Vascura Logo
Make an Appointment

Home > Pain > Treatments > Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural Steroid Injections in Lodi, NJ

When inflammation around the spinal nerves causes ongoing pain, numbness, or tingling, daily life can quickly become difficult. At Vascura Pain & Vein Clinic, Dr. Glenn Babus provides precision-guided epidural steroid injections designed to reduce inflammation and relieve pressure on irritated nerves — helping patients move comfortably again without surgery.

Book Appointment
Epidural Steroid Injections

What Are Epidural Steroid Injections?

Epidural steroid injections are minimally invasive pain treatments designed to reduce inflammation around irritated spinal nerves and relieve persistent back, and neck pain. The procedure delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space — the area surrounding the spinal cord — where inflammation often causes pressure on nerves and ongoing discomfort.

At Vascura Pain & Vein Clinic, each injection is performed using image guidance to ensure precision, safety, and maximum effectiveness. By targeting the exact source of inflammation, this treatment helps many patients experience meaningful relief without the need for surgery or long recovery times.

Epidural injections are commonly recommended for individuals dealing with conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, or degenerative spine changes. For many patients across Lodi, Bergen County, and Northern New Jersey, this treatment is an important step in a personalized interventional pain management plan aimed at improving mobility, reducing dependence on medication, and restoring everyday function.

How Epidural Steroid Injections Work

Epidural steroid injections are a minimally invasive interventional pain management procedure designed to reduce inflammation around irritated spinal nerves. During the treatment, a specialist carefully guides anti-inflammatory medication into the epidural space — the area surrounding the spinal cord — helping decrease pressure, calm nerve irritation, and improve mobility.

Using advanced image guidance, the medication is delivered precisely where the pain originates, making the procedure effective for patients dealing with back pain treatment, sciatica treatment, and herniated disc treatment needs without surgery. Most treatments are performed in-office with minimal downtime, allowing patients to return to daily activities quickly.

This targeted approach is commonly recommended by a pain management specialist in New Jersey for individuals seeking long-term relief through non-surgical care rather than relying solely on medication.

Conditions Treated with Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections are commonly used to treat a wide range of spine and nerve-related pain conditions. By targeting inflammation at the source, this treatment helps reduce pain, improve movement, and support long-term recovery without surgery.

Close-up-of-doctor-examining-lower-back-of-patient

Back & Spine Conditions

Relief for back pain treatment NJ, lower back pain, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and chronic spine-related discomfort that limits daily activity.

Sciatica

Sciatica & Nerve Pain

Effective for patients experiencing radiating leg pain, numbness, or tingling caused by nerve compression, often recommended as part of sciatica treatment and back pain management near me searches.

back pain

Herniated or Bulging Discs

Helps decrease nerve irritation caused by disc problems and supports faster recovery for patients seeking herniated disc treatment or non-surgical pain solutions.

Neck_and_Cervical_Pain

Neck & Cervical Spine Pain

Often used for cervical radiculopathy and persistent neck discomfort when conservative therapies have not provided enough improvement, supporting neck pain treatment NJ goals.

Procedure Steps – What to Expect

Understanding each step of the procedure helps patients feel more comfortable before receiving an epidural injection. At Vascura Pain and Vein Clinic, every treatment is performed using precise image-guided technology to ensure safety, accuracy, and effective pain relief.

Consultation & Evaluation

Your visit begins with a detailed assessment by the doctor, including review of symptoms, imaging, and medical history to confirm that an epidural injection is the right treatment option for your condition.

Preparation

On the day of the procedure, you will be positioned comfortably while the treatment area is cleaned and numbed with local anesthetic to minimize discomfort.

Image-Guided Placement

Using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray guidance), the needle is carefully guided into the epidural space to ensure accurate placement and maximum effectiveness.

Medication Delivery

A combination of anti-inflammatory steroid medication and anesthetic is gently injected to reduce inflammation around irritated nerves and relieve pain.

Recovery & Follow-Up

The procedure usually takes only a few minutes. After a short observation period, most patients go home the same day and can return to light activities shortly after.

Benefits of Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections offer an effective, minimally invasive option for patients seeking long-term pain relief without surgery. By reducing inflammation around spinal nerves, this treatment helps improve function, comfort, and overall quality of life.

Targeted Pain Relief

Delivers medication directly to the source of inflammation for more precise results.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Helps many patients avoid or delay surgery while managing chronic spine-related pain.

Improved Mobility

Reduces pain and stiffness so you can move, walk, and perform daily activities more comfortably.

Fast Recovery Time

Most procedures are completed in-office with minimal downtime and same-day discharge.

Reduced Dependence on Medication

Helps decrease the need for long-term oral pain medications.

Supports Long-Term Recovery

Often combined with physical therapy or other treatments for lasting improvement.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Epidural Steroid Injections?

Epidural steroid injections are recommended for patients experiencing nerve-related spine pain that has not improved with rest, medication, or physical therapy. This treatment is often used when inflammation around spinal nerves causes persistent discomfort, numbness, or radiating pain.

You may be a good candidate if you have:

Chronic lower back or neck pain
Sciatica or pain radiating into the legs
Herniated or bulging discs
Spinal stenosis
Nerve compression or inflammation
Pain that interferes with work, sleep, or daily movement
  • Your Treatment Journey

Recovery & What to Expect After the Procedure

Recovery after an epidural steroid injection is typically quick and straightforward. Most patients leave the clinic shortly after the procedure and return to light daily activities the same day or the next day.

Immediately After Treatment
Mild soreness at the injection site is normal and usually temporary.
You may feel numbness or heaviness for a few hours due to the local anesthetic.
Rest is recommended for the remainder of the day.
When Relief Begins
Some patients notice improvement within 24–48 hours.
Full anti-inflammatory effects usually develop within 2–7 days.
Relief duration varies depending on the underlying condition and individual response.
Activity & Follow-Up
Normal activities can usually be resumed gradually within a day.
Avoid heavy lifting or intense exercise for a short period as advised.
Follow-up appointments help evaluate results and decide whether additional treatment is beneficial.

Many patients experience improved mobility and reduced pain, allowing them to continue rehabilitation and return to everyday activities more comfortably.

Why Choose Vascura for Epidural Steroid Injections

Choosing the right provider makes a significant difference in treatment outcomes. At Vascura Pain and Vein Clinic, every epidural injection is performed with precision, experience, and a strong focus on patient comfort and long-term relief.

Experienced Interventional Specialist

Your procedure is performed by an experienced pain specialist using advanced image-guided techniques to ensure accurate placement and safer outcomes.

Minimally Invasive, Patient-Focused Care

We focus on non-surgical pain solutions designed to reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and help patients avoid unnecessary surgery whenever possible.

Personalized Treatment Plans

No two pain conditions are the same. Every treatment is tailored based on your symptoms, imaging, and recovery goals for more effective results.

Advanced Technology & Precision

Fluoroscopy-guided injections improve accuracy, allowing medication to reach the exact source of inflammation for better pain relief.

  • Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Arthritis

What is an epidural steroid injection?

An epidural steroid injection delivers corticosteroid medication into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord, directly reducing inflammation around compressed or irritated nerves. It is one of the most widely used and evidence-backed minimally invasive treatments for back pain, neck pain, and sciatica caused by disc herniations or spinal stenosis. The procedure is image-guided and typically takes less than 30 minutes.

Epidural steroid injections typically provide pain relief lasting 3–6 months, though some patients experience longer-lasting benefits, especially when combined with physical therapy during the pain-free window. The degree and duration of relief vary based on the specific diagnosis, the accuracy of needle placement, and individual patient factors. Repeat injections can be performed if symptoms return. 

Guidelines generally recommend no more than 3–4 epidural steroid injections in a 12-month period to minimize the risk of steroid-related side effects. Dr. Babus evaluates each patient’s response and overall health when determining the appropriate frequency of injections. If a patient responds well but pain returns, additional injections may be appropriate with adequate spacing.

Epidural steroid injections are most effective for pain caused by herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, and cervical radiculopathy. They are used for both lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) spine conditions, as well as thoracic disc herniations. The injection targets nerve inflammation at the exact level of the spine, causing symptoms. 

Epidural steroid injections are considered safe when performed by a trained pain management specialist using image guidance. Serious complications are rare; temporary soreness at the injection site and a brief flare of pain are the most common side effects. Dr. Babus uses fluoroscopic guidance for all epidural procedures to ensure precise needle placement and minimize risk. 

Ready to Find Relief from Back or Nerve Pain?

If chronic back pain, sciatica, or nerve irritation is limiting your daily life, epidural steroid injections may help you get back to normal activities with less pain and better mobility. Our goal is to provide safe, minimally invasive treatment that targets the source of discomfort — not just the symptoms. Book your consultation today and learn whether epidural steroid injections are the right step in your personalized pain management plan.

Schedule Consultation
Call (862) 225-8553