15701 Rockfield Blvd.
Irvine, CA 92618

949.457.9900

Interventional Procedures

Physical Therapy

Medical Management

Alternative

GENERAL INFORMATION

Office hours:
Monday - Friday, 8 am to 5 pm

Insurance:
Most insurance plans
Medicare & Workers Compensation

HMOs:
Bristol Park, Monarch, Mission Affiliated

Payment Options:
Credit card, Check and Cash

Appointments:
(949) 457-9900

Additional Information:
Please refer to the Q&A section for answers to the most commonly asked question

Forms (pdf) Please complete these forms before your visit to help us shorten your visit time

Epidural Steroid Injection for Neck Pain, Back Pain, Sciatica or Radiculopathy

ESI is a procedure that places a small amount of powerful anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone, around inflamed spinal nerves, in the epidural space. It reduces the swelling, irritation, and pain caused by the pinched nerves.

ESI is used to treat pain caused by inflammation of the spine that may involve herniated discs, pinched nerves, and injured soft and connective tissues.

ESI and labor epidural are similar but different. Labor epidural uses anesthetics while ESI uses cortisone. ESI is performed with a smaller needle with the patient lying flat on the abdomen. A moving x-ray machine (C-arm) is usually used to precisely pace the needle.

With local anesthesia, most patients find ESI easily tolerated. A sedative is rarely needed. However, if a patient is anxious or is unusually fearful of needles, a sedative can be given.

ESI is performed as a series of 2 to 3 injections over several weeks. The series can be repeated in the future, or later in life, if the problem returns.

Cortisone is neither a pain medication nor an anesthetic. It is an anti-inflammatory drug. It is a compound similar to what the body normally produces at times of stress, except longer-lasting. Cortisone helps the body recover. All of your faculties and sensations will remain intact, thus you will not injure yourself without knowing.

Problems with ESI are rare. Cortisone is a steroid, but it is not the performance-enhancing anabolic steroid you’ve heard so much about. Cortisone is more likely to cause problems when it is used chronically, such as for treating rheumatoid arthritis or for asthma. A short series of ESIs rarely causes problems.

ESI can be used to treat nerves along the entire spine but lower back and neck are most common locations for the procedure.

Precise medication delivery to the injured areas is essential for good response. Training and equipment do affect how some physicians in the community practice. Our specially designed interventional suites, with the most advanced GE C-arm and multi-directional x-ray tables, set the standard. Our facility is fully accredited by AAAHC and Medicare for meeting high quality standards.

Q & A on Epidural Cortisone

What is Epidural Cortisone, or Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI)?

ESI is a procedure that places a small amount of powerful anti-inflammatory steroid medication, cortisone, around inflamed spinal nerves, in the epidural space. It reduces the swelling, irritation, and pain caused by the pinched nerves.

Why is ESI helpful?

ESI is used to treat pain caused by inflammation of the spine that may involve herniated discs, pinched nerves, and injured soft and connective tissues.

Is ESI similar to labor epidural?

How many injections will I need?

ESI is performed as a series of 2 to 3 injections over several weeks. The series can be repeated in the future, or later in life, if the problem returns.

Does cortisone just cover up my pain? Will I injure myself without knowing?

Is steroid bad for you?

Is ESI used only for back and leg pain?

ESI can be used to treat nerves along the entire spine but lower back and neck are the most common locations for the procedure.

Do you do ESI under X-ray?

The information contained here is not intended as a substitute for professional medical evaluation and management. It should be used only as a starting point for further research. A physician should always be consulted for any health problem.