Motionis

Motionis

Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural Steroid Injection for Spine-Related Pain

Epidural steroid injections are image-guided procedures used to reduce inflammation around spinal nerves and relieve pain that radiates from the neck or lower back into the arms or legs.

At Motionis Medicine, epidural injections are performed as part of a physician-led, diagnosis-first approach using advanced imaging to improve precision and safety.

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Understanding the Procedure

What is an Epidural Steroid Injection?

An epidural steroid injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication into the epidural space—the area surrounding the spinal nerves and spinal cord.

Epidural injections are outpatient procedures and do not involve incisions.

Reduce inflammation around irritated nerves

Decrease pain signals traveling from the spine

Improve mobility and tolerance for activity

Support recovery while avoiding surgery

When Is This Treatment Used?

Conditions Treated with Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections are most often used when pain is caused by inflammation or irritation of spinal nerves, commonly associated with conditions such as:

Herniated Disc

or disc bulge affecting nearby nerve roots

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Radiculopathy

involving cervical or lumbar nerve compression

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Sciatica

with radiating leg pain

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Spinal Stenosis

causing narrowing around spinal nerves

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Back Pain

driven by nerve inflammation

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Neck Pain

driven by nerve inflammation

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Post-surgical nerve irritation

following spine procedures

Epidural injections are typically considered when symptoms persist despite conservative treatments such as physical therapy or medications.

Injection Approaches Based on Diagnosis

Types of Epidural Steroid Injections

Interlaminar Epidural

Delivers medication into the epidural space at a specific spinal level to treat broader areas of inflammation.

Transforaminal Epidural

Targets medication near an individual nerve root and is often used for radiating arm or leg pain.

Caudal Epidural

Delivered through the sacral canal and commonly used for lower back or post-surgical pain.

The appropriate approach is selected based on symptoms, imaging findings, and physical examination.

How the Procedure is Performed

What to Expect

Epidural steroid injections are performed using real-time image guidance to ensure accurate placement of medication within the epidural space surrounding the spinal nerves.

The procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes. Most patients return home the same day and resume light activity shortly afterward, based on physician guidance.

On the day of the procedure:

01

Patients are positioned to allow safe and precise access to the targeted area of the spine

02

The skin is cleaned, and a local anesthetic is used to numb the injection site

03

Imaging guidance is used to identify the correct spinal level and needle pathway

04

Medication is delivered precisely into the epidural space using the selected approach

05

Patients are observed briefly before being discharged

Role of Epidural Steroid Injections in Pain Management

How This Treatment Fits Into Care

Epidural steroid injections are used to reduce inflammation around irritated spinal nerves that contribute to neck, back, or radiating arm or leg pain. They are most commonly considered when conservative treatments such as physical therapy or medications have not provided sufficient relief.

Epidural steroid injections may be used:

  • As part of a non-surgical treatment strategy
  • To help manage acute flare-ups of chronic spine conditions
  • To reduce pain while longer-term treatment plans are implemented
Rather than correcting structural changes in the spine, epidural injections aim to:
  • Calm nerve-related inflammation
  • Reduce pain that interferes with movement and daily activities
  • Create a window of symptom relief that allows rehabilitation and recovery to progress

Response varies by individual and underlying condition, and epidural injections are often combined with other therapies as part of a comprehensive care plan.

Image Guidance & Safety

Why Imaging Matters

Image guidance allows the physician to:

Confirm accurate needle placement

Avoid surrounding nerves and blood vessels

Deliver medication precisely to the targeted area

This reflects current best practices in interventional pain medicine.

Expert Medical Care

Physician Expertise

Dr. Tanuj Palvia, MD

All epidural steroid injections at Motionis Medicine are performed by Dr. Tanuj Palvia, MD, a board-certified interventional pain medicine physician with advanced training in image-guided spine procedures.

Dr. Palvia personally evaluates each patient, reviews imaging, and determines whether an epidural injection is appropriate as part of a comprehensive, non-surgical treatment plan.

Learn More About Dr. Palvia
Results & Expectations

What Outcomes Can Patients Expect?

Results vary depending on the underlying condition and individual response.

*Epidural steroid injections are not curative but may significantly reduce pain and support rehabilitation.

Reduced pain within several days

Improved mobility and daily function

Temporary or longer-lasting symptom relief

Comprehensive Care

Related Treatments

Depending on diagnosis and response, epidural injections may be combined with or followed by:

Facet Joint Injection Medial Branch Block Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Nerve Block Trigger Point Injection SI Joint Injection

NON-SURGICAL SPINE CARE OPTIONS

For patients seeking alternatives to surgery, epidural injections may be part of a broader non-surgical care plan:

Alternatives to Spine Surgery
Spine Regeneration & Preservation

Frequently Asked Questions

Relief may last weeks to months, depending on the condition and individual response.

Most patients tolerate the procedure well. Local anesthetic is used to minimise discomfort.

Frequency is determined by medical guidelines and clinical response.

In some cases, they may delay or reduce the need for surgery, but outcomes vary.

Schedule a Spine Evaluation

If spine-related pain is affecting your daily activities, a comprehensive evaluation can help determine whether an epidural steroid injection is appropriate.

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