What to Expect During an Epidural Steroid Injection Procedure

If you’re living with chronic neck, back, or leg pain, your provider may recommend an epidural steroid injection (ESI) to help reduce inflammation and provide meaningful relief. At Midwest Sports and Interventional Spine, these minimally invasive injections are performed with precision, comfort, and safety in mind. Understanding what happens during the procedure can help ease concerns and ensure you feel fully prepared.

What an Epidural Steroid Injection Does

An epidural steroid injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space around the spinal nerves. This targeted approach helps reduce swelling, calm irritated nerves, and improve mobility. ESIs are commonly recommended for conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, radiculopathy, and degenerative disc disease.

Before the Procedure

 Dr. Philip will review your medical history, medications, and imaging to make sure an ESI is appropriate for your condition. You may be asked to pause certain medications - particularly blood thinners - before the procedure.

Other preparation steps may include:

• Arriving early to complete any necessary paperwork

• Having a light meal beforehand

• Arranging for someone to drive you home, depending on your sedation plan

Getting Positioned and Prepped

The injection is performed in a clean, controlled outpatient environment. You’ll be asked to lie face down or on your side on the exam table, depending on the injection site. Dr. Philip will clean and sterilize the skin to minimize infection risk. A local anesthetic is then applied to numb the area. Most patients feel only mild pressure during the procedure.

Using Fluoroscopy for Precision

One of the most important aspects of an ESI is accuracy. At Midwest Sports and Interventional Spine, fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance is used to visualize the spine in real time. This ensures the needle is precisely placed into the epidural space where the medication can provide the greatest benefit. A small amount of contrast dye may be injected first to confirm proper positioning.

Delivering the Steroid Medication

Once the needle is in place, your provider injects a combination of steroid medication and anesthetic. You may feel slight pressure or fullness, but the process typically lasts just seconds. After the injection is complete, the needle is gently removed and the area is cleaned and bandaged.

Recovery and Results

You’ll spend a short period in observation before heading home the same day. Most patients can return to normal activities within 24 hours, though strenuous activity should be avoided initially.

It’s normal to experience:

• Temporary numbness or warmth in the back or legs

• Mild soreness at the injection site

• Gradual pain relief over several days

While some feel improvement right away, the full effect of the steroid typically develops within 3-7 days. Relief can last weeks or even months, depending on the underlying condition and your individual response.

Find Out if an Epidural Steroid Injection Is Right for You

An epidural steroid injection is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment designed to help you find relief from chronic spinal pain. Understanding each step of the process can help you feel calm, confident, and prepared. Dr. Philip and his team take every measure to ensure your comfort and deliver the most precise and effective care possible.

If you’re struggling with persistent back, neck, or nerve pain, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation with Midwest Sports and Interventional Spine to find out whether an epidural steroid injection is the right solution for you. Visit our office in Lake Geneva or Kenosha, Wisconsin, or call (262) 299-6199 to book an appointment today.