Epidural Steroid Injections: A Proven Option for Neck, Back, Arm and Leg Pain

Epidural Steroid Injections: A Proven Option for Neck, Back, Arm and Leg Pain

If you’re struggling with persistent neck, back, arm or leg pain—especially pain that radiates down your arm or leg—epidural steroid injections (ESIs) may provide meaningful relief and help you get back to your daily activities.

At Deseret Rock Pain Specialists, we use epidural steroid injections as part of a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to pain management.

What Is an Epidural Steroid Injection?

An epidural steroid injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication (steroid) directly into the epidural space around the spinal nerves.

This helps:

• Reduce inflammation
• Decrease nerve irritation
• Relieve pain caused by compressed or inflamed nerves

Unlike oral medications, ESIs target the problem area more precisely.

Conditions Treated with Epidural Steroid Injections

ESIs are commonly used to treat:

• Herniated discs
• Sciatica (radicular pain)
• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Post-surgical spine pain
• Cervical (neck), thoracic, and lumbar spine pain

They are especially helpful for radiating pain, such as pain traveling down the arm or leg.

Types of Epidural Injections

Depending on your condition, your provider may recommend:

• Interlaminar epidural injection – delivers medication into the central epidural space
• Transforaminal epidural injection – targets a specific nerve root
• Caudal epidural injection – administered through the base of the spine

Each approach is selected based on your anatomy and pain pattern.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Epidural steroid injections are typically performed in an outpatient setting and take about 15 minutes.

During the Procedure:

• You’ll be positioned comfortably (on your stomach or side)
• The skin is cleaned and numbed
• Using fluoroscopy (X-ray guidance), a needle is carefully placed into the epidural space
• Contrast dye confirms proper placement
• Steroid medication is injected

Sedation may be used, but many patients do well with local anesthetic alone.

Recovery and Results

After the procedure:

• You’ll be monitored briefly and discharged the same day
• Most patients return to normal activity within 24 hours

When Will I Feel Relief?

• Some patients feel relief within a few days
• Full benefit may take 1–2 weeks

Relief duration varies:

• Weeks to several months
• Some patients benefit from a series of injections

Benefits of Epidural Steroid Injections

• ✔ Reduces inflammation at the source
• ✔ Provides targeted pain relief
• ✔ Minimally invasive
• ✔ Can delay or avoid surgery
• ✔ Helps patients participate more effectively in physical therapy

Risks and Side Effects

Epidural steroid injections are generally safe, but possible risks include:

Common (Temporary)

• Soreness at the injection site
• Temporary increase in pain
• Headache

Less Common

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Nerve irritation or injury
• Elevated blood sugar (especially in diabetics)

Serious complications are rare when performed by experienced providers.

Is an Epidural Injection Right for You?

You may be a good candidate if:

• You have radiating nerve pain (arm or leg)
• Imaging (MRI/CT) shows nerve compression or inflammation
• Conservative treatments haven’t provided enough relief
• You want to avoid or delay surgery

Take the Next Step Toward Pain Relief

At Deseret Rock Pain Specialists, we tailor treatment plans to your specific condition and goals—helping you move better and feel better.

📍 3665 S. 8400 W. Ste 200, Magna, UT 84044 📞 801-961-4010 🌐 deseretrock.com

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn if epidural steroid injections are right for you.