Epidural Steroid Injections at M&S Vascular and Orthopedic Group — minimally invasive treatment in Forest Hills, Queens & Great Neck, Long Island
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Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections for back pain, sciatica, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis in Forest Hills, Queens. Image-guided, outpatient procedures.

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Amir Salem, MD · April 28, 2026

About Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space of the spine to reduce swelling and irritation around compressed or inflamed spinal nerves. At M&S Vascular and Orthopedic Group in Forest Hills, Queens, epidural injections are a core part of our non-surgical approach to back pain, neck pain, sciatica, herniated discs, bulging discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. The procedure is performed under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to ensure precise delivery of medication to the affected level of the spine. Epidural injections can provide weeks to months of pain relief, allowing patients to engage more fully in physical therapy and rehabilitation. They are often used as part of a stepwise treatment plan when oral anti-inflammatory medications, rest, and physical therapy alone have not provided adequate relief. Our team coordinates epidural injection therapy with orthopedic evaluation and physical medicine to ensure your spinal pain is managed from every angle. We serve patients from Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens, Jamaica, Flushing, Great Neck, and the surrounding areas.

Epidural Steroid Injections — what to expect

What to Expect

Your Visit, Step by Step

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will lie face down on a procedure table, and the skin over the injection site will be cleaned and numbed. Using fluoroscopic guidance, the physician guides a needle into the epidural space at the appropriate spinal level and injects a combination of corticosteroid and local anesthetic. You may feel pressure but the procedure is generally well-tolerated. After the injection, you will rest for 15 to 30 minutes and then go home. Pain relief may begin within a few days and can last several weeks to months.

Who Is This For?

Epidural steroid injections are for patients with back pain, neck pain, sciatica, or radiating arm or leg pain caused by herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or nerve root inflammation that has not improved with oral medications and physical therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many epidural injections can I receive?
Most physicians limit epidural steroid injections to three to four per year in a given area of the spine. Your doctor will recommend a schedule based on your specific condition and response to treatment.
How long does it take for an epidural injection to work?
Some patients feel relief within a few days; others may take one to two weeks to experience the full benefit. The local anesthetic may provide temporary immediate relief, while the steroid takes several days to reduce inflammation.
Are epidural injections safe?
Epidural injections are a well-established, commonly performed procedure with a strong safety record. Risks are low but include temporary soreness, headache, and rare complications. Your doctor will discuss risks specific to your situation before the procedure.
Can an epidural injection cure my back pain?
Epidural injections reduce inflammation and pain but do not cure the underlying condition. They are most effective when combined with physical therapy, activity modification, and other conservative treatments that address the root cause of your symptoms.
What is the difference between an epidural and a nerve block?
An epidural injection delivers medication into the epidural space around the spinal cord and nerve roots. A nerve block targets a specific nerve or nerve group outside the spine. Both reduce pain, but they are used for different conditions and anatomical targets.

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Serving patients in:

Forest Hills / Queens · Rego Park · Kew Gardens · Flushing · Bayside · Jamaica · Elmhurst · Fresh Meadows · Jackson Heights · Great Neck / Long Island · Manhasset

Take the Next Step

Schedule your epidural steroid injections appointment with M&S Vascular and Orthopedic Group P.C. today.