An epidural steroid injection can’t fix a ruptured disc or other structural problem in the spine. It can, however, soothe irritated nerves. Our team discusses when your spine specialist might recommend an epidural steroid injection and how it works.

The experts at Spine Center Atlanta deliver state-of-the-art orthopedic care to Georgia residents from offices in Atlanta, Savannah, Conyers, Augusta, Macon, and Decatur. Read what they say about epidural steroid injections and how they work for back and neck pain.

What is an epidural steroid injection?

An epidural steroid injection is an in-office procedure that can relieve back or neck pain by reducing inflammation in the epidural space surrounding the nerves running through your spinal cord.

The steroid is delivered into the spinal space under advanced X-ray imaging to ensure accuracy. To offer temporary pain relief as the steroid becomes effective, which can take one to two days, your Spine Center Atlanta specialist may combine an anesthetic with the injection.

A topical anesthetic applied to the injection site prevents discomfort during the procedure, which takes just a few minutes.

Why would I need an epidural steroid injection?

An epidural steroid injection can temporarily relieve pain caused by spinal nerve root inflammation and irritation related to:

  • Herniated or bulging disc
  • Narrowing (stenosis) of the spinal canal
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Vertebral bone spurs
  • Spinal degeneration (spondylolysis)
  • Sciatica
  • Symptomatic scoliosis

These conditions can compress or “pinch” nerves as they exit the spinal canal, causing significant back or neck pain. Depending on the irritated nerve’s location, you may also develop muscle weakness, sharp shooting pain in the arms or legs, and other chronic symptoms that affect mobility.

Can an epidural steroid injection cure back or neck pain?

An epidural steroid injection can relieve nerve inflammation causing your pain for up to three months. But it cannot correct bone spurs, bulging discs, or other underlying issues responsible for the compressed nerve.

However, you may benefit from an injection if your pain interferes with your ability to participate in our physical therapy and rehab program or other non-surgical treatments, many of which can provide long-term relief from conditions causing nerve compression.

Other injection-based therapies we offer at Spine Center Atlanta include:

  • Cervical radiofrequency neurotomy
  • Facet joint injections
  • Medial branch nerve blocks
  • Radiofrequency ablation
  • Sacroiliac (SI) joint injections
  • Stellate ganglion blocks
  • Bursa injections

Our team also specializes in regenerative medicine treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and regenerative medicine.

What if I need surgery?

If conservative treatment fails to adequately relieve your back or neck symptoms, your Spine Center Atlanta specialist may recommend minimally invasive back surgery or cervical (neck) surgery.

These same-day procedures, performed at our fully accredited outpatient surgical facility, require smaller incisions than traditional or “open” surgery. This significantly reduces tissue trauma, resulting in:

  • Decreased blood loss
  • Less postoperative pain
  • Lower risk of infection
  • Minimal scarring
  • Faster healing
  • Quicker recovery

Schedule an evaluation at Spine Center Atlanta today for outstanding personalized care designed to relieve your pain, restore mobility, and improve your quality of life. Call the nearest office or request an appointment using our secure online service.

What We Do

Services & Conditions

ACL

ACL

ACL injuries or tears commonly occur during sports that involve sudden stops of changes in direction.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury

If you have experienced a car accident, sports injury, or a slip and fall accident and were diagnosed with a concussion, you may have suffered a traumatic brain injury. It is best to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Failed Spine Surgery

Failed Spine Surgery

The team specializes in minimally invasive techniques and offers comprehensive care, including an on-site, fully-accredited outpatient surgical facility and a state-of-the-art rehabilitation center.

Neck Spine Surgery

Neck Spine Surgery

When non-surgical care doesn't help, the board-certified orthopedic surgeons at Spine Center Atlanta perform neck spine surgery to repair the underlying problem.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-Surgical Treatments services offered in Atlanta, Savannah, Conyers, Augusta, Macon and Decatur, GA

Rotator Cuff Repair

Rotator Cuff Repair

Rotator Cuff Injury services offered in Atlanta, Savannah, Conyers, Augusta, Macon and Decatur, GA

Auto Accident Injury

Auto Accident Injury

If you have experienced a car accident, sports injury, or a slip and fall accident and were diagnosed with a concussion, you may have suffered a traumatic brain injury. It is best to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Cervical Disc Replacement

Cervical Disc Replacement

Cervical disk replacement surgery involves removing a diseased cervical disk and replacing it with an artificial disk.

What We Do

Facilities

Surgery Center

Surgery Center

Our renowned surgery center caters to surgeries related to extremities, interventional spine, and spine surgeries.

MRI Center

MRI Center

Our on-site MRI services give you the convenience of receiving all of your care in one location and deliver a higher quality of care, including a faster diagnosis and treatment.

Rehabilitation Center

Rehabilitation Center

Our rehabilitation team of highly trained professionals has a combined 70 years of clinical experience in the rehabilitation field, each one ready to put their experience to work for you. Our business office and support staff are fully bilingual.

Wellness Center

Wellness Center

Spine Center Atlanta’s Wellness Center offers a boutique-style experience to offer you the best in massage therapy, personal training, and well-being, everything you need to maintain a healthy and rewarding lifestyle.

Aqua Therapy

Aqua Therapy

The aquatic center offers a heated therapy pool at a depth of four feet with 12 massage jets to soothe sore and hurting muscles at the end of your therapy workout.

Acupuncture Center

Acupuncture Center

Acupuncture increases blood circulation to different parts of your body and relaxes your muscles to help alleviate pain.