An epidural steroid injection is a common procedure used to treat spinal nerve irritation caused by pressing of the adjacent tissues against it. Oftentimes, the root of the spinal nerve is irritated and compressed by an inflamed herniated intervertebral disc or its contents, directly touching the spinal nerve.

It is also most commonly used in situations of radicular pain. A radicular pain is a radiating pain transmitted away from the spine and it usually runs down from the lower back and down the leg.

Epidural steroid injections are also used to treat cervical radiculopathy, a nerve compression in the neck (cervical spine).

During epidural steroid injection, an inflamed nerve root is “bathed” in steroids, which is usually a potent anti-inflammatory medicine, in order to decrease the irritation of the nerve root.

The procedure is usually quick and simple. During an epidural steroid injection, a needle and syringe are used to deposit small amounts of long-lasting steroids within the epidural space of the inflamed spinal nerve. A viewing instrument using X-rays, called a fluoroscope, is used to visualize the local anatomy so that the needle can be placed accurately in the epidural space. The epidural steroid injection specifically targets the inflamed area, thereby minimizing exposure of the rest of the body to the steroids. The target area is then treated with maximal amount of steroids.

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Your back or neck pain not getting better despite hot compresses or stretching exercises? Make an appointment to see a specialist. A compressed nerve might be the cause of your problem, and what you might need is a shot that we commonly associate with childbirth.