Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI)

Targeted Pain Relief for Spinal Nerve Inflammation

What Are Epidural Steroid Injections?

Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are minimally invasive procedures used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain caused by spinal nerve compression. These injections deliver a combination of corticosteroids and local anaesthetics directly into the epidural space around the spinal nerves, providing relief from conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and sciatica.

Whenever possible, Mr Gordan Grahovac prioritises conservative, non-surgical treatments for spinal pain. Epidural steroid injections can offer significant symptom relief, often delaying or avoiding the need for surgery.

Who Benefits from Epidural Steroid Injections?

Epidural steroid injections are recommended for individuals experiencing:

  • Chronic neck, mid-back, or lower back pain.

  • Radiating pain, numbness, or tingling in the arms, chest, or legs due to nerve inflammation.

  • Spinal conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease.

  • Sciatica or radiculopathy, where nerve compression causes leg or arm pain.

  • Pain that has not improved with physiotherapy, medications, or other conservative treatments.

Each case is individually assessed to determine the best approach for targeted pain relief.

Types of Epidural Steroid Injections

  • Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection


    This injection is used to relieve pain in the neck and upper limbs caused by inflammation or nerve compression in the cervical spine.

    How it works: A corticosteroid and local anaesthetic are injected into the cervical epidural space, reducing inflammation around compressed nerves.

    Conditions it treats: Cervical herniated discs, cervical spinal stenosis, and nerve compression causing arm pain.

    Recovery time: Most patients experience relief within a few days, with effects lasting weeks to months.

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  • Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injection


    This procedure targets pain in the mid-back region caused by nerve inflammation in the thoracic spine.

    How it works: The injection is placed in the thoracic region of the spine to reduce inflammation around irritated nerve roots.

    Conditions it treats: Thoracic herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and post-surgical pain syndromes.

    Recovery time: Patients may feel improvement within a week, with continued relief for several months.

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  • Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection


    This injection is used to relieve sciatica, lower back and leg pain caused by nerve compression in the lumbar spine.

    How it works: The medication is injected into the lumbar epidural space, reducing nerve inflammation and relieving radiating leg pain.

    Conditions it treats: Lumbar disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and degenerative lumbar conditions.

    Recovery time: Many patients experience relief within a few days, lasting for several months depending on the severity of the condition.

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  • Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection


    This injection is used to manage chronic lower back and sacral pain that does not respond to other conservative treatments.

    How it works: The injection is administered at the base of the spine (sacral hiatus) to provide broad pain relief.

    Conditions it treats: Chronic lower back pain, sciatica, and post-surgical pain in the sacral region.

    Recovery time: Pain relief typically begins within a few days and may last for months.

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  • Epidural Corticosteroid Injections


    This minimally invasive procedure reduces inflammation and relieve pain.

    How it works: A combination of corticosteroid and local anaesthetic is injected into the epidural space. The medication reduces nerve root inflammation, easing pain.

    Conditions it treats: Herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, and nerve root compression in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine.

    Recovery time: Pain relief may begin within a few days and can last from several weeks to 6 months, depending on the underlying condition.

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Recovery & Long-Term Results

Recovery from an epidural steroid injection is typically quick, with most patients returning to daily activities within 24 hours. The effectiveness of the injection varies, with some experiencing relief for weeks to months. In some cases, repeat injections may be recommended to maintain symptom control.

    • Patients can resume light activities the same day but should avoid strenuous activity for 24–48 hours.

    • Mild soreness at the injection site is common and subsides within a few days.

    • Pain relief can begin within a few hours to a week, depending on individual response.

    • Reduced inflammation and nerve irritation.

    • Improved mobility and ability to participate in rehabilitation.

    • Delayed or reduced need for surgical intervention.

Regular follow-up consultations with Mr Grahovac ensure ongoing monitoring and tailored treatment adjustments as needed.

Why Choose Mr Gordan Grahovac for Epidural Steroid Injections??

With over 20 years of experience, Mr Gordan Grahovac is a leading Consultant Neurosurgeon & Complex Spinal Surgeon, specialising in advanced pain management techniques. His expertise includes:

  • Precision Image-Guided Injections – Ensuring accurate delivery of medication for maximum pain relief.

  • Minimally Invasive Approach – Reducing recovery time and discomfort.

  • Comprehensive Patient Assessment – Tailoring treatments to each patient’s unique condition.

  • Integrated Pain Management Strategies – Combining injections with physiotherapy and rehabilitation for long-term benefits.

His patient-first philosophy ensures the best possible outcomes for individuals experiencing spinal pain..

What Patients Are Saying

Frequently Asked Questions:
Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI)

  • No, ESIs provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation. Some patients experience long-lasting effects, while others may need repeat injections.

  • The procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes, with patients able to go home the same day.

  • ESIs are generally safe, but potential risks include temporary soreness, headache, or, in rare cases, infection or nerve irritation.

  • Most patients can have up to three injections per year, depending on their condition and response to treatment.

  • If ESIs do not provide sufficient relief, other treatments such as physiotherapy, nerve blocks, or surgery may be considered.

Take the First Step Towards Pain Relief

Epidural steroid injections offer a safe, effective option for managing spinal nerve pain. If you’re experiencing persistent back, neck, or leg pain, expert spinal care can help.

Book a consultation with Mr Gordan Grahovac today to discuss whether epidural steroid injections are right for you.