscopy (real time x-ray) in the epidural space to reduce pain, numbness, and weakness associated with inflamed nerves in the spine. This injection may consist of injecting several medications into the epidural space including: a contrast material to visualize spread within the epidural space, local anesthetic to reduce pain, and cortisone to reduce inflammation of inflamed nerves. Caudal and lumbar epidural steroid injections are used to treat lower back, buttock, and leg pain. Thoracic epidural steroid injections treat mid back pain. Cervical epidural steroid injections treat neck, shoulder and arm pain.