Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidurals are a very common and effective treatment for pain in the neck and arms, mid  back and rib cage, and low back and legs.  An epidural involves injecting steroids and local anesthetic medication into the epidural space surrounding the spinal canal.  The nerves that exit the spine must pass through this space as they travel down to the arms or legs.  It is this area that degenerating discs, bulging discs, or herniated discs can cause inflammation and/or irritation of the nerves that go to the arms and legs.  Epidural steroid injections can alleviate pain by reducing inflammation.  Epidurals may also be used to help shrink swelling within the canal and allow for pain relief and potentially increased walking stamina in patients suffering from spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal.