What is an Epidural Steroid Injection?

An epidural steroid injection (Cervical, Thoracic, or Lumbar) is a technique in which corticosteroids and a local anesthetic are injected into the epidural space around the spinal cord.  This procedure can be ordered by your doctor to relieve pain caused by herniated discs, spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), spondylolysis (defect in the connection between spinal vertebrae), spondylolisthesis (slippage of one vertebrae on top of another) herniated discs, degenerative disc disease or sciatica.  Steroid medications are delivered to the spinal nerve roots through the epidural space, the area between the protective coverings of the spinal cord and the vertebrae.