Treatments · The Woodlands & Liberty, TX

Epidural Steroid Injections

An epidural steroid injection places anti-inflammatory medicine right next to an irritated spinal nerve. It is one of the most common and effective ways to calm neck, back and leg pain without surgery.

Available inThe Woodlands, TX&Liberty, TX

Overview

What is an epidural steroid injection?

The epidural space surrounds the spinal nerves. When a disc bulges or the spinal canal narrows, nerves in this space become inflamed and send pain into the neck, arms, back or legs.

Using live X-ray guidance, Dr. Khoury places a thin needle into the epidural space and delivers a mix of steroid and numbing medicine exactly where the inflammation is. Injections can be done in the neck (cervical), mid back (thoracic) or lower back (lumbar, caudal and transforaminal approaches).

Epidural Steroid Injections is available at our offices in The Woodlands and Liberty, TX, performed by board-certified specialists who explain every step before you decide.

Request an appointment 281-868-7246

Is it right for you

Who is a candidate?

Epidural injections help people whose pain comes from an inflamed nerve root and has not improved enough with rest, medication or physical therapy.

Conditions treated

Herniated or bulging disc
Sciatica
Spinal stenosis
Degenerative disc disease
Post-surgical back or leg pain

Common symptoms

Pain that travels into an arm or leg
Numbness or tingling
Burning or shooting nerve pain
Pain when sitting, standing or walking

Benefits

What are the benefits?

For many patients an epidural brings enough relief to sleep, work and take part in physical therapy, which helps the spine heal for the long term.

Targets the source

Medicine goes straight to the inflamed nerve, not through the whole body.

Quick procedure

Most injections take 15 to 30 minutes and you go home the same day.

Helps you rehab

Less pain makes it easier to stay active and do therapy.

Can avoid surgery

Many patients never need an operation once inflammation settles.

Recovery

What is recovery like?

There is no real downtime. You may feel a little sore where the needle went in for a day or two.

01/Same day
Rest and go home
Most people rest for the day and have someone drive them home.
02/2 to 7 days
Steroid starts working
The numbing medicine wears off in hours. The steroid usually starts working within a few days.
03/Follow-up
Check your progress
We review your relief and decide together if another injection or a different treatment makes sense.

Safety

Is it safe?

Epidural steroid injections are among the most commonly performed pain procedures. X-ray guidance makes them precise. Side effects are uncommon and usually mild, such as temporary soreness, a flushed face or a short rise in blood sugar. Serious problems like infection or nerve injury are rare.

Frequently asked questions

Does the injection hurt?

The skin is numbed first, so most patients feel pressure rather than sharp pain. Light sedation may be available.

How long does relief last?

Relief can last weeks to many months. It depends on the cause of your pain and how your body responds.

How many injections can I have?

Most patients need one to three injections. Dr. Khoury limits how often steroids are given to keep you safe.

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