Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI)
Targeted relief for spine-related nerve pain—without the need for surgery.
Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs) are a safe, minimally invasive option for patients experiencing chronic neck, back, or leg pain caused by inflamed spinal nerves. Whether you’re dealing with sciatica, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis, ESI can help reduce inflammation, relieve pressure, and restore comfort.
What Is an Epidural Steroid Injection?
An Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat inflammation and pain caused by pinched or irritated spinal nerves—commonly from spinal stenosis, disc herniation, or degenerative disc disease.
By delivering a combination of corticosteroids and local anesthetic directly into the epidural space around the spinal cord, ESI reduces swelling and relieves nerve pressure—helping patients return to everyday activities with less discomfort.
This inflammation can lead to symptoms such as:
Lower back pain
Neck pain
Sciatica (leg pain)
Radiculopathy (nerve pain in the arms)
How the Procedure Works
At Silver Pain Centre, all Epidural Steroid Injections are performed using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray guidance) to ensure pinpoint accuracy.
Step-by-Step Process:
Preparation
You may receive a mild sedative to help you relax during the procedure.
Needle Placement
Using fluoroscopy, your doctor will insert a thin needle into the epidural space.
Contrast Dye
A small amount of contrast dye is injected to confirm the correct needle position.
Medication Injection
A combination of corticosteroid and local anesthetic is delivered directly to the inflamed nerve root.
The entire procedure takes approximately 15–30 minutes, and patients can typically resume normal activities the same day, as tolerated.
Why Choose Epidural Steroid Injections?
Minimally Invasive
No incisions or downtime, walk out the same day.
Customizable Plans
Can be combined with other therapies for long-term results.
Fast Relief
Quick relief from the anesthetic, steroids kick in within 48 hours.
Covered by Insurance
Many plans accept ESI; we’ll help verify your coverage.
Precision Guided
All injections are image-guided to ensure accuracy and safety.
Clinically Proven
70–80% success rate following diagnostic testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Benefits of Image-Guided Injections?
Accurate targeting is essential for effective pain relief. That’s why our clinic uses advanced imaging for all interventional procedures.
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Fluoroscopy-Guided Injections increase success rates and patient satisfaction.
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Imaging minimizes the risk of complications such as nerve injury, misplaced medication, or ineffective treatment.
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Ultrasound-Guided Techniques may be used for certain anatomical areas when appropriate.
How Long Does Relief Last?
- Patients often feel immediate relief from the local anesthetic, followed by longer-term pain reduction as the steroid begins working within 24–48 hours.
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Relief can last from a few weeks to several months.
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Some patients require a series of injections spaced out over time for optimal results.
Is This Treatment Right for You?
You may be a candidate for Epidural Steroid Injections if you’re experiencing persistent pain due to:
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Lumbar or cervical disc herniation
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Spinal stenosis
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Degenerative disc disease
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Sciatica or nerve compression
Your physician will assess your condition and may recommend imaging and diagnostic nerve blocks before proceeding with treatment.
Why Choose Silver Pain Centre?
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Specialized Pain Experts: Every procedure is performed by trained interventional specialists.
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Advanced Imaging: We use real-time X-ray (fluoroscopy) for precision and safety.
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Minimally Invasive Approach: No incisions, short recovery time, and low risk.
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Personalized Plans: Our team develops tailored treatment pathways to address your unique pain condition.
What to Expect at Silver Pain Centre?
At Silver Pain Centre, we’ve designed our process to be simple, supportive, and focused on getting you relief—fast.
Complete Your Self-Referral: Start by filling out our quick self-referral form online. Our team of physicians will review your information within 72 hours and contact you to schedule your initial consultation. No doctor’s referral is needed, and the consultation is covered by OHIP.
Meet With a Pain Specialist: During your consultation (either in-person or virtually), you’ll meet with one of our experienced physicians who already has assessed your condition, review any imaging, and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Undergo Treatment With Image-Guided Precision: If you’re a candidate for an Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI), your procedure will be scheduled shortly after your consult. Our procedures are done using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray) to ensure maximum accuracy, safety, and effectiveness—so you can feel confident you’re receiving the highest level of care.
Get Back to Living—and Stay Supported: Most patients can resume regular activities the same day. We’ll also follow up to monitor your progress and determine if any additional treatments are needed as part of your ongoing pain management plan.
Is this treatment right for you or your patient?
Our Medical Director is here to help. If you have a question about whether this treatment is appropriate for yourself or someone in your care, submit it below and our team will review your inquiry.
Your Partner in Pain Management
At Silver Pain Centre, we understand the challenges of chronic pain. We offer comprehensive care for a wide range of conditions, including joint and back pain, chronic headaches, nerve pain, muscle injuries, post-surgical pain, sports injuries, and more.
Located in North Toronto, our modern 20,000 sq. ft. facility offers shorter wait times and free parking, making access to care easier. With a patient-centered, multidisciplinary approach, we create tailored treatment plans to deliver long-lasting relief when traditional methods have not succeeded.
Explore Silver Pain Centre Difference
Find Relief from Spine-Related Pain—Start Your Self-Referral Today!
If you’re struggling with back, neck, or leg pain caused by spinal nerve inflammation, don’t wait. Our specialists at Silver Pain Centre will review your self-referral within 72 hours and guide you through an OHIP-covered consultation—either in person or virtually.