Epidural Steroid Injection

Interventional Pain Management Specialists, Stem Cell Therapy Specialist & Neurologists located in Cliffside Park, Elizabeth and Edison, NJ and New York, NY

Epidural steroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the space around irritated spinal nerves to reduce pain and swelling. At Hudson Specialty Care, with locations in Cliffside Park, Elizabeth, and Edison, New Jersey, as well as Manhattan, New York, these procedures are performed with image guidance for accuracy and comfort. They are often part of a broader treatment plan for conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or sciatica, helping patients improve mobility and return to normal activities. To learn more or schedule a visit, call the office or request an appointment online.

Epidural Steroid Injection Q & A

What are epidural steroid injections?

Epidural steroid injections are minimally invasive treatments that deliver a combination of corticosteroid medication and a numbing agent into the epidural space—the area between the protective covering of the spinal cord and the surrounding bones. This targeted delivery reduces inflammation and calms irritated nerves, which can relieve pain in the back, neck, arms, or legs.

Unlike oral medications, which must travel through the digestive system before taking effect, an epidural steroid injection works directly at the source of discomfort. This approach can offer quicker relief and help patients regain function sooner.

What conditions can benefit from epidural steroid injections?

Epidural steroid injections are commonly used to treat:

Herniated or bulging discs
Spinal stenosis
Degenerative disc disease
Sciatica or radiculopathy
Chronic lower back or neck pain

They are especially helpful when nerve inflammation causes pain to radiate into the arms or legs, making daily movements difficult. For many patients, these injections are part of a larger plan that includes physical therapy, activity modification, and lifestyle changes.

How is the procedure performed?

At Hudson Specialty Care, the procedure is performed in an outpatient setting under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to ensure accuracy. After the skin is numbed, a thin needle is carefully guided into the epidural space. The medication is then slowly injected, bathing the affected nerves in anti-inflammatory medicine.

The procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes, and most patients return home the same day. Mild soreness at the injection site can occur but usually resolves within 24–48 hours. Patients are encouraged to rest the day of the procedure, but can resume light activity the following day unless otherwise directed.

What results can patients expect?

Pain relief may begin within a few days and can last from several weeks to several months, depending on the underlying condition and the individual’s healing response. For some patients, a series of injections spaced weeks apart provides more consistent results. By reducing pain and inflammation, these injections often make it easier to participate in physical therapy and improve strength, posture, and flexibility.

Are there risks or side effects?

Side effects are generally mild and may include temporary numbness, headache, or localized tenderness. Serious complications are rare, especially when the procedure is performed by experienced specialists. The Hudson Specialty Care team reviews each patient’s health history to ensure safety and discusses all risks beforehand.

Why choose Hudson Specialty Care for epidural injections?

The team’s combined expertise in neurology and interventional pain management ensures precise, effective care. By focusing on both immediate relief and long-term improvement, they help patients reduce pain, restore mobility, and delay or avoid surgery when possible.