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Epidural Steroid Injection

Understanding Nerve Blocks for Pain Relief

Nerve blocks are a type of anesthesia designed to interrupt pain signals as they travel along specific nerves. These procedures can provide either temporary or long-term relief depending on the type of block performed. They are especially beneficial for individuals experiencing chronic pain who have not found sufficient relief through other treatments like medications or physical therapy.

 

There are several types of non-surgical nerve blocks available, each tailored to the condition being treated. Some of the most commonly used include:

 

Epidural Nerve Blocks

One of the most frequently used nerve block techniques, epidural blocks are typically administered to address pain in the lower back, legs, or pelvic region. Medication is delivered into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord, helping to alleviate discomfort by numbing the affected nerves.

 

Peripheral Nerve Blocks

This method targets specific nerves outside the spinal cord to numb a particular area of the body. Peripheral nerve blocks are often used to manage pain in the arms, legs, hands, or feet by delivering anesthetic medication directly to the affected nerve or nerve group.

The epidural space is the area that surrounds the spinal cord and is filled with fat and fluid that help cushion and protect the spine and spinal nerves. This space plays a critical role in the transmission of nerve signals throughout the body.

 

Did You Know?

Frequently Asked Questions:

Am I a candidate for an epidural steroid injection?

If you’re experiencing chronic pain from conditions such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, sciatica, or a pinched nerve, an epidural steroid injection may be a treatment option for you. Typically, this procedure is recommended after more conservative approaches—like physical therapy—have failed to provide relief.

 

Your physician will evaluate your medical history and the intensity of your symptoms to determine whether this treatment is suitable. However, certain conditions—such as uncontrolled diabetes, clotting disorders, active infections, allergies to anesthesia, or specific medications—may make some individuals ineligible.

 

To find out if epidural steroid injections are the right solution for you, book a consultation with one of our pain management experts at Cellara Pain Institute.

During an epidural steroid injection, you may feel mild discomfort as the local anesthetic is administered to numb the injection site. Fortunately, this is a minimally invasive procedure typically performed on an outpatient basis.

 

After numbing the area, your doctor will use fluoroscopy—a specialized real-time X-ray—to guide the needle precisely into the epidural space. A small amount of contrast dye is first injected to confirm proper placement and ensure the medication will distribute effectively. Once verified, a long-acting steroid is delivered through a small needle directly into the epidural space.

 

The entire process usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and patients are able to return home the same day.

 

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Cellara Pain Institute.

Following the injection, many patients experience immediate pain relief—primarily due to the effects of the local anesthetic. However, the steroid medication typically begins working within 2 to 5 days.

 

While the pain relief can last for several months, the effects are not permanent. Depending on your condition and response to treatment, your provider at Cellara Pain Institute may recommend additional injections over time to help manage chronic pain and maintain your comfort.

At Cellara Pain Institute, we offer several types of epidural steroid injections (ESIs) to help relieve pain and improve function. Some of the injections we provide include:

 

Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI) in the Cervical Spine

 

Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection

 

Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection

 

Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection

 

Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injection

 

Thoracic Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection

 

Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection

Cellara Pain Institute serves the Madison, NJ area and surrounding communities. Reach out to us today to schedule your appointment.