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409 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, NYEpidural 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.
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.
Reduce inflammation around irritated nerves
Decrease pain signals traveling from the spine
Improve mobility and tolerance for activity
Support recovery while avoiding surgery
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:
Post-surgical nerve irritation
following spine procedures
Epidural injections are typically considered when symptoms persist despite conservative treatments such as physical therapy or medications.
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.
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:
Patients are positioned to allow safe and precise access to the targeted area of the spine
The skin is cleaned, and a local anesthetic is used to numb the injection site
Imaging guidance is used to identify the correct spinal level and needle pathway
Medication is delivered precisely into the epidural space using the selected approach
Patients are observed briefly before being discharged
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
- 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
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
Physician Expertise
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. PalviaWhat 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
NON-SURGICAL SPINE CARE OPTIONS
For patients seeking alternatives to surgery, epidural injections may be part of a broader non-surgical care plan:
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.