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Epidural Steroid Injection:
ESI is a procedure that places a small amount of a powerful anti-inflammatory medication, known as cortisone, around inflamed spinal nerves. It reduces the swelling and pain caused by the pinched nerves. 
ESI is used to treat pain caused by inflammation of the spine that may involve herniated discs, pinched nerves, and injured soft and connective tissues.
ESI and labor epidural are similar but they are different. Labor epidural uses anesthetics while ESI uses cortisone. ESI is performed with a smaller needle. A moving x-ray machine (C-arm) is usually to precisely place the needle.
With local anesthesia, most patients find ESI easily tolerated. A sedative is rarely needed. However, if a patient is anxious or is unusually fearful of needles, a sedative can be given.
ESI is performed as a series of 2 to 3 injections over several weeks. The series can be repeated in the future, or later in life, if the problem returns.
Cortisone is neither a pain medication nor an anesthetic. It is an anti-inflammatory drug.
Problems with ESI are rare. Cortisone is a steroid, but it is not the performance-enhancing anabolic steroid you’ve heard so much about. A short series of ESIs rarely causes problems.
ESI can be used to treat nerves along the entire spine but lower back and neck are most common locations for the procedure.
Precise medication delivery to the injured areas is essential for good response.
For more information, please contact our office at 973.470.8848 for an appointment or You may also request an appointment or contact us by email. |
