— Epidural Steroid Injections
Last reviewed: April 26, 2026
Epidural steroid injections are a minimally invasive procedure commonly used for treating chronic pain in the neck, back, arms, and legs. This pain relief treatment involves injecting a combination of corticosteroid and anesthetic into the epidural space, which is the area surrounding the spinal cord and nerves.
At SOLUTIONS Pain and Spine Doctors, our team of experienced pain management specialists uses epidural steroid injections to alleviate pain caused by inflammation or swelling of the nerve roots, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or sciatica. The injection of corticosteroids helps to reduce inflammation, swelling, and irritation, while the anesthetic helps to provide immediate pain relief. We offer cervical epidural steroid injections, transforaminal epidural steroid injections & lumbar epidural steroid injections.
Epidural Steroid Injection Procedure Overview
During the procedure, the patient will lie on their stomach or side on an x-ray table, and the skin on the back will be numbed with a local anesthetic. Using an x-ray or fluoroscopy, the pain management specialist will guide a needle through the skin and into the epidural space. Once the needle is in the correct position, a small amount of contrast dye is injected to confirm proper placement. The medication is then slowly injected into the epidural space.
After the procedure, patients will be monitored in a recovery area for a short period to ensure that there are no complications. The patient may experience some mild discomfort or numbness for several hours after the injection, but this should subside quickly. It is also important to rest for the first 24 hours after the injection and to avoid strenuous activity or lifting heavy objects for a few days.
The effects of epidural steroid injections can vary depending on the individual, but many patients experience significant pain relief for several weeks or months. The procedure can be repeated if necessary, but it is important to space out injections to prevent potential side effects of corticosteroid overuse, such as osteoporosis, weight gain, and high blood sugar.
If you are suffering from chronic pain in the neck, back, arms, or legs, epidural steroid injections may be an effective pain relief treatment for you. Contact SOLUTIONS Pain and Spine Doctors to schedule a consultation with one of our pain management specialists and to learn more about how epidural steroid injections can improve your quality of life.
All Treatments
Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection
Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection
Inferior Hypogastric Nerve Block
Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection
Lumbar Sympathetic Plexus (Ganglion) Block
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD Procedure) for Spinal Stenosis
Occipital Nerve Block & Ablation
Sacroiliac Joint Injection/Fusion
Radiofrequency Ablation of Facet Joints
Radiofrequency Ablation of Genicular Nerves of the Knee
Radiofrequency Ablation of Peripheral Nerves
Spinal Cord Stimulation Trial & Implant
Superior Hypogastric Nerve Block
Superion InterSpinous Spacer for Spinal Stenosis
Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection or Selective Nerve Root Block
Comprehensive Guide to Epidural Steroid Injections at SOLUTIONS Pain and Spine Doctors
Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) remain one of the most clinically validated and widely used interventional pain management procedures available today. At SOLUTIONS Pain and Spine Doctors, Dr. Priscilla Agbenyefia — a board-certified interventional pain physician — provides image-guided epidural steroid injections at all four of our Georgia locations: Peachtree Corners, Buford, Decatur, and Athens.
Who Is a Candidate for Epidural Steroid Injections?
Epidural steroid injections are appropriate for patients who experience pain from nerve compression or inflammation in the spine. Common conditions treated include:
- Herniated or bulging discs pressing on spinal nerve roots
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal causing nerve compression)
- Sciatica (radiating pain, numbness, or weakness down the leg)
- Degenerative disc disease with associated nerve irritation
- Cervical radiculopathy (neck pain radiating into the arm)
- Lumbar radiculopathy (lower back pain radiating into the leg)
- Post-surgical pain or failed back surgery syndrome
- Spondylolisthesis with nerve root compression
ESIs are often recommended when conservative treatments such as physical therapy, oral medications, or chiropractic care have not provided adequate relief. They can also serve as a bridge therapy, allowing patients to participate more effectively in rehabilitation programs.
Types of Epidural Steroid Injections We Offer
At SOLUTIONS Pain and Spine Doctors, we offer all three primary approaches to epidural steroid injection, each targeting different spinal regions and pain patterns:
Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injections: Administered through the space between two adjacent vertebrae (the interlaminar space), this approach delivers medication broadly to the epidural space. It is commonly used for bilateral symptoms or generalized spinal inflammation.
Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections (Selective Nerve Root Blocks): This highly targeted technique delivers medication directly to the affected nerve root through the foraminal opening. It is the preferred approach for unilateral (one-sided) radicular pain and is particularly effective for sciatica and lumbar radiculopathy.
Caudal Epidural Steroid Injections: Administered through the sacral hiatus at the base of the spine, caudal injections are useful for treating lower lumbar and sacral nerve pain, including post-surgical pain and sacroiliac joint-related symptoms.
The Procedure: What to Expect
Epidural steroid injections at SOLUTIONS Pain and Spine Doctors are performed as outpatient procedures, typically taking 15–30 minutes from start to finish. Here is a step-by-step overview:
- Positioning: You will be positioned on a fluoroscopy table, typically lying face down or on your side depending on the injection site.
- Skin Preparation: The injection area is cleaned with antiseptic solution and numbed with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort.
- Fluoroscopic Guidance: Dr. Agbenyefia uses real-time X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy) to guide the needle to the precise location in the epidural space, ensuring accuracy and safety.
- Contrast Confirmation: A small amount of contrast dye is injected to confirm proper needle placement before medication is administered.
- Medication Delivery: A carefully measured combination of corticosteroid (to reduce inflammation) and local anesthetic (for immediate relief) is slowly injected.
- Post-Procedure Monitoring: You will rest in our recovery area for 15–30 minutes before being discharged home.
Recovery and Expected Outcomes
Most patients can return to light activities the day after their injection. You may notice immediate relief from the local anesthetic, followed by a brief period of increased discomfort as the anesthetic wears off (typically 24–48 hours). The corticosteroid takes full effect within 3–7 days and can provide relief lasting several weeks to several months.
Studies show that epidural steroid injections provide meaningful pain relief in approximately 50–70% of patients, with many experiencing significant improvement in function and quality of life. For patients with acute disc herniations, success rates can be even higher.
Risks and Safety Considerations
Epidural steroid injections are generally safe when performed by an experienced, board-certified interventional pain physician using fluoroscopic guidance. Potential risks include temporary soreness at the injection site, headache, flushing, and in rare cases, infection or nerve irritation. Dr. Agbenyefia will discuss all risks and benefits with you during your consultation.
To minimize risks associated with corticosteroid overuse, injections are typically limited to three per year per spinal region.
Schedule Your Consultation in Georgia
If you are living with chronic back pain, neck pain, sciatica, or nerve pain and want to explore whether epidural steroid injections could help, contact SOLUTIONS Pain and Spine Doctors today. We serve patients throughout Georgia from our four convenient locations.
Call us at (470) 275-3626 or request an appointment online. We proudly serve patients in Peachtree Corners, Duluth, Buford, Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Decatur, Atlanta, Stone Mountain, Athens, Watkinsville, and surrounding communities throughout Georgia.
Comprehensive Guide to Epidural Steroid Injections at SOLUTIONS Pain and Spine Doctors
Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) remain one of the most clinically validated and widely used interventional pain management procedures available today. At SOLUTIONS Pain and Spine Doctors, Dr. Priscilla Agbenyefia — a board-certified interventional pain physician — provides image-guided epidural steroid injections at all four of our Georgia locations: Peachtree Corners, Buford, Decatur, and Athens.
Who Is a Candidate for Epidural Steroid Injections?
Epidural steroid injections are appropriate for patients who experience pain from nerve compression or inflammation in the spine. Common conditions treated include:
- Herniated or bulging discs pressing on spinal nerve roots
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal causing nerve compression)
- Sciatica (radiating pain, numbness, or weakness down the leg)
- Degenerative disc disease with associated nerve irritation
- Cervical radiculopathy (neck pain radiating into the arm)
- Lumbar radiculopathy (lower back pain radiating into the leg)
- Post-surgical pain or failed back surgery syndrome
- Spondylolisthesis with nerve root compression
ESIs are often recommended when conservative treatments such as physical therapy, oral medications, or chiropractic care have not provided adequate relief. They can also serve as a bridge therapy, allowing patients to participate more effectively in rehabilitation programs.
Types of Epidural Steroid Injections We Offer
At SOLUTIONS Pain and Spine Doctors, we offer all three primary approaches to epidural steroid injection, each targeting different spinal regions and pain patterns:
Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injections: Administered through the space between two adjacent vertebrae (the interlaminar space), this approach delivers medication broadly to the epidural space. It is commonly used for bilateral symptoms or generalized spinal inflammation.
Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections (Selective Nerve Root Blocks): This highly targeted technique delivers medication directly to the affected nerve root through the foraminal opening. It is the preferred approach for unilateral (one-sided) radicular pain and is particularly effective for sciatica and lumbar radiculopathy.
Caudal Epidural Steroid Injections: Administered through the sacral hiatus at the base of the spine, caudal injections are useful for treating lower lumbar and sacral nerve pain, including post-surgical pain and sacroiliac joint-related symptoms.
The Procedure: What to Expect
Epidural steroid injections at SOLUTIONS Pain and Spine Doctors are performed as outpatient procedures, typically taking 15–30 minutes from start to finish. Here is a step-by-step overview:
- Positioning: You will be positioned on a fluoroscopy table, typically lying face down or on your side depending on the injection site.
- Skin Preparation: The injection area is cleaned with antiseptic solution and numbed with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort.
- Fluoroscopic Guidance: Dr. Agbenyefia uses real-time X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy) to guide the needle to the precise location in the epidural space, ensuring accuracy and safety.
- Contrast Confirmation: A small amount of contrast dye is injected to confirm proper needle placement before medication is administered.
- Medication Delivery: A carefully measured combination of corticosteroid (to reduce inflammation) and local anesthetic (for immediate relief) is slowly injected.
- Post-Procedure Monitoring: You will rest in our recovery area for 15–30 minutes before being discharged home.
Recovery and Expected Outcomes
Most patients can return to light activities the day after their injection. You may notice immediate relief from the local anesthetic, followed by a brief period of increased discomfort as the anesthetic wears off (typically 24–48 hours). The corticosteroid takes full effect within 3–7 days and can provide relief lasting several weeks to several months.
Studies show that epidural steroid injections provide meaningful pain relief in approximately 50–70% of patients, with many experiencing significant improvement in function and quality of life. For patients with acute disc herniations, success rates can be even higher.
Risks and Safety Considerations
Epidural steroid injections are generally safe when performed by an experienced, board-certified interventional pain physician using fluoroscopic guidance. Potential risks include temporary soreness at the injection site, headache, flushing, and in rare cases, infection or nerve irritation. Dr. Agbenyefia will discuss all risks and benefits with you during your consultation.
To minimize risks associated with corticosteroid overuse, injections are typically limited to three per year per spinal region.
Schedule Your Consultation in Georgia
If you are living with chronic back pain, neck pain, sciatica, or nerve pain and want to explore whether epidural steroid injections could help, contact SOLUTIONS Pain and Spine Doctors today. We serve patients throughout Georgia from our four convenient locations.
Call us at (470) 275-3626 or request an appointment online. We proudly serve patients in Peachtree Corners, Duluth, Buford, Suwanee, Lawrenceville, Decatur, Atlanta, Stone Mountain, Athens, Watkinsville, and surrounding communities throughout Georgia.