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Treatments · Nerve Blocks & Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections in Abilene, Texas

When a disc herniation, stenosis, or bone spur inflames a nerve root, pain radiates down the leg or arm. An epidural steroid injection places anti-inflammatory medication precisely where that nerve is irritated, reducing the swelling faster than medication and therapy alone.

Imaging

Live X-ray (fluoroscopy)

Comfort

Local numbing; sedation if needed

Time

About 15 minutes

Home

Walk out the same day

How it works

What it is, and why it works.

What it is · Image-guided procedures that deliver medication directly around nerves or the spinal canal to reduce inflammation and pain. They diagnose and relieve pain caused by irritated or compressed nerves in the neck, back, or extremities.

Why it's effective · They deliver medication precisely where it is needed, minimizing systemic side effects while relieving pain, improving movement, and aiding rehabilitation.

For the low back we use the transforaminal approach: medication is delivered into the neural foramen, the specific opening where the irritated nerve root exits the spine, rather than into the general epidural space. Targeting the exact site of compression puts the anti-inflammatory steroid where it is needed most.

For the neck, the injection is placed at the C7–T1 level, where the base of the neck meets the upper back. That level offers the safest and most effective entry point, and from there the medication flows up to the irritated cervical nerves.

Injections we perform

Lumbar transforaminal ESI

For sciatica and radiating leg pain from a disc herniation, degenerative change, or spinal stenosis in the low back.

Cervical interlaminar ESI

For a pinched nerve in the neck causing pain, numbness, or electric sensations down the arm or into the hand.

Diagnostic and therapeutic nerve blocks

Local anesthetic, sometimes with steroid, placed near a specific nerve or nerve root under X-ray or ultrasound. A block both relieves pain and tells us more about its source.

Who it helps

The conditions we most often treat this way.

Every plan starts with a diagnosis, not a procedure. Your first visit is an evaluation of your history, exam, and imaging, and we tell you what we believe is generating your pain before any treatment is scheduled. What the first visit is like →

Lumbar Spine & Low Back Pain

Sciatica, herniated disc, and spinal stenosis

Cervical, Neck & Upper Back Pain

Cervical radiculopathy and disc herniation in the neck

Post-Surgical Pain

Post-operative nerve inflammation

What to expect

Before, on the day, and afterward.

Before

  • Hold NSAIDs and aspirin for 24 hours; blood thinners have longer holds that our office will set with you.
  • Most epidural injections are done with local numbing only, so no fasting is needed. If sedation is planned, nothing to eat or drink for six hours and bring a driver.
  • Bring your recent imaging report if we do not already have it.

Procedure day

  • Performed under live X-ray with local numbing medication. The injection itself takes about 15 minutes.
  • You walk out and go home shortly afterward. If you had IV sedation, no driving for 24 hours.

Afterward

  • You may feel immediate, temporary relief for several hours from the local anesthetic, then a flare of soreness or a bruised or full feeling for two to five days as the steroid takes effect. Ice packs help. Peak relief typically develops over three to seven days, and after a cervical injection can keep improving for several weeks.
  • Activity as tolerated; showering is fine. If you are diabetic, expect a temporary rise in blood glucose and check your levels closely for 48 to 72 hours. We see you at about one month to measure relief and function.

Call us right away if you notice

  • New or worsening leg weakness, numbness, or foot drop
  • Sudden loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Fever above 101.5°F, chills, or drainage at the site
  • A severe headache that worsens when sitting or standing

Call or text 325-326-3433. In an emergency, call 911.

Where it happens

Most of our image-guided procedures are performed in our own procedure suite at 1925 Hospital Place. When a case calls for a hospital or surgery center, we arrange it and remain your physicians throughout. Your appointment paperwork tells you which facility and when to arrive.

Full preparation and discharge details are in the handout below and in the general procedure guide (PDF).

The evidence

What the published data say.

All the evidence →

Epidural steroid injections

Level I

Radicular leg or arm pain · disc herniation · stenosis

Randomized data show meaningful short- and medium-term relief of radicular pain, often enough to participate in therapy and defer surgery.

Cohen SP, et al. Epidural steroid injections, conservative treatment, or combination treatment for cervical radicular pain: a multicenter, randomized, comparative-effectiveness study. Anesthesiology. 2014.

For you · If a pinched nerve is sending pain down your leg or arm, this reduces the inflammation faster than medication and therapy alone.

Common questions

Answers before you call.

Steroids can cause a temporary rise in blood glucose that usually settles within a few days. If you have diabetes, monitor your levels closely for 48 to 72 hours after the injection and let us know if they stay high.

Your handout

The same guide we hand you in the office.

How to prepare, what happens on the day, and the discharge instructions for afterward. Download it, or send it to yourself to read at home.

Send it to yourself

Every handout is listed on the Your Procedure page.

Lumbar epidural steroid injectionRead the guide →PDF ↓
Cervical epidural steroid injectionRead the guide →PDF ↓
Peripheral nerve blockRead the guide →PDF ↓

Ready to talk about your pain?

New patients are generally seen by referral. Ask your provider to fax records and imaging to 325-378-9175, or text us with a question first.

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