Learn about Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI)

An effective, non-surgical injection that relieves chronic neck, back, leg, and arm pain by soothing nerves with anesthetic and anti-inflammatory steroid.

Non-surgical, no incisions
Rapid reduction in pain
Outpatient, no hospital stay
how it works

What happens during Epidural Steroid Injection

A small needle is inserted into the back

After the back is numbed with lidocaine, a small needle is positioned next to inflamed nerves that are entering the spinal cord, termed nerve roots.

Anti-inflammatory medications are injected

Inflamed nerves that cause pain syndromes like sciatica are coated with a mixture of long acting local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory steroid.

Pain relief occurs in 1-5 days

70-90% of well selected patients experience over 50% improvement in their chronic pain. [source]

Did you know?

Studies suggest that epidural steroid injections combined with physical therapy lead to increased pain relief and may help avoid back surgery. [source]

Who is it for?

Epidural Steroid Injection works best for

Sciatica

Radiating pain down the arms or legs related to herniated disc(s), bone spurs, slipped vertebrae, and spine arthritis.

Chronic back and neck pain

Chronic pain related to spinal stenosis, thickened ligaments, and degenerative disc disease.

Benefits & considerations

Make educated decisions about the right treatment

At Helped, we strive to provide thorough but uncomplicated information about treatment options to help you make a confident, informed decision.

Benefits 👍
Effective when physical therapy and medications fail
Excellent for sciatic nerve pain
Minimal complication risk
Non-surgical, fast recovery
Minimal side effects
Improved quality of life
Covered by most insurers
Reduced need for pain medication
Considerations 🤔
May need multiple injections for maximum pain relief
Should limit driving for multiple hours after injection
Doesn't work for everyone
Occasionally causes temporary leg numbness (1-3 hours)
Small risk of bleeding, infection, and nerve damage
May cause temporary elevation of blood sugar for 1-2 days
PATIENT STORIES

Hear what real patients are saying

Clinical trials show that 40-80% of patients with sciatica caused by lumbar herniated disc(s) experience greater than 50% pain reduction after ESI (3)

I have not had to take a pain killer of any kind, or any anti-inflammatories, or any muscle relaxers since I received my shot. I'm feeling better than, honestly, I've felt in years.

Penelope G.
USA

I was anxious about getting my first ESI but the process was quite tolerable. The most discomfort was experienced when the local anesthetic was administered, but that was a mosquito bite compare to the leg and back pain that I had been experiencing. I'd estimate an 85 to 90% improvement by the next morning .. Quite remarkable indeed!

Leslie A.
USA

I have had an injection for nerve injury in my neck.. helped with my issue. As far as the pain level, I’ve been bitten by a mosquito that actually hurt more than this procedure.

Barbara H.
USA

I had my 3rd procedure [ESI] done five days ago. It’s still working and holding off the pain.

Richard P.
VETTED DOCTORS

Vetted specialists who care

Our physicians go through a rigorous 5-step vetting process which includes a review of credentials, high patient satisfaction ratings, commitment to expedited scheduling, and adherence to best-practice treatment protocols.

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