Epidural Steroid Injection in Castle Rock

What is an Epidural Steroid Injection?

An epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to relieve pain caused by inflamed spinal nerves. This treatment involves injecting a steroid medication and a local anesthetic into the epidural space around the spinal cord, helping to reduce swelling and irritation.

Types of Epidural Steroid Injections

The type of injection depends on where the medication is delivered:

  • Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection: Targets a specific nerve and can help diagnose whether that nerve is the source of pain.

  • Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injection: Administered in the midline of the spine and spreads broadly within the epidural space.

  • Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection: Given at the base of the spine, commonly used for multiple affected nerve roots in the lower back.

How Does an Epidural Steroid Injection Work?

The steroid medication reduces inflammation and swelling of irritated spinal nerves, helping to ease pain and improve movement. The local anesthetic offers temporary relief while the steroid takes effect over several days. Many patients find this treatment allows them to increase activity, exercise, and participate in physical therapy.

What Conditions are Treated with Epidural Steroid Injections?

Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are commonly used to manage conditions such as:

  • Herniated or bulging discs

  • Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)

  • Sciatica (pain traveling down the leg)

  • Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerves in the neck causing arm pain)

  • Nerve compression from arthritis or bone spurs

  • Post-surgical nerve pain

  • Post-herpetic neuralgia (nerve pain after shingles)

  • Chronic lower back or neck pain from degenerative disc disease

While ESIs are most effective for nerve-related pain, some patients may also experience relief from back or neck pain.

Can an Epidural Steroid Injection Help My Back Pain?

Epidural steroid injections work best for conditions like sciatica or radiculopathy. The effectiveness for general back pain varies. Some patients experience long-term relief, while others may need additional treatments such as medications, physical therapy, or lifestyle modifications.

Is an Epidural Steroid Injection the Same as a Cortisone Shot?

An epidural steroid injection and a cortisone shot both involve administering corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain. However, they differ in their application and target areas:

  • Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI): Injects steroid medication into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots. It is commonly used to treat nerve-related pain, such as sciatica, radiculopathy, or spinal stenosis.

  • Cortisone Shot: A more general term for steroid injections delivered to various parts of the body, such as joints (e.g., knee, shoulder, or hip), tendons, or other inflamed tissues. These injections are often used to treat arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis.

While both injections use corticosteroids to relieve inflammation, ESIs specifically target spinal nerve pain, whereas cortisone shots can be used for a broader range of musculoskeletal conditions.

How Should I Prepare for an Epidural Steroid Injection?

Inform your doctor if you take blood thinners or antibiotics—you may need to stop certain medications temporarily.

  • If IV sedation is required (rare), avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before the procedure.

  • Arrange for a ride home after the procedure, as temporary numbness or weakness in the legs may occur.

  • Wear loose clothing for comfort and easy access to the injection site.

What Happens During an Epidural Steroid Injection?

  • You will lie on a treatment table, and your skin will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution.

  • A local anesthetic may be applied to numb the area.

  • Using X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy), the doctor inserts a thin needle into the epidural space and injects the medication.

  • The procedure usually takes 2–5 minutes and causes mild discomfort at most.

How Painful is an Epidural Steroid Injection?

Most patients report only mild discomfort. Patients typically rate the pain of the procedure between 1 and 4 out of 10 when done by Dr Carrera. The sensation is often described as a slight pinch at the skin, mild pressure, or a brief increase in pain as the medication is injected.

What Should I do After an Epidural Steroid Injection?

  • Avoid strenuous activities for 24 hours.

  • Do not submerge the injection site in water (baths, pools) for two days.

  • Do not apply heat (heating pads) to the area for two days.

  • Any temporary soreness should resolve within a few days.

When Will My Pain Improve after an Epidural Steroid Injection?

  • Pain relief often begins the day after the injection.

  • Full effects may take up to a week.

  • Mild soreness at the injection site is normal and typically fades within a few days.

How Long Does an Epidural Steroid Injection Provide Pain Relief?

The duration of relief varies, but about 50–75% of patients experience at least 50% pain reduction for three months or longer. If pain relief is not sufficient after two weeks, a booster injection may be recommended.

Does Insurance cover Epidural Steroid Injections?

Most insurance plans cover ESIs if the patient meets certain criteria, such as:

  • Experiencing pain for at least six weeks

  • Trying conservative treatments first (physical therapy, medications, etc.)

Some plans allow injections sooner. Prior authorization may be required, which may take several days. You may choose to pay an affordable cash-pay rate if you do not want to go through insurance.

Who can Perform an Epidural Steroid Injection Procedure?

This procedure should be done by physicians specialized in spine care, such as interventional pain doctors or physical medicine & rehabilitation (PM&R) specialists.

Dr. Carrera is double-board certified in both specialties and has extensive experience using advanced imaging for precise injections to maximize pain relief. His in-office procedure suite allows patients to avoid high costs of surgery centers while receiving expert care.

While some clinics have long wait times due to slow referral and approval processes, Dr. Carrera’s team can typically schedule the procedure within 2 to 7 days of your initial visit, providing timely relief.

Should I get an Epidural Steroid Injection?

If you are struggling with sciatica, chronic arm, leg, back, or neck pain, an evaluation with Dr. Carrera can help determine if an ESI is the right treatment for you.

Patients in Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Parker, Denver, and surrounding areas can call 720-455-3775 to schedule a visit and learn more.