- Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI)
At Nivens Spine Medicine, Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI) are a trusted, non-surgical way to calm that inflammation and relieve pain caused by conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease.
These injections deliver a powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space—the area surrounding the spinal nerves. By reducing swelling and irritation, patients often experience significant pain relief, improved mobility, and a better ability to participate in physical therapy or return to normal daily activity.
There are two main types of ESI we perform at Nivens Spine Medicine:
Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injection (IL ESI)
This technique is image guided for accuracy and delivers medication into the epidural space, allowing it to spread across several affected nerves. These injections are commonly used for spine and extremity pain.
Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection (TF ESI)
This approach targets a specific nerve root as it exits the spine. Using precise, image-guided techniques, Dr. Nivens directs the medication exactly where the inflammation is occurring. TF ESI is particularly effective for focused pain, such as sciatica or nerve compression on one side of the body.
Both injections are minimally invasive, performed under X-ray guidance for accuracy and safety, and typically completed in an outpatient setting.