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? 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 place the needle. 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? Cortisone is neither a p
